Diana Teixeira
Engineer/Process Engineering and Continuous Improvement
FELINO/Portugal
The job
As an integral part of the engineering group, namely in terms of processes, my functions are essentially linked to the development of new projects. Planning activities, and monitoring of the project until the approval phase, as well as analysis of the recurring methods and processes with a view to improving them, through the use and implementation of improvement tools.
Education
Master degree in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Certificate in Lean manufacturing Throughout my training, the various areas where my contribution could be relevant were exposed, with the manufacturing industry, namely the foundry, one of the areas with the greatest diversity of processes whose training proves to be adequate.
The motivation
The constant challenges that this industry understands, no day is like the other.
The challenges
What challenges you meet working in male dominated environment?
For my generation it is not a question. The challenges I face are the same as those of my colleagues, whether men or women. At FELINO we have more collaborators and at no time is there any differentiation, the idea that this is a job for men is outdated.
The success
Does your job make you compromise with something or make sacrifices?
Working in a heavier industrial environment is the biggest sacrifice. Nowadays and in view of the most recent developments there have been many improvements, however the environment of a foundry is somewhat characteristic.
What does it take to be successful?
In addition to training, I think that what surrounds us, the people and the means made available, are key factors for success. The tools exist, however, the entire environment that surrounds us can contribute to our individual success, more or less. At the same time, I consider determination to be a characteristic present in all successful profiles.
What are the benefits, both personal and social?
The greatest benefit is the knowledge imparted by all workers. In the foundry sector there are many workers, with different paths and different realities. Day-to-day sharing is very important and remains a great tool.
Why you would recommend your job to other women?
Yes. For men or women, it is an enriching activity from a professional point of view, we have managed to put much of our knowledge into practice, without any differentiation.
Please, give some practical advice (tips) to other women to help them to enter in this field / activity?
In the face of labor, there are many problems that need to be solved every day, and it is undoubtedly one of the tools that I have explored the most. It is a challenging industry, where it is possible to perform various functions and accompany different people. People wishing to pursue a career in this field should keep their horizons open and not put any barriers in the first place.