Dr Susan Bullivant BSc Msc PhD MBA MWES

Worked at Loughborough as a lecturer until 1983 when I set up my own consultancy

What career achievement are you most proud of? 

  • Securing a tenured lectureship in Engineering Maths when it was difficult for both men and women to do this and contrary to advice given by careers officers, especially as a goal for women. 

  • Prior to retiring, I was appointed by HEFCE as the Director of the Athena Project to develop the strategy and take it from concept and aim (to get more women in HE from postgraduates to professors) to launch and establishment.   

  • During my studies there were very few women studying on my courses. This motivated me, in addition to my lectureship role, to found a Women in Engineering Group at Loughborough to both support the women on different Engineering courses.  

Which women in Engineering inspire you? 

  • Women who not only have been icons and successful in their careers but have found the time to relate and support other women and girls in their careers, such as Professor Daphne Jackson and Dr Elizabeth Laverick.

What advice do you have for women considering a career in Engineering? 

  • Try to find a mentor to support and challenge you on your career path.   

  • Don’t be put off by people who say it won’t be possible if it is your dream.  

  • Don’t listen to the bravado of some who say it is easy when you are finding it hard going, just keep going and working.