Jumanah, Shelby and Dan share about their careers with Hydro in the fields of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and encourage women everywhere to follow their own passions to help shape our world towards a better future.

Jumanah: My interest in engineering began in junior high school because I really enjoyed math, physics and chemistry and liked solving problems. Realizing that engineering would be a good fit, I pursued a degree in electrical engineering.

Shelby: I think growing up with a strong interest in math and physics I always knew I wanted to pursue a technical-based career path. It wasn’t until my Grade 11 career class (with a big help from my awesome teacher) that I really pinpointed engineering as my number one interest. My dad also has a background in Power Engineering Technology – so that definitely helped influence my interest towards the electrical side of engineering as well.

Dan: I became interested in engineering when I started studying at College of the North Atlantic. After I got my Diploma, I decided to continue my studies through the Electrical Engineering Program at MUN.

What do you find most rewarding about being an engineer?

Jumanah: As a recent graduate, what I find most rewarding is knowing the impact my work has in contributing to something as significant as the projects here at Hydro. Despite being early in my career, seeing how my contributions will help shape and improve systems that impact our communities is what I find most rewarding.

Shelby: It’s so rewarding to work with and learn from great people! You can establish strong connections with others on your team, consultants, contractors and field personnel who all have unique knowledge and experiences. Working with a team and safely completing a project together always feels like a great accomplishment, and I am continuously learning from folks along the way.

Dan: I really enjoy using my knowledge to build something and solve problems.

Do you remember facing any barriers as you pursued engineering along the way, either growing up or in university? Have you seen a change in attitudes towards women in engineering over the years?

Jumanah: There have been challenges, including the significant gap in female enrollment in engineering and the stark underrepresentation of women in most STEM fields. Consequently, these fields often perpetuate male-dominated cultures that may not always be supportive of, or appealing to, women and minorities. However, I’ve seen a lot of positive changes over the years. There is now a stronger emphasis on diversity and inclusion within engineering, with increasing efforts to highlight and celebrate the accomplishments of women in STEM. Initiatives like targeted recruitment of female engineers and mentorship programs are actively addressing gender disparities.

At Hydro, I have had the opportunity to work with many incredibly talented women in engineering and leadership roles, which has been very encouraging. I’ve consistently felt that my insights and contributions are valued and the work culture I experienced at Hydro was one of the reasons I chose to return here full-time.

Shelby: I don’t recall personally facing any barriers while pursuing engineering, however, through my experience on the Women in Science and Engineering Undergraduate Society (WISE US) at MUN I heard from and worked with women who had dealt with barriers on their paths. I think women in engineering are still faced with a lot unconscious biases. However, I feel that organizations, like Hydro, that recognize women in STEM fields, have contributed to a growing positive attitude change towards women in engineering. There is certainly still a ways to go – but I think we have made, and continue to make, great progress!

Dan: There were only a few girls in each of my engineering classes and it was hard for me to get my first work term. I’ve found, in recent years, that the university encourages more women in engineering, which is great.

What advice would you give to a young girl who wants to pursue engineering as a career?

Jumanah: Believe in your capabilities and don’t be intimidated by asking questions. Asking questions is a massive part of how we learn. Try to seek out mentors and join communities that support women in engineering. And remember that your unique perspective is extremely valuable and can drive innovation.

Shelby: Work hard and go for it! Engineering can be intimidating as it is still a male-dominated field, but don’t let anything discourage you from a passion for engineering! Be open to making friends in your classmates and coworkers – create a study group, or join engineering organizations/clubs! For me, becoming a part of WISE US at MUN helped form connections and friendships with other women in engineering. It also allowed me to help others with similar experiences and questions that I once had, navigate through and pursue engineering!

Dan: Engineering is really a good choice for girls who are interested in STEM – if you have an interest in it, don’t let anyone else stop you.

What is it about working at Hydro that you are most proud of?

Jumanah: I am proud to be part of a company that values sustainability and innovation. Working at Hydro allows me to contribute to projects that positively impact the environment and our communities and I am proud of the collaborative and supportive culture we have here.

Shelby: I am grateful to get to play a small part in maintaining our electrical assets and contributing to our reliable electrical system. I take pride in working with the Hydro team to serve the people of my wonderful home province.

Dan: As an electrical engineer, working on the switchyard program, it’s an interesting and challenging, yet very rewarding job to know the work that I am doing is helping provide a reliable service to our communities and our customers.