Background/Intro: Ashley has worked in engineering for over 20 years and joined MI6 as a Production Engineer. She now works as an Evaluation Engineer, where she tests products and makes recommendations for improvements before they get deployed in the field. Ashley is also a member of MI6’s Women in STEM group where she promotes the work done in this field and celebrates those that choose to do it.
Engineering wasn’t a career Ashley planned to undertake; in fact, her career started in a far more creative field! We asked her how a course in creative design led her to a career in STEM at MI6…
Timeline
- 1996: University wasn’t the right fit for me, so I decided to study a creative design course at college. It was an area that interested me, but I was never sure I wanted to pursue it as a career, so I spent some time working in admin before deciding what to do long term.
- 1999: I took up a job as a technician in mechanics. I completed a NVQ level 3 in Manufacturing Operations and Engineering, which was sponsored by my employer, and found I really enjoyed understanding how things are made and how they work. This also meant I became pretty handy at fixing things around the house!
- 2004: The mechanics firm I worked for relocated, so I found a new job that needed my skills in an electronics company. I did several jobs here, eventually becoming qualified as an IPC Certified Inspection Technician in Quality Assurance. I enjoyed this but wanted to work somewhere that aligned more with my personal values; I wanted what I did to have a real impact.
- 2012: I joined MI6 as a Production Engineer. It felt a bit surreal to leave my job at the electronics company for a role at MI6, but I am so glad I did! I felt really valued when the office supported me in becoming professionally recognised with the Institute of Engineering and Technology through a company sponsored scheme. As I had recently re-located from the Midlands, I regularly took part in exercise classes at the office gym - it was a great way to meet new people and keep myself fit.
- 2016: After a few years, I felt the experience I had gained through my role and the learning and development I’d done whilst in the office, meant I was ready to apply for promotion to Senior Production Engineer. It meant taking on more responsibility and leading on various projects, which was nerve-wracking at first but really fulfilling.
- 2019: I moved into my current position as an Evaluation Engineer. I absolutely love what I do and have had the opportunity to qualify in different disciplines; one of my personal highlights was becoming a qualified mast climber to undertake duties as a Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) Inspector. It feels worlds away from my college days as a design student!
Please note - the model shown is not an employee of MI5, MI6 or GCHQ and is for illustrative purposes only.
