Having taken a year out from university after graduating, I was facing the exciting yet unnerving prospect of beginning a new career in a new city.
I started in a team significantly older than myself, who already had extensive industry connections. I joined the CIBSE Young Engineers Network to quickly build a professional network myself beyond my company, but also to connect and socialise with like-minded young people in a similar situation to myself.
The CIBSE YEN London committee meet fortnightly to organise and host successful monthly events for our young building services engineers. The default joining role of “general member” allows anyone to join the committee without requiring a certain level of responsibility. I found my forte in event organising organisation, but some prefer social media or sponsor engagement. Over time, my role evolved into Events Co-ordinator and now Vice Chair.
Some particular highlights include organising an ASHP deconstruction event, and presenting to design consultants promoting the importance of building controls in the path to net zero. Last month I successfully hosted a panel event celebrating International Women in Engineering Day for the second year in a row.
At CIBSE YEN we collaborate often with the CIBSE HQ team, as well as the regional and special interest groups. We also connect with many contractors and manufacturers who assist and sponsor our events, without which support we wouldn’t be able to operate. Alongside the now current chair Lizzy Pettitt, I arranged a joint event with the CIBSE Fellows Network, which proved pivotal as I made lasting senior connections and found a mentor who is now supporting my journey to chartership. I enjoy the time I spend with more experienced individuals within CIBSE, attempting to absorb at least of the decades of knowledge available.
CIBSE YEN has introduced me to a more diverse group of professionals, including many female engineers, which has been a refreshing experience. I’ve now also joined the CIBSE LGBTQ+ panel, a sub-panel of the Equity, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) Committee. It’s really inspiring to see successful, visible LGBTQ+ leaders within the building services industry, demonstrating that our sexuality isn’t a barrier to success. For younger, less experienced LGBTQ+ individuals and those struggling with their identify, having successful role models in their industry can find help embrace who they are – it’s harder to be it if you can’t see it. It's important that organisations like CIBSE visibly support LGBTQ+ members to raise awareness and promote wider acceptance. By raising awareness and educating colleagues, we can drive a cultural shift towards greater acceptance and understanding of LGBTQ+ issues in the workplace.
The Young Engineers Network is crucial within CIBSE and the broader building services industry. YEN encourages continuous learning while ensuring young people have a voice to contribute fresh perspectives and ideas. It connects young professionals with experienced engineers, offering guidance on both technical and soft skills. Young engineers are familiar with emerging technologies and have grown up tackling the sustainability challenge, making our input crucial. I’ve also benefitted from satisfaction through the value we bring, as well as lasting friendships in my new home city.
I look forward to continue working alongside our future industry leaders to ensure the building services sector is a place where everyone can thrive and contribute to their fullest potential. As my career progresses, I plan to utilise the connections I’ve made through my volunteering with CIBSE to help with the update to Guide H (last refreshed in 2009 – when I was still in primary school!). I am passionate about building controls and strongly believe my sector is a key driver in increasing energy efficiency, reducing the building performance gap, improving occupant comfort and pushing our building stock towards net zero.
Find out more about YEN London
Find out more about the EDI Committee