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Megan Cromwell

Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Systems and Certificate in Applied Electrical Engineering

‘The placement gives you hands-on experience and a better understanding of the industry’

Megan Cromwell completed the Steps: Engineering Your Future experience in Technological University Dublin during her Transition Year, and clearly thought she had found her career path. But in reality, she had to navigate a few hurdles to find the type of engineering that suited her best.

Despite attending an all-girls secondary school with no engineering, technology or woodwork classes, she was determined to forge her path into the profession.

Hailing from Co Meath, Megan initially enrolled at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) to study Mechanical Engineering, but quickly realised it wasn’t the right fit.

She switched to a Level 5 Engineering Technology course at Drogheda Institute of Further Education (DIFE), where she discovered her true passion – electrical engineering. “So I suppose you could say I took the scenic route to get here,” she says.

When nearing the end of her Level 5 Engineering Technology course, Megan started researching where she could go next. She discovered the part-time Level 6 course in Applied Electrical Engineering at DkIT.

“I loved college life and wanted to keep going. I hoped by completing this course I could get into the Electrical Engineering full-time course. From my Level 6, I could apply for advanced entry into second year, which was amazing,” she says.

"Don’t listen to anyone who says that, as a girl, you shouldn’t go into engineering. Definitely go for it, there’s so much support."

Megan thrived in the part-time course, which provided a solid foundation for her transition to the full-time Bachelor of Engineering in Electrical and Electronic Systems at DkIT last year. The hands-on approach, smaller class sizes and supportive lecturers made all the difference in her success.

“The practical elements are fantastic, and the smaller classrooms allow for more one-on-one learning,” she notes.

Another major attraction of the course for Megan was the placement opportunity at the end of the second year.

“The placement was a big reason I chose this course. It gives you hands-on experience and a better understanding of the industry.”

 

As one of a select few third-level institutions in Ireland to have received the prestigious Athena Swan accreditation, DkIT is committed to increasing the intake of female students in the School of Engineering, and ensuring they have equal opportunities to succeed in engineering programmes. Megan wants to promote Stem to women, and is determined to break stereotypes in the engineering sector as she looks towards her future. Although the field is male-dominated, she encourages other women not to be deterred.

“Don’t listen to anyone who says that, as a girl, you shouldn’t go into engineering. Definitely go for it, there’s so much support,” she says.

For those considering the course, Megan recommends fostering skills such as strong communication, teamwork and logical thinking, as well as the ability to think creatively.

Looking ahead, Megan believes her studies will open up a wide range of career options. She’s particularly interested in solar power and electrical medical devices, and believes her studies will help her contribute to sectors such as renewable energy, product design and healthcare.

“The field is so broad; there are so many job opportunities. Right now, I’m particularly interested in solar energy, but I could also imagine myself in a job making new electrical medical devices for hospitals that would help improve a patient’s health.” 

Find Out More About Engineering at DklT

 

‘The placement gives you hands-on experience and a better understanding of the industry’