International Women’s Day
Caroline, Studio Manager
8 March 2023
To mark this year’s International Women’s Day, we’re shining a light on our supremely talented and inspiring female colleagues. Each day this week, we’ll be hearing from a different member of the team about their experiences in our traditionally male-dominated profession.
Tell us a bit about your career path to date.
I started as an office junior in a solicitors at sixteen years old, and worked my way up the ranks and became an office manager at nineteen years old. Since then I’ve worked for various different companies, from manufacturing to finance.
Who are your female role models?
My mother, who has worked hard all her life to support her children and at one stage was doing three jobs. She then qualified as a paralegal in later life. Also, and I know this is old, but Florence Nightingale. At a time when women were not highly regarded, she changed our entire healthcare system.
What has been your career highlight so far?
Even though I didn’t have the opportunity to do higher level education, I worked my way up the career path through hard work and dedication which I am extremely proud of.
What are your thoughts on how gender equality is evolving in the workplace and what are your aspirations for the future?
In the 28 years I have been working there has definitely been a shift in how women are treated within the workplace. I have seen progression in women being viewed as an equal in both salary and career paths compared to men. It seems women are less and less having to choose between career and family. In the future I would love to spend more time doing charity work with children and giving something back to the community.
If you could give one piece of advice to a woman at the start of her career journey, what would it be.
You can do anything you put your mind to, just take one step at a time. And treat people how you want to be treated.
Finally, which is your favourite building designed by a woman?
MAAT Museum in Lisbon by Amanda Levete, absolutely took my breath away when I saw it in person on the Ayre Chamberlain Gaunt study trip to Lisbon. Absolutely stunning and awe inspiring