International Women in Engineering Day 2025

For International Women in Engineering Day, Kirsty Allan, Project Engineer, reflects on her journey, growth and the opportunities she’s found at MDL.

Kirsty is one of the engineers at MDL who bring a practical mindset, technical breadth and drive for improvement to every project. With a career shaped by experience across different sectors and disciplines, she has built a strong foundation of knowledge that she continues to develop at MDL.

“I’ve always been more practically focused – learning by doing has always suited me,” she says. “Engineering felt like a natural fit because of that. It’s given me the opportunity to be part of some really interesting projects and to work with a diverse range of people, which has added real value to my experience.”

Kirsty’s path into engineering started with a degree in Architectural Technology, followed by a master’s degree in Sustainable Energy Systems. From there, she gained hands-on experience in roles across construction, commissioning and operation of a power plant in Belfast, fibre optics, sustainability, crane maintenance and offshore work.

“I’ve learned something valuable in every role. Now at MDL, I’m bringing those experiences together and continuing to expand my knowledge.”

For Kirsty, the proudest moments in her career are when that learning turns into something useful.

“Any time I learn a new skill and get to apply it on-site is rewarding. Seeing that learning turn into something useful, whether it’s solving a problem or contributing more effectively, these are particularly proud moments.”

Looking at how the industry has changed, Kirsty has seen a shift in both mindset and working practices.

“I’d say we’re seeing more inclusion – though there’s still progress to be made. Technology is transforming everything, from automation to digital tools. Cross-discipline collaboration is far more common now than it was earlier in my career. And with the industry diversifying and putting more of a focus on sustainability, having a multi-disciplined skill set is increasingly valuable, allowing us to adapt to shifting demands.”

When asked what advice she’d give to women considering a career in engineering today, Kirsty says:

“Be open to all opportunities and strongly consider up-skilling to build a broad range of technical skills. Also, be yourself – don’t shrink or change to fit in. Trust your instincts, don’t be afraid to ask questions, and back yourself. Confidence builds over time and with experience. Engineering can be challenging at times, but stay true to who you are – and don’t worry so much about what others think - life’s too short for that.”