For International Women in Engineering Day, ABI is highlighting two of our women engineers, Beverly and Jady, both working as mechanical engineering co-op students at ABI. On this interview, they share their experiences, challenges, and what it’s like to work in engineering as young women.
Can you briefly introduce yourself? What led you to ABI?
Beverly: My name is Beverly Zeng, and I am currently a student at the University of Waterloo entering my fourth year of Mechatronics Engineering. All of my previous coop experiences have been in the industrial automation industry. What led me to ABI is their impressive innovation and sustainability achievements in the industry as well as the strong inclusive culture of ABI.
Jady: I'm Jady Xu, and I am a 2nd year Mechanical Engineering student at the same university. In high school, I had the opportunity to participate in the WISEST (Women in Scholarship, Engineering, Science and Technology) Summer Research Program, which allowed me to be a mechanical engineering lab researcher for 6 weeks at the University of Alberta. This early exposure further cemented my decision to pursue this path. Fast forward a few years, I knew I wanted one of my co-ops to be in food manufacturing, something exciting and hands-on. I sent a cold email to ABI and to my surprise, that opened the door to this incredible opportunity.
What is your current role at ABI?
Beverly: My main responsibilities are in mechanical designing or assisting with continuous improvement tasks. Some notable projects I have worked on are designing elements of a scoring system, and documenting procedures to keep everyday processes standardized to get the same ABI quality of work for customer satisfaction.
Jady: My responsabilities include CAD modeling, technical drawings, updating assemblies, and helping with testing. I have also had the opportunity to work directly with clients, changing assemblies based on client feedback while taking safety and sanitation into consideration. Additionally, I also wrote various work instructions and other documentations for efficiency and safety on the shop floor.
What inspired you to become an engineer?
Jady: Growing up, I would say I was a creative kid that spent a lot of my time drawing, painting and making things. Engineering felt like the perfect way to turn this curiosity into something purposeful. Mechanical engineering fascinated me because it’s centered around physical systems and machines, essentially anything that moves. The fact that my dad and older brother are both engineers also helped. This gave me the confidence to follow the same path.
Beverly: I have always been curious about how things work. I enjoy thinking creatively through logic to solve problems and have always wanted to make a positive impact by solving real-world challenges.
In your opinion, what are the advantages and challenges of being an engineer in the industry? And more specifically at ABI?
Jady: One advantage is being able to think more like an engineer. Learning the theory and softwares in coursework is helpful but applying that knowledge in the real world can be different. At ABI, I have been trusted with real responsibility from the start, which can be both exciting and challenging. The industry work environment means you’re constantly learning but can also be a challenge to apply the knowledge while keeping up with the pace.
Beverly: One other advantage is seeing the results of your work in the finished product. ABI encourages ownership and thrives on adaptability.
What does International Women in Engineering Day mean to you?
Beverly: It’s a celebration and a reminder of women who came before us, their accomplishments, and the push for equal opportunity, while inspiring the next generation.
Jady: Honestly, I didn’t know this day existed until very recently which is surprising. That’s why it’s so important to celebrate it. It’s a day to recognize the contributions of women in engineering and show younger girls that this path is possible and worth pursuing. To me, it represents a big part of my journey and shows how much we’ve accomplished and will accomplish.
In your opinion, what are the essential skills or qualities for engineers to thrive today and in the future?
Beverly: Beyond technical skills: adaptability, data literacy, teamwork, and emotional intelligence.
Jady: Thinking outside of the box and adaptability.
