Opinion
Step into the limelight
Engineers need to overcome their natural inhibitions if the
profession is to thrive – and awards give them the perfect
opportunity, says young engineer Morwenna Wilson
‘N
o pain, no gain.’ That was the phrase young engineers, such as the CIBSE/ASHRAE

I kept repeating to myself as I stood Graduate of the Year Award, are the perfect place
trembling behind the door to the to find the individuals we so desperately need. It
impressive lecture theatre in the is more important than ever that we continue to
IMechE headquarters last October. My hands shook support such awards so that we can highlight the
involuntarily so that the words on my cue-cards started future leaders of the industry and actively encourage
to blur. I was about to enter the lion’s den and give a them to aim high. They are the ones that have the
presentation to the judges and a packed auditorium ability to change the face of
in the final of the 2008 CIBSE/ASHRAE Graduate the industry and the fate of
of the Year Awards. the world.
We need to
I have found that there are so many emotions Bringing the pioneering
associated with entering an award. It is only natural engineering projects and
keep up with
to worry about what people will think of you for even professional individuals to
other sectors and banish
putting yourself forward: ‘Consider yourself to be the attention of the public is
that good do you?’ essential if we are to reclaim
our natural bashfulness
And it doesn’t seem natural to write about yourself the ground last occupied by
so that more of our
in such a self-congratulatory way that you physically the extraordinary innovators
cringe. such as Brunel, and be
young engineers have
As for reading the complimentary account written recognised once again as
the confidence to put
by your boss; the first reaction is embarrassment leaders of society.
followed by a cheeky thought that maybe you should Awards can also deliver
themselves
go and ask for a pay rise! The whole process seems more immediate results on
forward
strange to such logical creatures as engineers. a more pragmatic level for
In 2004, Michael Kenward, a journalist who often the applicant. Perhaps the
contributes to scientific and technical publications, greatest benefit for me has been the regularity of the
wrote in an opinion column in Ingenia, the magazine presentations I have given and the exposure I have
of the Royal Academy of Engineering: ‘In recent received because of the award. Throughout the year
years, a growing cadre of scientists has become, if the pain has gradually, but significantly, reduced. My
not media superstars, regular contributors to print feet now tap to a much slower rhythm and I am left,
and broadcast media … Sadly, with a few honourable almost exclusively, with the gains.
exceptions, engineers, as opposed to inventors who And, later this month, as the next group of finalists
are very different creatures, have yet to make the muster all their courage in that picture-lined corridor,
same impact.’ I will not be able to stifle a grin. The finalists can
If we are to keep up with other sectors of industry only benefit from the experience; and so can you
and engage with the public successfully we need young engineers out there. It is going to be a night of
to banish our natural bashfulness so that more of anticipation and celebration as we welcome the next
our young engineers have the confidence to put bright hopes for our collective future.l
themselves forward. From these we need to find
figureheads who can, with the support of their
Morwenna Wilson, who works for Arup, is the current holder
colleagues and institutions, serve in the future as
of the CIBSE/ASHRAE Graduate of the Year award. This year’s
excellent role models and bring their profession to final takes place at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers,
the fore.
One Birdcage Walk, Westminster, at 5pm on 15 October. All
are welcome and entry is free. See p16 for details.
And awards that celebrate the success of these
24 CIBSE Journal October 2009 www.cibsejournal.com
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