For over a decade, Hannah Persson, Senior Engineer at Progress Rail, has been actively involved with the PWI, particularly in the Edinburgh Section, and now serves as Scotland’s Vice President.

Like many, Hannah first encountered the Institution through colleagues at work, but it took her a while to muster the courage to attend her first Section meeting. She was fresh out of university, and while eager to learn more about the railway industry, the thought of walking into a room full of seasoned professionals was intimidating.

The First Steps

It wasn’t until one Friday morning when Hannah’s colleague casually mentioned that she’d been brought up at the meeting the night before, that she realised she had been unknowingly avoiding something that could offer tremendous value. Encouraged by the idea that familiar faces would be present, she attended her first meeting and what she once feared turned into a key part of her professional life. This is a sentiment many can relate to: the initial hesitation of entering a space where you feel like an outsider, but soon realising that a community is more supportive than expected.

Facing the Challenges of Representation

As a woman in a male-dominated field, Hannah’s early experiences at PWI gatherings mirrored the gender imbalance prevalent across the industry. Walking into a room where she was often the only woman was, and still can be, a daunting reality. “You know being a female you’re in the minority,” she reflects. Despite these challenges, Hannah took inspiration from the idea of “being the change” she wanted to see. “I’ve taken it upon myself to be visible, share my experiences, and encourage younger women and students to come along. Representation matters”.

The Power of Face-to-Face Interaction

Over the years, Hannah has increasingly appreciated the value of attending PWI Section meetings in person. Hannah describes in-person meetings as offering an unparalleled opportunity for “real-time networking and knowledge exchange”. “You get to kind of feel what’s going on, pick up vibes, and even sometimes when the recording stops, people are a bit more candid,” she explains. This candidness, along with the ability to network before and after presentations, adds a unique layer to the experience that is difficult to replicate. Hannah adds, “These conversations, often happening before or after a meeting in a pub, have given me insights into projects and challenges far outside my own scope. It’s that sharing of knowledge that makes these meetings truly special”.

Hannah describes the diversity of topics covered at Section meetings as instrumental in expanding her understanding of the railway as a system. “PWI’s holistic approach, addresses everything from track support to rolling stock interactions”, which aligns with Hannah’s professional focus on cast manganese crossings.

Hannah reflects, “One of the fondest memories I have is the annual “technical tour,” though I must admit the name is misleading. These aren’t your typical technical visits—they’re brewery tours! The most memorable one took us all the way to Tweedbank after the opening of the Borders Railway. We hopped on the train from Edinburgh Waverley, and after an hour-long journey, we found ourselves at an industrial estate, ready to explore a brewery. These outings were always a mix of learning and camaraderie. After splitting into smaller groups to see different parts of the brewery, we’d end the day with a tasting session, enjoying each other’s company in a relaxed atmosphere. It was during one of these outings that I was approached about taking on a more active role in the PWI.”

Community, Networking, and Professional Growth

One of the most significant benefits of attending PWI Section meetings is the networking opportunities they present. For Hannah, these gatherings have provided access to individuals and expertise she would never have encountered in her day-to-day work. The wealth of experience in the room, from signallers to design experts, has opened dialogues and enriched her professional perspective.

“Through the PWI, I’ve met people from various sectors that I wouldn’t come across in my job. It opens up new dialogues and gives access to knowledge that would otherwise remain hidden,” she notes. This has been particularly beneficial for her work in niche areas like crossings, where the insights of other professionals have provided invaluable context and guidance.

Bridging the Generation Gap

An opportunity for the PWI, as Hannah observes, is to reach a wider age demographic. She suggests a more sustained effort to engage early-career professionals, particularly through targeted presentations by young graduates. “If we have early careers people giving presentations, it would make students realise what’s on the horizon,” she says. By showcasing relatable role models, Hannah hopes to inspire younger Members to see the PWI as a valuable resource for their professional growth.

Looking Ahead: Opportunities for Improvement

While Hannah is a strong advocate for the benefits of attending Section meetings in person, she acknowledges the role of hybrid formats, especially to accommodate those unable to travel due to work or personal commitments. She points out that the Glasgow Section, for instance, has embraced hybrid meetings, allowing Members to join remotely—a move Hannah believes can attract a younger, more diverse audience.

Additionally, she envisions a future where the PWI expands its efforts to reach out to universities and younger engineers, bridging the gap between academia and the rail industry.

A Personal and Professional Journey

Hannah’s story is one of growth and a deepening connection to the railway industry through the PWI. Her experience underscores the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone, whether that means attending your first meeting or encouraging others to do the same. For those considering joining or attending their first Section meeting, her advice is simple: “We are a friendly bunch, and we want to share our knowledge” and if there’s one piece of advice she’d offer to anyone attending their first meeting, it’s this: “don’t be afraid’!

The PWI community is welcoming, and there’s a place for you, regardless of how long you’ve been in the industry or what your background is. And who knows? Maybe next year’s brewery tour will be the one where you find yourself stepping up, sharing your own story, and encouraging the next wave of railway professionals to get involved.