Andrea works within the Product Development team at Alcatel Submarine Networks. Alcatel is an international corporation which produces state of the art telecommunications equipment for customers all around the world including multinational banks and large telecommunications companies.

Andrea was drawn to a career in Engineering by the opportunities which exist in the sector - exciting jobs which often necessitate international travel. She likes the diversity of engineering and the wide variety of innovative and exciting projects on which engineers can work. Although her teachers and friends were enthusiastic about her decision to study engineering, her father sat her down and tried to convince her to become a lawyer instead!

At school she took A Levels in maths, further maths, physics and English. If she hadn't chosen engineering Andrea would have liked to study English and become an author!

She then applied to the Year In Industry scheme which places gap year students in industry for 12 months. Her application was successful and after two interviews she was offered her position at Alcatel.

Andrea spends much of her time using the CAD package Pro-Engineer to design and manufacture ongoing projects. These have included her involvement in the design of a wavelength laser source and the production of three transmitters and receivers.

Andrea really enjoys her job, finding it challenging and rewarding. She feels that her IT, communication and time management skills have improved greatly over the year and she has really valued the opportunity to learn new skills and try so many different things.

Andrea has a place to read Mechanical Engineering at Cambridge University which she is really looking forward to although terrified of a heavy workload. After graduating she hopes to gain contract work in mechanical and electrical engineering. Contracting work (contracts last between three months and two years) is very well paid and flexible. Andrea is also very keen to work towards chartered status with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.

In Andrea's limited spare time she likes to go out clubbing, read and go to the theatre. She babysits to earn money for her other big hobby - spending money!

Having attended an all-girls school, Andrea initially felt very intimidated as one of the very few women in her department. However, she soon learnt to relax with the "blokes" and they became her friends as well as her colleagues. She is certain that being a female engineer has, in no way, hindered her progress.