SHEILA COURTNEY
Could you give us a background on your education and your path into your STEM Career?
While in 6th year of secondary school, I struggled to select a college course - so many different courses and disciplines appealed to me! In the end I choose Engineering in UCD because it allowed me to keep many options open; it allowed me pursue a career in STEM but also kept opportunities open to pivot into business, languages, or healthcare.
What is involved in your current role? Describe an interesting day in your current position.
I am Project Manager focused on managing projects involving introducing a new pharmaceutical product onto our manufacturing sites.
What do you love about your current role?
I love leading and working together with a large team involving client team members and cross functional team members from across our business and manufacturing sites to achieve a shared goal.
What has been the most surprising element of your job?
The most surprising element of my job is how important it is to kind – it makes working together fun, and so much more effective!
What has been your most exciting career moment to date?
My most exciting career moment to date has been joining SK biotek Ireland as the site commenced its transition from a ‘big pharma’ site to a contract manufacturing site. I was lucky enough to be trusted with leading a project to bring together a team to define and build a new process for assessing business opportunities.
What kind of other experts do you work with on a day to day basis?
Working with experts from different fields in one of my favourite parts of my job – because I am constantly learning from them! I work with engineers, analytical chemists, organic chemists as well experts in procurement, supply chain, logistics, customs, finance, business development and marketing!
What do you hope to achieve in the next year in your current position?
This year I am working on an exciting project which firstly is to transfer an oncology drug onto the site, complete lab work, scale up to the plants and deliver product for the clinic.
Do you feel that you fit the stereotypical description of a person in your role?
I attended an all-girls school, where engineering was not a career we talked about a lot, and where applied maths and technical drawing were not options. I was the only one of my friend group to select engineering. It was upon starting college that I realised how different it was for all-boys schools where engineering was a much more ‘normal’ and commonly selected program. I think that we are still breaking down the stereotype that engineering is a more ‘male’ career option. Also how crazy is it that the option to do applied maths and technical drawing at age 16 could be based on your gender?
If a young person told you that they would like to get into your role, what advice would you give them?
Have confidence in your abilities to learn and grow in STEM. Be confident that this is an interesting and meaningful endeavor for women in Ireland. If you're unsure, consider asking your teacher to reach out to female scientists, engineers etc. within the community or from the school alumni. Most would only be delighted to drop into a classroom to discuss how and why they pursued a career in STEM and what they are doing now.
In your opinion, what is the biggest myth about STEM careers?
When I first embarked on an engineering course, many of my friends assumed I’d be building bridges! It took a while for us all to learn that engineers are involved in so many different industries, can have many different roles, and work around the world!
Do you believe that there is enough being done to encourage girls to study STEM and pursue STEM careers?
I see a lot being done, Engineers Ireland STEPs program, iWISH, Engineering Week, Science Week, initiatives led by the universities, organisations inviting teachers in to experience some of the work to then take it back to the classroom. I think more could be done at Educational Policy level, for example some students in all-girls schools have to select between Home Economics and Science at Junior Cert Level meaning that some girls opt out of STEM at age 13 or 14! This issue could be immediately addressed at a policy level which could have a profound impact.
What do you think would have helped you in pursuing your STEM career?
The power of #seeitbeit. In 6th year of school, I remember attending Higher Options, an annual education expo for secondary level students, and attending a session where a curly haired blond female engineer was speaking from the stage, and I thought you know maybe I can be an engineer.
Biopharmachem Ireland
