Career path: Amey’s Yoanna Moguel

Yoanna Moguel
01 February 2017

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People & Careers

From completing a masters in Monterrey, Mexico, to working with some of the industry’s major clients, Yoanna Moguel, senior consultant for Amey’s consulting business, talks about her career.

What is your job? 

I’m a senior consultant for Amey’s consulting business working in the strategic consulting and technology team.  I have managed and delivered projects including assets life cycle cost models, performance modelling for franchise biddings and optimisation methodologies for the rail and aviation industries. 

Why did you decide to go into engineering?

My journey to becoming an engineer was a fairly natural process since I have always had an inclination for solving analytical problems and had a healthy curiosity for how things work and the mechanisms behind them. For instance, as a little girl I enjoyed spending time with my dad at the car mechanic’s. I still remember his frustration at my constant stream of questions!

What did you study? How did that lead to your career at Amey? 

My academic background is varied to say the least.  My first degree was in physics engineering, before completing a masters of science in quality systems and productivity in the Monterrey Institute of Technology and Higher Education (Mexico). Two years later, in an attempt to broaden and diversify my skillset, I decided to embark on a PhD in management at Kings College London. While living in London, I went back to my roots as an engineer and gained employment as a performance analyst in the rail industry which consequently led me to my current role at Amey.           

 Who was your first employer? 

After completing my masters, I worked for a couple of years for Cargill, a company that provides food, agriculture, financial and industrial products and services to the world. I was an important driver in getting the plant certified in hazard analysis and critical control points (HACCP). HACCP is a management system in which food safety is addressed through the analysis and control of biological, chemical, and physical hazards from raw material production, procurement and handling, to manufacturing, distribution and consumption of the finished product. 

What is special about where you work? 

For me, the most special thing is undoubtedly working within Amey’s consulting business for the strategic consulting and technology team. I’m surrounded by brilliant people of the highest calibre, who all bring a unique blend of talents. It is this range of backgrounds that enables us to provide clients with unique and valuable solutions that enhance their asset management strategies.  

What is exciting? 

Knowing that I am making my own contribution through delivering  important infrastructure projects that will leave a lasting legacy.  For example, assisting Heathrow’s chief engineers in the development of asset system strategies that enable successful and sustainable operations in the airport.  

What about the work that keeps you interested? 

Being constantly challenged - every project is unique in one way, shape or form.  Finding the optimal way to maximise asset performance and add value for our clients.   

What is the best thing so far in your career? 

To work at Amey. They care and invest in the development of their people.  The opportunities that have arisen for me so far have been incredible.  

How are you able to engage with the wider industry through your role?

I’m lucky that in my role I am already engaged with some of the key industry players, such as Network Rail, DLR, Heathrow, etc. Furthermore, I like to keep abreast with developments within the industry through my memberships at the Institute of Asset Management, Women’s Engineering Society and Project Management Institute.