Akansha is a Project Manager in our Capital Delivery team, where her days are a mix of planning, problem-solving, site visits, and keeping complex infrastructure projects moving in the right direction. No two days are the same, and that’s one of the things she enjoys most about the role.
For International Women in Engineering Day, we caught up with her to hear how she got into engineering, what her work looks like day to day, and the experiences that have shaped her career.
Can you tell us about your role as Project Manager in the Capital Delivery team, and what a typical day looks like?
My role is to ensure projects are delivered safely, on time, within budget, and meet the needs of our customers and community. One of the things I enjoy most about the role is that no two days, and often no two projects, are the same. Every project comes with its own set of challenges, which is something I genuinely enjoy.
A typical day involves progressing project work, coordinating with contractors, consultants and stakeholders, managing budgets, forecasts and risks, and working through issues as they arise to keep projects moving forward. I also enjoy spending time on site, as it gives me a clearer understanding of how work is progressing and the practical challenges faced during delivery.
Can you tell us about your engineering journey and the experiences that have shaped your career?
It was driven by a mix of curiosity and a desire to do something different from the traditional expectations around me. I grew up in an environment where higher education for girls, especially in engineering, was not a common path within my family. I was the first in my family to choose that path, so I didn’t have anyone to look to as an example.
I was always comfortable with mathematics and science, and I enjoyed solving problems and understanding how things work. That interest gradually shaped my decision to pursue engineering. My journey began when I chose engineering as my field of study and started exploring opportunities in technical roles. From there, I built my career step by step, learning through each role and gaining experience in technical consultancy, the oil and gas industry, and now the water industry.
Working alongside experienced professionals in a large organisation helped me build both technical expertise and broader understanding of how complex projects are delivered from different perspectives.
These experiences strengthened my ability to adapt quickly, communicate across teams, and approach problems in a practical and flexible way, which continues to shape how I work in project delivery today.
What project or achievement are you most proud of, and what do you find most rewarding about delivering infrastructure projects?
One achievement I am particularly proud of is being involved in the design engineering of a hydrocarbon distillation plant. I worked through the full design lifecycle, from initial engineering through to final documentation, and it was very rewarding to later see the facility being constructed and eventually becoming operational.
In my current role, what I value most is being part of a broader purpose and contributing to infrastructure projects where the focus goes beyond technical delivery to real community impact. I really value the responsibility and trust that comes with being a Project Manager and contributing to work that has a meaningful and lasting impact.
I also really enjoy the problem-solving, as there are always unexpected challenges that keep the work interesting.
What skills or qualities do you believe are most important for success in engineering and project management?
From my experience, being able to solve problems in a practical way, communicate clearly, and work well with different teams. It is not just about the technical side, but also about coordinating stakeholders and keeping everyone aligned, especially when there are multiple priorities running at the same time.
Being adaptable is also important. Things do not always go as planned on projects, so you often need to adjust quickly based on site conditions or new information. For me, staying organised and having a calm, solution-focused approach helps keep projects moving forward.
What advice would you give to women considering a career in engineering?
Just go for it and don’t let self-doubt or assumptions about the industry hold you back. In my own journey, I was the first in my family to step into engineering and I did not have a clear roadmap at the start.
Engineering is not something you master from day one; it builds over time through exposure to different projects and real situations. Don’t hesitate to ask questions or lean on people around you. Confidence comes gradually as you take on different challenges and see yourself growing through them. If you are interested in this field, give yourself that chance - you learn and grow a lot more by being in it.
What does International Women in Engineering Day mean to you?
To me, it is a reminder that our contributions matter in shaping the world around us. It also feels personal, like a moment to reflect on the journey, the challenges, and the growth that comes with it.