Olivia Harrison-Hine joined industrial automation specialists Festo UK four years ago as an apprentice, but finding the route into a career in engineering was not easy.
What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?
At school, I liked Maths and I won a scholarship in Art. My Design & Technology tutors really pushed me to fulfil my potential, and engineering offered the perfect combination of creativity and technical problem-solving that I was looking for.
How did you come to work for Festo?
Having identified electrical engineering as my chosen career path, my teachers were pushing me towards university, but I knew that I wanted to gain practical experience from the outset, alongside gaining academic qualifications. I found the details about Festo’s degree apprenticeship online. The company was based locally in Northampton, but I’d never heard of them before. I came to an open day and felt really at home.
How difficult was it for you to find a route into engineering?
My school didn’t encourage an apprenticeship as a potential career path so, I had to do my own research. After I joined Festo’s apprenticeship scheme I contacted my former school and tutors to share my experience and ask them to include apprenticeships as an option for other leavers who did not want to pursue a university education. They invited me to go and speak to other students, and I now go back regularly to advocate for on-the-job learning.
What is your job title and how long have you been in the role?
I’ve been at Festo four years now and have just become a Business Development Consultant, specialising in supporting start-up automation businesses.
What does your job entail?
I’m responsible for many existing customer accounts, as well as undertaking outreach and running new business campaigns to target start-up companies in growth sectors like lifetech and vertical farming. My job involves building a support network, both through developing personal contacts and via involvement with organisations such as the Manufacturing Technology Centre and Innovate UK. Alongside ‘the day job’, I’m also studying in my final year towards a BEng degree.
What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on recently?
Developing a proposal for start-up projects, which involved working with other parts of Festo, particularly the EMEA team. It enabled me to build my network of contacts in the company, across different geographies and disciplines. I had to present the recommendations and they have gone forward for strategic consideration by the Board.
What inspires you about working for Festo?
Firstly, their commitment to innovation. Festo is always pushing the boundaries of what is technically possible.
Secondly, the feeling of belonging. It’s like a family, where everyone helps each other to succeed.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in the industry, and how have you overcome them?
I won Automate UK’s Apprentice of the Year a couple of years ago, and you wouldn’t believe the derogatory comments I got online. A lot were suggesting my success was due to good looks, rather than merit. This sort of attitude, particularly from people old enough to be your dad, is pretty pathetic.
Even now, in business meetings, customers tend to direct their questions to a male colleague, even when you have led the presentation. As a woman, you constantly need to demonstrate your expertise and fight for recognition.
What skills do women bring to engineering?
We have good attention to detail, and I think we are often better prepared and organised than men.
What positive changes have you experienced in the workplace?
Well, I was the first female apprentice four years ago, and that number has now doubled!
What advice would you give to women considering a career in engineering?
Believe in yourself. Don’t bow to peer pressure and take the subjects your friends are doing. Don’t be afraid to be the only girl in Physics!
How do you think engineers (men and women) can work better together in the future?
We need to recognise and embrace our differences. Equality is not about treating everyone the same. Different people need different things in order to thrive.
Who is a female engineer or leader that inspires you, and why?
Festo’s Head of Young Careers, Michaela Coxon, is my hero. She provides unstinting support and always fights your corner.
How do you unwind outside work?
My studies keep me quite busy, but I do like to attend yoga two or three times a week.
If you could give one piece of career advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t be so hard on yourself, don’t be too impatient to succeed.
What would be your dream job in engineering?
I’d love to be head of new product development, or any role that means I can encourage initial ideas and see them being converted into reality.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years’ time?
Still working for Festo, but possibly in the company headquarters in Germany.
For more information, please visit: https://www.festo.com/gb/en/
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