International Women in Engineering Day 2025 – Gillian
Gillian Sandell, M0OVW – Professional Transmitting Engineer, Woofferton Transmitting Station
Why were you interested in a STEM career?
I was always interested in how things worked, I liked to repair things whether it was an alarm clock or a bicycle. I enjoyed physics and computer programming at school. I did a degree in Computer Programming, but after a year of working as a digital mapper I wanted something less desk bound. I then applied for a job as an engineer for the BBC transmitter group.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The variety. Today I was programming fault reporters, tomorrow I may be repairing a broken transmitter. Sometimes, I get to travel to other countries to help with an installation or a repair. The technology of broadcasting changes all the time. We never stop learning.
How has amateur radio contributed to your work?
I always wanted to be a radio amateur. I was a radio operator in the Territorial Army in the late 80’s and loved it. I didn’t know how to get into amateur radio but an interest in radio is how I got my current job at the Woofferton Transmitting Station. My colleagues at work then got me involved with amateur radio.
What challenges do women face in STEM careers and what tips can you give to overcome them?
I have occasionally encountered ‘dinosaurs’ who make life difficult for a woman in a traditional male job. Thankfully, other men that I have worked with have been supportive. I have found that most people in the workplace really don’t care if you are a woman as long as you pitch in and work hard.
What advice would you give to girls who are thinking of pursuing a career in engineering?
There are so many different types of engineering. From bridge building to electronic design. All of it has a practical use in the world today. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be afraid to do a course that your friends are not doing. Be yourself and play to your own strengths.
What’s your favourite part of amateur radio?
I mainly do SOTA, partly because we can put our 40m antenna up somewhere electrically quiet and talk to people from all over, and partly because I love walking in the hills. It combines two hobbies. I have been involved in Scouting for 30 years and we run a JOTA station nearly every year. The kids love it. They are often quite shy to start with, but they love hearing foreign stations. We have encouraged quite a few Scouts to get their Foundation licence.
“Be yourself and play to your own strengths”
Category: INWED
