Career path: Rosario Barcena, Tony Gee and Partners

Rail, and particularly the high speed variety, runs throughout Rosario Barcena’s career from her start in Spain to her job as regional director with Tony Gee and Partners.

Jackie Whitelaw
21 August 2015

Twitter FacebookLinkedIn

Print

Topics 

People & Careers

See more from the Careers Hub

Why did you decide to go into engineering/infrastructure?

When I was little I wanted to do architecture. As I grew up I thought that my “artistic” skills were not that great so I decided to go into engineering which I considered to be a lot more rational and logical, because of the maths and physics which I also liked at the time.

What did you study? How did that lead to this career?

I studied Industrial Engineering in Spain which is a mixture of civil and mechanical engineering , prior to coming to the UK and completing my studies in Civil Engineering. Soon after finishing the studies I got my first job as a graduate civil engineer at Jacobs.

While I was still at university I researched the engineering companies that had offices nearby as I didn’t want to be far away from the friends I had made. GIBB Ltd (now Jacobs) was the first one I approached. I was lucky enough to be offered a job with its railway division in York.

What are your CV highlights?

The ones that come to mind are: getting involved in the construction of one of the High Speed Rail (HSR) Lines in Spain, developing proposals for a new HSR Line in Poland, business development in India and more recently developing proposals for a new HSR Line in the UK. In general the highlights have been the broad experience I have gained over the years, the possibility of travelling around the world working on different projects and meeting great people.

Did you have a career plan? How has reality panned out against that plan?

Like most civil engineers my career plan initially was to get chartered. Once I achieved that I did not have a clear plan other than keep learning new things. While working in Spain, I realised I particularly enjoyed coordinating projects so my experience soon focused on coordination roles, project delivery and project management.

What is special about Tony Gee and why did you join?

Tony Gee has a great reputation within the industry as a specialist in solving complex projects, construction methodology and innovation. It offered me a position I found of great interest to which I could bring my previous experience but also where I could develop further as a professional. And here I am. 

What are you working on right now?

I’m responsible for the technical, financial and administrative functions and performance of a design office with its set of targets and business objectives. At the same time I manage a framework looking into renewing railway structures for one of Network Rail’s Regions.

Did you feel like you were being a bit of a pioneering woman when you set off on your career? Is engineering a first choice for women in Spain

Women choosing engineering is not uncommon in Spain, so there are a lot more women in engineering there than there are here in the UK. However what was different at the time was going abroad to study and work. So I felt a bit of a pioneer in that sense. Here although I found myself to be one of the few women in engineering, I have never felt alienated or been treated differently for being a woman in a male dominated industry.

How have things changed over your career for women in the industry? Could they be improved?

There is definitely more exposure now. The ICE and networks such as STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) are doing a good job in promoting the industry in general. Also there are more women in high profile engineering positions nowadays which is also helping raising awareness and improving people’s perception of engineering. However, there is still a lot of work yet to be done to inspire women to go into engineering and to change people’s perception (and stereotype) of the industry.  

Do you mind being one of the few?

No I don’t, because that gives me the opportunity to show other women that civil engineering is fun and a great career choice.

Who has had the most influence over your career and why?

Probably my dad. He had a vision of me doing great things in life. Although he did not agree with my career choice at first he supported me all the way to ensure I achieved what I have today and more.  

What is the one thing you have done that has been fundamental to your career?

Learning English when I was little allowed me to come to the UK to finish my studies and work. That changed my life completely and opened doors that would not have been opened if I had not been fluent in English and had to stay in Spain.

What is the best thing so far in your career?

The people I have met over the years working in different projects around the world, some of which I consider dear friends.

What is the one thing you have done that has been fundamental to your career?

Learning English when I was little allowed me to come to the UK to finish my studies and work. That changed my life completely and opened doors that would not have been opened if I had not been fluent in English and had to stay in Spain.

What advice would you give your younger self? 

Believe in yourself as you can do anything you really want to do if you put your heart onto it.