Connecting Students to Real Careers in Engineeringin Engineering
What does a career in engineering actually look like day to day?
That’s the question a group of students from York House School explored during a recent shadowing initiative with RAM.
Through the program, students were paired with women working in both field and office-based roles, giving them the opportunity to see firsthand what careers in engineering and construction can look like beyond the classroom.
For many students, it was their first time experiencing an active project environment up close.
They spent time with RAM team members both on site and in the office, learning how projects move from drawings and planning into real construction work. Along the way, they saw how engineering involves much more than technical calculations — from communication and coordination to problem-solving and teamwork.
The experience also gave students exposure to the wide variety of roles within the industry. Some team members walked them through design coordination and project planning, while others shared what it’s like managing work in the field, solving problems on-site, and working directly with contractors and crews.
For the students, seeing women leading work in both environments was an important part of the experience.
“Even though the students are young, it was clear they were genuinely curious and interested in engineering,” shared Ana Durao, who helped facilitate the program between RAM and York House School.
“I believe this program could have a lasting impact by helping them build confidence, spark curiosity, and see themselves in these kinds of careers.”
Throughout the day, students asked questions about career paths, university programs, field work, and what engineering careers actually look like beyond school.
Those conversations were often just as valuable as the technical exposure itself. Programs like this play an important role in helping young women see STEM careers as accessible and achievable — especially when they can connect directly with professionals already working in the industry.
For RAM, the initiative was also an opportunity to support mentorship and strengthen connections with local schools and communities.
By giving students direct exposure to women working across engineering and construction roles, the program aimed to make those career paths feel more visible, relatable, and attainable for the next generation.