We sat down with one of our Fellows, Sana Wajid, to talk about her experiences working in the rail industry.
When did you become a PWI Fellow? Why?
After achieving CEng from the Institute of Civil Engineer (ICE), I was looking for recognition, specifically in the rail industry and PWI Fellow was the best option.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Karachi, Pakistan, speaking Urdu as my first language and moved to England after graduating from N.E.D University of Engineering & Technology with Distinction. I was awarded the Warwick University Postgraduate Research Fellowship in 2006, and successfully achieved an MPhil in Structural Engineering. I am a Chartered Civil Engineer of the Institute of Civil Engineers (MICE) and Fellow of the PWI (FPWI).
My first engineering appointment after graduating from Warwick was a Knowledge Transfer Project with Edinburgh Napier University and Simpson Strong-Tie developing a sustainable timber portal system for the house building market. The product is a great example of innovative engineering, science and technology with commercial exposure. It is a source of considerable personal pride for me.
I have been with Network Rail for 10 years. I have had great experiences in design and refurbishment of station assets including platform extensions, footbridges and buildings. I have expanded my asset management experience by joining the Safety, Technical and Engineering. Currently, I work as a Design Team Manager in the NR Design Delivery team, and I manage a team of Trackbed engineers. We deliver engineering design solutions in accordance with company policies, standards and specifications.
What is the biggest benefit of being a Fellow of the PWI?
The exposure to the best people in the industry and recognition in the industry as a women engineer.
What would you say to someone at the beginning of, or just about to begin their career in the rail industry?
The rail industry is not just orange jackets, it’s so much more. It’s a family of different disciplines and once you are in this amazing family, it’s hard to leave. It’s full of fantastic development opportunities and there are so many directions you can take your career in.
What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your career?
There are challenges in every career path, you just have to face them and move on. My biggest challenge as a young female engineer was believing in myself and proving my capability to others, I had to work extremely hard in my journey of learning to leading. I am extremely proud of what I have achieved.