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Why we celebrate International Women in Engineering Day
Gabriela Kmak, Design Assistant based in our Poland Office, has joined us for a chat on International Women in Engineering Day. Gabriela has been with IDH since summer 2025, and is one of our many talented female engineers.
Thanks for joining us, Gabriela. On International Women in Engineering Day, what are your observations about women in engineering?
I am thrilled to see more women choosing this path. Beyond technical excellence, women often bring a high level of precision and a unique focus on fostering a supportive work culture. In my experience, female engineers often excel at enhancing the overall environment, whether through attention to detail or by building team cohesion, which directly translates to better collaboration and more efficient problem-solving.
Have you come across more women in engineering over the last few years?
Absolutely. Both during my Master’s studies and in my professional practice, I’ve noticed a significant shift. We are reaching a point of parity in many teams, with a nearly 50/50 gender ratio. It’s refreshing to see the industry evolve from being male-dominated to a more balanced and diverse environment.
What changes would you still like to see in the industry?
I would love to see more women in senior leadership and management positions. Women often bring an empathetic approach to leadership, prioritising team comfort and creating a supportive infrastructure. This focus on the ‘human element’ is essential for long-term project success and employee retention.
Gabriela Kmak, Design Engineer, IDH
What inspired you to get into engineering?
I was drawn to the dynamic nature of civil engineering; no two days are ever the same. The industry offers a vast array of opportunities to tackle new challenges. There is something incredibly rewarding about the transition from a conceptual design to a tangible structure that you can see and touch in the real world.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in engineering?
Simply go for it! If you have the passion for it, don’t let anything hold you back. The industry is ready for your perspective, and there is absolutely no barrier that you cannot overcome with determination and the right mindset.
What’s the most surprising thing about your job in engineering?
The realisation that engineering is just as much about people as it is about mathematics. While technical designs are the foundation, building trust and maintaining strong relationships within a team is what actually brings a project to life. It’s a human-centric profession at its core.
Who’s a woman that inspires you? Not just in engineering – in life.
Elle Woods. While she’s a fictional character, she represents a powerful message: you can achieve the highest level of professional success without compromising your identity. She proves that being yourself and being exceptionally competent are not mutually exclusive, and that determination can break any stereotype.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received?
‘Your work is where you spend half your life; make sure it’s a source of fulfilment, not just an obligation.’ This perspective shifted my focus toward finding gratitude in my daily tasks and ensuring that my career contributes to my overall sense of purpose.
What one word describes your approach to your role?
Vision. To me, everything starts with a clear vision. It is the foundation of every successful design and the key to effective management, without it, you cannot lead a project to its full potential.
Is there anything else you’d like to highlight?
I want to emphasize that engineering is a field of endless possibilities. It allows you to build a career that is both intellectually challenging and practically impactful. It’s a rewarding path for anyone who enjoys solving complex problems that shape our physical world.
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Thanks so much, Gabriela, for helping us to celebrate International Women in Engineering Day.
For more information on our latest opportunities, please see our careers page.
