One of the key things I’ve learned in my career as an engineer is that complex problems are best solved by diverse teams. If we want to see a problem from every angle, we need input from every perspective.
In practical terms, this means combining a range of skillsets from talented people with a variety of backgrounds.
As a new and growing team with a start-up spirit, we have a unique opportunity in MSD Biotech, Dublin, to co-create a culture that promotes an inclusive workforce. New teams like ours have a chance to think and act differently and we can build diversity in from the get-go.
We want to attract talented people from backgrounds that go beyond the traditional engineering qualifications and experiences. MSD adopt a blended and strategic approach to hiring talent, not only seeking people with experience in traditional engineering or pharma, but we also hire people from many different backgrounds and qualifications. We then provide the training they need to thrive in our organisation.
Of course, building a more diverse workforce is not enough – diversity and inclusion go hand-in-hand.
We also have a focus on gender balance in our engineering roles.
According to Engineers Ireland, only 12 per cent of engineering professionals in Ireland are female. In MSD Biotech, a third of all our engineering recruits on-site are female a development we’re proud of, yet we still see the opportunity to enhance our diverse talent pool.
There are a number of ways in which MSD Ireland are actively working to enhance the flow of talented young women into STEM careers. As an example, in 2019 we ran a campaign during Engineers Week to spotlight our female engineers and showcase the array of roles they hold across our business.
The culture change we are fostering in our engineering teams goes beyond expanding skillsets and striving for gender balance. Our teams are globally diverse, attracting people from around the world with a range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. My own team has members from eight countries, and this is likely to expand as we grow. This brings its own opportunities for incorporating diverse perspectives and enhances our ability to identify new solutions to technical problems.
"MSD biotech Dublin is a fantastic place to work because we merge a unique culture of diversity and inclusion with true individual and team empowerment. I personally feel very privileged to not only be part of an organisation that has such a positive impact on people's lives but one that truly embraces the strength of everyone's individual and unique contribution" - Emma Mansbridge, Engineering Manager at MSD Biotech, Dublin
Of course, building a more diverse workforce is not enough – diversity and inclusion go hand-in-hand. That is why we offer all our people equal personal and professional development opportunities, allowing them to grow their careers in an environment that empowers them to succeed.
Our MSD Women’s Network in Ireland is playing an active role in ensuring that workplaces are inclusive and supports talented team members to pursue developmental career opportunities.
The Network hosts an annual conference which attracts women from across the business world in Ireland.
I believe when a person sees talented credible role models in inspiring roles, it gives them something to aspire to. To borrow a phrase…if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.
Diversity and inclusion have obvious benefits in terms of offering equal opportunities. Our experience is that it also delivers happier, better performing engineering teams which benefits everyone.
I believe we can achieve diversity by design. Let’s build a culture and a mindset that makes diversity and inclusion the norm. Together we can engineer better workplaces for all.
Explore MSD careers at jobs.msd.com/Ireland