International Women in Engineering Day is a chance to celebrate the women building careers across our industry and to encourage more to follow them.
Our Future Leaders Programme is helping build a strong pipeline of future engineering talent. Women represent 50% of the current cohort, and more than 70% of the graduates joining us this September are women.
We spoke to some of the women on the programme about what attracted them to engineering, the opportunities they have had so far, and the advice they would give to others considering the profession.
Why engineering?
The women on the programme came to engineering from different starting points, but all were motivated by the opportunity to solve problems and make a meaningful impact.
"Engineering gives you a unique combination of power and freedom. It equips you with the tools to take a big idea and turn it into something that genuinely changes how people live." Covadonga Aragon-Menendez, 2025 cohort
"I was especially drawn to the potential of engineering to create practical solutions to real-world challenges, including in medical, energy and transportation applications." Maisha Huq, 2025 cohort
Working on real challenges
Future Leaders complete three placements over three years, giving them exposure to different parts of the business and the opportunity to work on projects that matter.
From product development to customer projects, they contribute to real engineering challenges from day one. Many also work on initiatives linked to IMI's Growth Hub, our engine for innovation, helping teams turn customer problems into scalable solutions that support the Energy, Automation and Healthcare megatrends.
"I worked on a new product launch from the early technical stages right down to hearing what the users thought. The best part was visiting customers in person and seeing how our design fit into their everyday routines." Covadonga Aragon-Menendez
"I'm especially proud of a project on a new choke valve design. It was very rewarding to see the first shipment manufactured and successfully delivered to the customer." Maisha Huq, 2025 cohort
The experience is not only about technical development. It is also about learning how to take ownership and build confidence.
"What has surprised me most is the level of trust placed in people who show initiative. I've been encouraged to view failure as a chance to learn and discover new solutions." Cyrine Ben Ayed, 2024 cohort
Their advice
We asked what they would say to anyone who may be unsure whether engineering is for them.
"Don't box yourself in, and don't let old stereotypes scare you away. Engineering isn't a narrow path, it's a mindset. If you want the power to shape the world around you and open doors you haven't even thought of yet, just go for it." Covadonga Aragon-Menendez, 2025 cohort
"You do not have to have everything figured out before you start. Take that first step, stay curious, and be open to learning. You may be surprised by where it takes you." Cyrine Ben Ayed, 2024 cohort
Looking ahead
This September, our next cohort will join the programme, with women making up more than 70% of new starters. One of them is Lola Olugunwa, who was attracted by the breadth of opportunities available across IMI's global business.
"To become an effective engineering leader, you need to understand how engineering decisions translate into manufacturing, quality, procurement and operational outcomes. I'm very excited to learn how a successful multinational like IMI executes complex engineering strategies on a global scale." Lola Olugunwa, joining September 2026
Applications for the 2027 Future Leaders Programme open soon
If you're studying engineering or a related technical discipline and are interested in building a career solving some of the world's biggest challenges across the Energy, Automation and Healthcare megatrends, register your interest here and we'll let you know when applications open.
