Advice for budding engineers on #INWED2026

We are lucky to work with some brilliant female engineers at Independent Design House, and Senior Design Engineer, Gabriela Król, based in Kraków, is no exception. Gabriela talks about her journey into the industry, how her studies shaped her future path and how it’s OK to not have everything mapped out as you embark on your engineering career.

Thanks for joining us, Gabriela. At what age did you first realise engineering could be the career for you?

The idea of becoming an engineer first came to me during secondary school, when I discovered that I genuinely enjoyed maths and other STEM subjects. I was around 16 or 17 years old at the time. As a young person thinking about the future, I found it really appealing that engineering offered a clear professional path while also providing a wide range of career opportunities.

This motivated me to focus on science and maths during my final years at school, which helped me achieve the grades required to study Civil Engineering at university.

Did you consider any other careers?

When I was choosing my degree, I also considered surveying and architecture. However, I eventually chose Civil Engineering because it combines the science with practical, real-world problem-solving and the results of the work are tangible and visible to everyone.

Civil engineers can work in design, construction, project management, consultancy, or increasingly in digital and software-related areas. I liked the fact that the degree would give me flexibility while still leading to a respected profession.

Did you enjoy certain subjects at school that led you to considering a job in engineering?

Maths was always my favourite subject and it turned out to be closely connected to my career as a civil engineer. Physics and chemistry were not my strongest interests at school, but I still enjoyed them and had no difficulty studying them at university. More importantly, they helped me develop analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, which are essential in engineering.

Did you complete any engineering work experience during your studies?

Yes. From my second year at university onwards, I completed internships which allowed me to experience different aspects of the profession. I believe practical experience during university is extremely important. It helps students understand what different engineering roles involve in reality, identify their strengths and interests, and make more informed decisions about their future careers. Those experiences played a significant role in shaping my own professional path.

Personally, through internships both on construction sites and in an office, I was able to directly compare the two environments and concluded that I ultimately feel more suited to the world of design.

Were you aware that engineering could be a good career for women when you were at school?

At the time, I was not entirely sure and I considered my choice somewhat of a challenge. Engineering and construction have traditionally been male-dominated professions, and they are often still perceived that way. However, once I entered the industry, I realised that engineering is about skills, knowledge, determination and teamwork—not gender. There is a place for everyone in this profession.

What would you like to tell other girls and young women who are considering a career in engineering to encourage them?

Engineering is one of the most valuable and versatile career paths you can choose. The knowledge and skills gained during an engineering degree open doors to many different opportunities. It is a profession that allows you to solve real-world problems, contribute to projects that have a lasting impact on society, and continuously develop throughout your career. If you enjoy challenges, learning new things, and seeing the tangible results of your work, engineering is a good choice.

While advice from others can be valuable, the most important thing is to understand what genuinely motivates you and where your strengths lie.

And what else have you learnt about engineering that you can pass on to others?

One thing I would like to emphasise is that you do not need to have your entire career planned out before starting an engineering degree. It is perfectly normal to begin your studies without a detailed understanding of the industry or a clear vision of the role you want to pursue in the future.

University, internships and your first professional experiences give you the opportunity to explore different areas, discover what interests you most, and make important career decisions along the way. Engineering offers a wide range of paths, and it is often through practical experience that you learn where your strengths lie and what type of work you enjoy most. Keeping an open mind and being willing to try different opportunities can be just as important as having a plan from the start.

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Thanks so much, Gabriela, and happy International Women in Engineering Day 2026 (INWED2026).

For more information on our latest opportunities, please see our careers page.