Winner's story: Sana Mev

Sana shared a story about how her team supported her through early challenges, helping her feel confident enough to ask questions and be herself. In her entry, Sana also reflects on the inclusive culture at Smiths, which played a key role in building her confidence and sense of belonging.

As an engineering girl, I joined Smiths as a Graduate Engineer Trainee without really knowing what to expect.

I was curious, a little unsure, and just trying to understand how things work in a professional environment. Everything was new for me at that time, and I was still learning step by step.

I still clearly remember one of my early projects. It was completely new for me, and in the beginning, I honestly felt quite lost.

I didn’t know the tools well and was trying to catch up with the work. That’s when my team really supported me. They helped me understand the technologies, explained things patiently, and made me feel comfortable asking questions. That experience changed my perception of corporate life. I realised that people can be genuinely supportive, and Smiths gave me that feeling right from the start.

As a girl starting out in an engineering role, I did have my own doubts and fears. But the environment at Smiths made things much easier than I expected. People were welcoming, open to discussions, and respectful. I never felt uncomfortable speaking up or being myself, and that helped me build confidence slowly.

Over time, things started falling into place. Asking questions became normal, sharing ideas felt easier, and I slowly started feeling like I truly belonged to the team. That sense of belonging helped me grow more confident, especially during the early years of my career.

This year, Smiths is celebrating 175 years, and at the same time, I will be completing my five years with the company. During this journey, I have grown from a Graduate Engineer Trainee to a Senior Software Engineer.

I’ve had the opportunity to work on defence-related projects such as LCD, XID, JMOD, and JCAD. Every project has come with new challenges, but those challenges have helped me learn, improve, and grow both technically and professionally.

Along with my technical work, I have also been an active part of the Fun at Work Committee and the Women at Work initiative. Being involved in these groups gave me exposure beyond my daily work and helped me connect with people across teams. Most importantly, it helped me empower myself as a woman and grow with more confidence, both professionally and personally.

What stands out the most for me at Smiths is the people. My team trusted me, supported me when I was struggling, and guided me whenever I needed help. That trust played a big role in shaping who I am today.

Looking back, Smiths has played a defining role in my growth, shaping not just my career path, but also the person I’ve become.