Engineering, as a career path, offers a level of fulfillment that is unparalleled, regardless of gender. Despite its historical association as a male-dominated field, it may come as a surprise to many that Ireland witnessed its first female engineering graduate over 110 years ago. Ms Alice Perry of Wellpark, County Galway achieved this remarkable feat in 1906, graduating top of her class with an honours degree in civil engineering, becoming Europe's first female engineering graduate.

However, despite Perry's groundbreaking achievement, a gender imbalance still persists in the field of pharmaceutical engineering in Ireland today. Currently, there are approximately 1,000 female engineers compared to 4,000 male engineers. Interestingly, girls are excelling in the subjects crucial for pursuing engineering degrees – science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM).

Data from the previous year's Leaving Certificate examinations reveal that although girls pursued STEM subjects in smaller numbers than boys, those who did perform just as well, if not better, than their male counterparts. Therefore, if academic performance is not the determining factor, the discrepancy in the number of women and men in engineering can be attributed to motivation. The solution lies in highlighting the numerous rewarding opportunities that a career in engineering offers individuals of all genders.

Engineering stands out as one of the few professions that involve every step of the development process for an idea. Civil engineers, for example, play a vital role in the planning and construction of various projects. They have the privilege of witnessing their creations come to life, from motorways to rail networks and beyond, overcoming new challenges every day.

Software engineers experience the thrill of being at the forefront of innovation. Designing intricate security programs or creating addictive games that bring joy to people's lives, software engineers derive satisfaction from seeing their designs being used for various purposes.

Environmental engineers tackle critical issues such as energy preservation, air pollution control, recycling, waste disposal, environmental sustainability, and public health. Their work directly contributes to improving people's lives, both locally and globally, making it an immensely fulfilling career choice.

Moreover, the timing for pursuing a career in engineering couldn't be better from an opportunity standpoint. The government plans to invest €42 billion over the next five years in capital projects encompassing housing, schools, public transport, broadband, and healthcare. The realization of these plans relies on a skilled engineering workforce, which translates into a wealth of opportunities for individuals of all genders.

There is also a strong demand for qualified graduates to support multinational companies that have established their presence in Ireland, as well as indigenous companies operating in the country. Engineering offers a diverse range of specialized disciplines, including civil and environmental engineering, computing and communication engineering, energy and power engineering, manufacturing and design engineering, medical and bioengineering, as well as transport and mechanical engineering.

For more information on the abundant job opportunities in engineering, you can reach out to HERO Recruitment Galway at (091) 730022, Cork at (021) 2066287, or Dublin at (01) 6190279. Visit www.hero.ie or connect with HERO Recruitment on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Empower yourself by considering a career in engineering and contribute to shaping a better future for Ireland and beyond.