Five minutes with…Kenzie McLaughlin.

My route into engineering wasn’t entirely traditional. I actually joined BakerHicks as a work placement student within the Scotland Architecture team – and I must have done something right because I’m still here today.

At the time, that placement felt like a huge opportunity. It was exciting, but also quite daunting. Looking back, it was a pivotal moment because it confirmed that I’d found the right industry and gave me a clear sense of where I wanted to go. What’s particularly rewarding is that, a few years later, I’ve come full circle. Today, I lead our work placement and industry support programme for the Scottish office, helping to support and inspire students who are considering a future in engineering.

A large part of that role involves speaking with young people and their parents about the opportunities available in the industry. I’m passionate about encouraging others to challenge expectations, find what excites them, and realise that engineering is a career open to everyone.

For me, the biggest impact of my work comes back to the people who will ultimately use the spaces we design. As an Architectural Technologist, I’m involved in shaping environments that people interact with every day, whether that’s workplaces, industrial facilities or infrastructure that supports wider communities. It’s about much more than drawings and technical details. It’s about ensuring a building works as it should: safely, efficiently and sustainably.

What I find particularly rewarding is knowing that decisions made during the design process have a lasting impact. The choices we make early on can influence how a space performs, how people experience it, and how adaptable it remains in the future.

Beyond project work, I’m passionate about supporting the industry itself. A significant part of my role involves engaging with students, attending careers events and helping to raise awareness of the opportunities available within engineering. I have the opportunity to encourage people to consider careers they may never have thought possible.

Ultimately, my role allows me to make a difference in two ways: through the spaces we help deliver and through the people we help inspire. Both are equally important to me, and both are what make the profession so rewarding.

Whenever I speak to students, parents or teachers, I always come back to the same message: find something you genuinely enjoy. My biggest piece of advice is simple – if you’re passionate about it, go for it. Don’t worry about whether you fit a particular stereotype or whether it feels like the obvious choice. If it interests you, challenges you and makes you want to learn more, it’s worth exploring.

Engineering is an incredibly broad profession, with space for all kinds of personalities, skills and interests. There isn’t one type of engineer, and that’s one of the things I love most about the industry.

I’d also encourage people to be curious and ask questions. You’re not expected to know everything from the start. In fact, a huge part of engineering is learning, adapting and developing as you go.

Most importantly, believe in your own ability. If you’re willing to work hard, stay curious and keep an open mind, there’s no limit to what you can achieve. Engineering is a career where you can make a real difference, and that’s what makes it so rewarding.

Honestly, I’ve enjoyed every minute of it. One of the things I love most about engineering is that no two days are the same. Every day brings a new challenge, a new problem to solve, and new people to collaborate with.

There’s a common misconception that engineering is a solitary profession, but in reality, it’s one of the most people-focused careers you can have. Collaboration, communication and understanding the needs of others are at the heart of everything we do.

That’s what makes the job so rewarding. The work I contribute to ultimately impacts real people, and that sense of purpose is something I value greatly. Having the opportunity to bring a different perspective, build confidence in my own voice and contribute to a more inclusive future is something I’m very proud of. To be listened to, and represent women in engineering – often in rooms where I may be the only woman present – has been both a privilege and a motivator. It continues to drive my commitment to greater diversity, confidence and opportunity across the profession.

International Women in Engineering Day is about both celebration and visibility. It’s an opportunity to recognise the achievements of women across the profession, while also highlighting the importance of continuing to improve representation and inclusion within the industry.

It’s also a chance to reflect on my own journey and the people who have supported me along the way. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that encouragement, and it reminds me how important it is to provide the same support for others.

Most importantly, it helps challenge outdated perceptions of what an engineer looks like. Visibility matters. When young women can see people like themselves succeeding in engineering, it becomes much easier to imagine themselves following a similar path.

That’s why the day is so important. It celebrates progress, encourages confidence, and helps inspire the next generation to consider careers they may never have previously thought possible.