Emily Peddle

What do you love most about your profession? Why did you choose this career?

I love the opportunity to meet new people, travel and have new experiences while working in a rewarding field. Even as a student, every day brings a new set of challenges which allows you to find what you are passionate about and work towards that career. My goal is to attend medical school to become a family physician. I think that the analytical skills learned through Engineering will be extremely helpful for me going forward. In the program you learn how to learn, which is an important skill in any field!

When did you realize you wanted to work in STEM or Skilled Trades?

My dad is also an Engineer, so I grew up watching the constant change in the pace of his career and I found that exciting! Although medical school has always been a goal of mine, I knew I wanted an undergraduate degree that was rewarding and challenging. I’ve always enjoyed math and sciences so completing a degree in Engineering felt like the right fit! Plus I loved the idea of gaining work experience while in school since I learn best by doing something myself.

Why do we need more women in STEM and Skilled Trades?

We need more women in STEM and skilled trades so that it stops being unique to see a woman in these fields. Women in STEM and skilled trades are just as capable and qualified as men but occasionally are looked at differently because they are women in that field. Although it’s getting a lot better there is still progress to be made. I think it’s important to normalize women working in STEM and skilled trades to show we are equal in the workforce!

What does your typical workday involve? Can you work remotely? (indoors/outdoors, office/plant, travel time, teamwork/solo work)?

I am not working at the moment as an Engineer, but I am excited to get back in the classroom and continue my education! However, the co-op program at MUN allowed me to gain a significant amount of experience in the oil and gas industry. I had the opportunity to travel and work with some amazing people! Through these work terms, I experienced working in both an office and field environment. I really enjoyed the variety of experiences that I had, it was great to see firsthand how the workday changed depending on your work environment.

Who is your role model? What is it about this person that inspires you?

Growing up my role model was always my mom, she still is to this day! She was a young mom who worked so hard to maintain a work/life balance. With my dad working away for a portion of my childhood she spent a lot of time parenting two small girls alone and we grew up to be independent women! She still inspires me because after all this time, with a few career changes, she still works full time both at her career and at home. I know that even as adults she would take care of us if we needed it.

What do you do for fun? What are some of your hobbies/activities?

My idea of fun revolves around unwinding and relaxing! I love to read, the longer the novel the better! Staying active is very important to me, I love taking yoga or spin classes as well as walking my two dogs! With some extra time on my hands at the moment, I decided to pick up a new hobby. My mom is amazing at crocheting and she has recently taught me. I’m getting a head start on Christmas with some handmade presents!

What advice would you give students who might be considering a career like yours? What advice would you have given your younger self?

Find what makes you excited and go for it! Nothing worth doing is easy but the reward will be greater than the struggle! Also, no matter what path you choose, surround yourself with a strong support system. It’s so important to have someone to go to when you need to unwind. Having a place to take that time for yourself can really make the difference when studying gets tough!