From Precious
Updated Jan 2009

Nike Folayan

Telecommunications Engineer,

Mott MacDonald Ltd

Precious: Tell us about your route to the job.

After a first degree in Electrical Engineering and working for a short while at a telecommunications company, I decided that I would like to explore the field of telecommunications by doing a Masters in Broadband and Mobile communications. From the age of 8 years I was always curious as to how (and why) when my dad would tune the TV aerial we would receive a clearer signal or new TV channels. Consequently when I finished my Masters I thought it might be a good idea to do a PhD degree in Antenna Technology. I also tutored undergraduate students in antenna design. Towards the end of my research, I decided that I wanted to work in a company where I could apply the knowledge and skills that I had gained, I spoke to a couple of friends and I decided that an engineering consultancy would be an ideal place to work because it would give an opportunity to interact with people one-on-one. I now work as a telecommunications engineer in an engineering consultancy. The projects I work on are for the transport industry including Railways and Highways projects.

There are other routes to my job, some of my colleagues have gone through the apprenticeship routes, whiles others have started work after their first degree. For me further education helped me make an informed decision on what areas of engineering I wanted to specialise in.

Precious: Describe a typical working day.

For me each day can be different from the next. Typically I work on clients sites and attend meetings with clients to understand what the project is and their requirements. In some cases the client may not be absolutely sure of what they want. My job is to provide them with available options and the results of choosing a particular option.

In some cases, I have to act as a link between the client and contractor and make sure the contractor is able to interpret the needs of the client properly.

Precious: What do you most love about your job?

I love that every project is so different to the next and obviously that also means that I get to work in different environments with varying mitigating factors. My job allows me to use the skills and knowledge that I have to provide solutions to problems. I also love the fact that I get to meet my clients and travel around the UK.

Also, running the Association for Black Engineers UK part-time gives me the opportunity to meet engineers in all industries and discuss challenges that we face in a relaxed environment. AFBE-UK is a group of engineering professionals including engineering managers, consultants and contractors. It is a non profit organisation which aims at challenging and inspiring people of black origin to enter the field of engineering and to make enhanced contributions to their communities.

Precious: Is there anything you really dislike about it?

I really do not dislike anything about my job, apart from the routine tasks like preparing spreadsheets.

Precious: What's been the most exciting event of your career so far?

The most exciting event of my career has been accomplishing the vision of AFBE-UK and our various key events such as. the reception organised by the South African High Commissioner for AFBE-UK.

Precious: How do you see your career progressing over the next five years?

I would like to go into project management and more importantly see the AFBE-UK function as a representative body on issues and developments that affect the careers of Black Engineers and black communities in the UK and abroad.

Precious: What do you do to relax?

I love to go out Salsa dancing - it helps me to relax. I also enjoy song writing and traveling.

Precious: What words of wisdom can you share with other women looking to get into your industry?

For many years, engineering has been perceived as a ‘male dominated’ profession and that most engineers were either technicians, mechanics, plumbers’ and at best construction workers. This in effect has discouraged many young bright people from taking up a career in engineering.

My advice is that if you would like to be part of a career that offers you the opportunity to provide solutions for critical world problems, don't let anyone put you down or discourage you. Aim to be the best and be the best!