The power of mentorship

My path into engineering started thanks to the encouragement of an incredible mentor - my high school maths, physics and chemistry teacher, a retired naval officer. Initially, I considered pursuing law, but his infectious passion for science and belief in my abilities, particularly my strengths in maths and physics, led me to explore engineering. This was a field I hadn’t thought about before, but his support gave me the confidence to take on this challenging and rewarding path.

I was fortunate to receive a scholarship to study mechanical engineering at the University of Victoria. My first co-op placement included working on the Royal Canadian Navy’s Victoria-class submarines, and this sparked a deep interest in marine engineering. The complexity and challenges involved captivated me, and I knew this was where I wanted to build my career.

Over the years, I’ve worked across engineering and programme management roles while earning two master's degrees, including an MBA from Queen’s University - all while working full-time. Flexible work policies and a very supportive supervisor during my first master's degree (who now works at BMT) were instrumental in balancing my studies and career, which otherwise would have been difficult financially and professionally.

Overcoming stereotypes in a male-dominated field

In my current role, I’m proud to be part of a team developing a Submarine Academy for junior team members, helping them gain knowledge and experience in the field. Collaborating with colleagues across regions and tailoring training to the Canadian context has been a rewarding experience.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my commitment to excellence. I never felt the need to defend being in a STEM role - I let my work speak for itself. Over time, those who were initially sceptical, often judging me by my outward appearance, became my biggest supporters and career allies once they saw my dedication and achievements. This experience taught me that showing dedication and delivering results can turn scepticism into advocacy.

Navigating challenges

Like anyone, I faced challenges in adjusting to the workplace and understanding expectations. What helped me most were three key strategies: always being reliable and following through on commitments, building meaningful relationships with colleagues and mentors, and not being afraid to ask for opportunities. Relationships in the marine industry, a small and close-knit community here in Canada, played a significant role in my growth and allowed me to support others in their careers.

The importance of mentorship

Mentorship has been a cornerstone of my career. My mentors provided guidance during tough decisions, helped me navigate challenges, and advocated for me when opportunities arose. Their support was invaluable, and I believe mentorship is crucial in our industry. My mentors not only offered advice and encouragement but also put my name forward for high-visibility opportunities, allowing me to grow and prove myself. Having someone who listens, offers a neutral perspective, and shares their experience is incredibly helpful, especially in the early stages of your career.

Reaching out to young women early is essential. In Canada, I’ve seen wonderful initiatives that introduce elementary and high school students to engineering through workshops, highlighting the diverse opportunities in STEM - not just technical roles but also leadership, management, and finance.

During my MBA, I was surprised by how many engineers transitioned to finance due to their analytical skills. Engineering prepares you for any challenge, and it’s inspiring that many CEOs in the financial industry in Canada started as engineers. Growing up in Bulgaria, where women in science and engineering is common, reinforced my belief that gender shouldn’t limit ambitions. I also believe that framing careers as opportunities to follow your passion, rather than focusing on traditional gender roles, can encourage more young women to explore STEM fields.

My advice is simple: seek out mentors, build genuine relationships, and never hesitate to raise your hand for new opportunities. For those already in the industry, let’s lift each other up by advocating for women, introducing them to our networks, and pushing for inclusive policies like flexible working hours.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my commitment to excellence. I never felt the need to defend being in a STEM role - I let my work speak for itself.