Mamta Singhal MBE is an advocate for diversity in STEM fields. With a remarkable array of qualifications including a BEng, MSc, MBA, CEng, FIET, and FWES, Mamta's credentials speak volumes about her expertise and dedication to her craft.
Mamta's journey in engineering began as a graduate engineer at Dyson in 2003, later transitioning to roles at global giants like Hasbro Ltd, Mars Chocolate Ltd, Mattel Inc, and Coca-Cola European Partners Plc.
In addition to her professional achievements, Mamta has been advocating for increased representation and opportunities for underrepresented groups. Her efforts in this regard were duly recognised when she was awarded an MBE in the 2022 New Year's Honours for her services to engineering.
Here, she talks about her journey, women in STEM and the need for diversity in the field.
What are the key challenges in promoting diversity in engineering?
Engineering is a global profession, truly international and it is key we have representation of all types of people at the table. Businesses that don’t have senior engineers and technical people who are of diverse backgrounds are truly missing out on fantastic opportunities and are likely to fall behind. I think the challenge lies in the lack of senior people from a diverse background at the Senior Manager, Director and VP levels. It is only recently that we are seeing people of colour, different backgrounds and thinking styles coming up the ranks but they have faced, at times, barriers and challenges. It is key that we keep pushing and re-addressing the issue. It is indeed forums that help showcase the often ‘silent voice’. Finding role models, the right company culture and a general network are a few methods of addressing the challenges that are out there
What are some key challenges that dissuade women from a career in STEM?
Women are juggling a lot – family, children, ageing parents, work, running a home and there is a lot of pressure. South Asian Women do have additional challenges in that they are managing cultural expectations, challenges of race, and ‘fitting in’. We are raised as Indian women often in a semi-traditional environment– we aren’t taught to be big and bold we are expected to be the quiet ones – times are changing. At the moment, approximately 15% of the engineering profession is female and 5% are from ethnic backgrounds. Big steps have to be taken to ensure that we see the right people in the right seats and future is looking much brighter. We need amazing men as allies, we need to think globally, and we need to be more multicultural while still valuing our environment.
Why, in your experience, some women may feel intimidated or discouraged from pursuing careers in STEM?
Overall, I have had a lot of support but I still think people are taken aback when I tell people I have 20 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing and am a chartered engineer. The stereotype of engineering being for white males in the UK is there but there is a lot of work being done via charities and communities to redress this. I have younger women approach me, needing help through the maze and we need that sisterhood. It is also unclear to many women and young ladies what STEM is about and it is key they see that these roles are in high demand – STEM is key for progression. We are future thinkers and dream makers addressing sustainability challenges, launching new technology, developing new products and finding cures to everyday issues.
What role do schools, families, and communities play in encouraging young girls to pursue STEM fields?
The engineering institutions are doing a lot to redress the challenges but it needs to go beyond that. Parents and families must see how powerful a STEM degree can be. The future revolves around STEM, from new apps to finding solutions to the climate crisis - STEM experiences are very much needed. When I graduated 20 years ago, it was tough to get access to the roles but now companies really want to get top talent and are active in calling for STEM graduates. For women in the field, there are many competitions, mentoring systems, support groups and conferences, I see a very promising future for women in STEM. I do personally try and use social media to showcase the fun, exciting and technical work that I do and have done for many years so that other people can see what STEM experts do.
How has dyslexia and your general learning style shaped your career, and what advice would you give to fellow individuals with dyslexia pursuing STEM careers?
I have a spiky IQ and am classified as dyslexic but have an above-average IQ and excel in areas that are great for engineering. I see things in pictures and shapes - seeing patterns and connections like method and process which is a very useful skill to have in a technical and manufacturing world. I don’t notice my dyslexia that much but I know fully well how I was impacted as a child. I focused on what I was good at which was Maths, Science and Art, so it was natural for me to become a design engineer. It is key that we play to our strengths. My advice to those who are dyslexic would be that STEM is a great avenue as it is a creative, visual and collaborative area which is growing – language won't be a barrier to success.
What advice would you give to young individuals, especially women and minorities, who aspire to pursue careers in engineering and STEM fields?
Please do it. For me, it has given me direction and purpose plus an amazing community that is dynamic, global and forward-thinking. I have built an independent and exciting career because of my passion for STEM subjects. It is a growing and in-demand field so it is key that we have the right women at the table and have their voices heard. STEM is everywhere and with advances in technology, challenges with environmental issues and the need for new ideas, STEM is an amazing avenue. Allowing for with a such a variety of job roles plus it is an international and well-respected career.
