Case Study
Name: Danuta Wisniewski
Current Position: Director of
the Academy of Advanced Technologies
Employer: Doncaster
College
Background
Danuta decided the engineering world was for
her at an early age and completed an OND in Electrical Engineering
and HND in Electronic Engineering with Microprocesser Technology at
Doncaster College.
Whilst studying at the College’s former
Waterdale campus Danuta was awarded the prestigious Caroline
Haslett Memorial Trust award – a bursary given to woman wanting to
enter the engineering industry. Danuta was one of only five people
to receive the bursary that year with all the others at Cambridge
or Oxford Universities.
After completing the necessary courses, Danuta
entered employment as an Electrical Engineer at Tunstall Telecom in
Whitley Bridge where she worked in repairs until 1991 when she
returned to Doncaster College as a lecturer.
Danuta has held a variety of roles at the
College in an array of departments surrounding technology and
engineering. While lecturing at the College, Danuta completed an
Open University BSc Engineering degree and an MBA at Doncaster
Business School. This summer, Danuta was appointed Director of the
College’s new Academy of Advanced Technologies.
What she thinks
Being a woman in the man’s world of
engineering, I have had no problems and encountered no prejudice
throughout my career. I have always found my colleagues very
welcoming and encouraging of a woman entering the industry.
Working as a lecturer, I find it very useful
that I used to work in the industry - I think it gives me more
credibility when I talk about the industry. I have progressed
through the industry the way I would have liked. I love working in
engineering and now I love passing on my knowledge to other people
in teaching and learning.
If I could give anyone advice on entering the
industry, I would tell them to be prepared and be as knowledgeable
as possible, especially if they want to enter management. It is
also very important to get the right qualifications – these will
enhance your chances of succeeding.
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