Alice Chow, an ICE Fellow since 2008, talks about how non-engineering experience is also important.
Civil engineering has taken me from my home city of Hong Kong to places all over the world.
I spent nine years studying and working in the UK in the 1980s, earning a civil engineering degree and then a master’s at Southampton University.
I practiced as a bridge engineer and then, when I returned to Hong Kong, focused on high-rise buildings.
It’s the experiences inside and outside the engineering profession that shaped my perspectives and led me to become an ICE Fellow.
Working as an engineer
After returning to Hong Kong, I qualified as a chartered civil engineer and registered as a structural engineer.
I also practiced as a project manager, which enabled me to manage and oversee multidisciplinary projects.
I’ve spent much of my career looking after infrastructures and buildings across all disciplines and providing advisory services.
That includes forming strategies and plans for new business, operational readiness and change management.
Thirst for new experiences
I’ve worked in many places, including the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, India, Mongolia, Taiwan, Vietnam, and the UK.
It was the thirst for new experiences that led me to take a step away from day-to-day engineering work.
It’s the experiences inside and outside the engineering profession that shaped my perspectives and led me to become an ICE Fellow.
Alice Chow
In 2003, I took a year off to volunteer with Doctors Without Borders in Afghanistan and Ethiopia.
In the aftermath of natural disasters, such as the 2004 tsunami in Banda Aceh and the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, I used my expertise to provide vital infrastructure support.
As a civil engineer, I was able to help to provide water, power and all the capabilities to deliver medicine, food and other emergency support.
Volunteering in these situations also means you need to turn your hand to other things, such as vehicle mechanics or logistics.
More than just ‘good design’
As engineers, it’s important we do more than just provide good design.
We need to look after what the world really needs, not just one community or one person.
That commitment to making a broader impact has been a driving force throughout my career.
All this fed into my thinking about civil engineering and its place in society. It finally convinced me I was ready to apply for ICE Fellowship.
We need to look after what the world really needs, not just one community or one person.
Alice Chow
Gaining recognition
Becoming an ICE Fellow has brought a sense of respect and recognition, particularly as a female engineer.
People see your business card and there’s an immediate difference in response.
That’s especially important for us as female engineers, as we have to work doubly hard to show that we have the strengths and capabilities.
Attitudes towards women have definitely shifted, but there’s still more work to be done.
Growing female presence in engineering
During my first year at university, there were nine female students and only two graduated.
So, already there were fewer female engineers entering the sector.
With many female engineers taking time out to have families mid-career and not returning, we just didn’t have as great a presence.
Now, more young women are choosing to be civil engineers. The more people see them, and see them performing well, the faster attitudes will shift.
The role of technology
Digitalisation and automation are also having an influence – making processes faster, more efficient and precise.
It means that civil engineering is less about physical strength than it used to be.
Plus, lots of physical tasks are becoming automated.
Becoming more visible
Externally, being an ICE Fellow means that your work is more visible. People come to you.
For instance, I’ve been increasingly involved in the innovation and technology arena. I spend time investigating and working things out.
Don’t be afraid of getting your hands dirty and investigating, though, because learning doesn’t just come from books – I need to be experienced to pass on experience.
Potential ICE Fellows should step out of their comfort zones, and learn from others, and tackle problems head-on. Each one you solve will make you stronger.
More will come your way, but with your past experiences, you’ll have the strength to deal with them.
Learn more about becoming a Fellow
Related links
- Isabel Coman: ‘There’s no shame in having ambition’
- Jayne Geary: ‘The biggest thing is to have confidence in yourself’
- Ghada El-Mahdy: ‘ICE Fellowship is internationally recognised and a wonderful network to be part of’
- Christina Harrhy: ‘If you’re unsure what to do, consider a career in civil engineering’
