At H&MV, Aude Grey, Supply Chain Director, Aylesford Office UK, stands out for more than her technical expertise. She’s passionate about sustainability and empowering the next generation in an industry that’s transforming how we think about energy and infrastructure. Aude shares her unconventional journey into engineering, the challenges she’s faced in a male-dominated field, and her excitement about the future of the engineering sector.
From Business School to Engineering: An Unexpected Path
“My career path wasn’t a straight shot to Supply Chain Director,” Aude recalls. “I was always interested in science, but I wasn’t at the top of my class in those subjects. After finishing my A-Levels in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology, I didn’t pursue a degree in engineering because I imagined it would only lead to working in a lab for 10 hours a day.”
With an outgoing personality, Aude chose to apply to business school instead. But a twist of fate brought her to the engineering world. “My accommodation during school overlooked a prominent multinational electrical engineering company. I used to look at the sign on the building and imagine working there, traveling the world and selling complex electrical products and solutions that were critical to our daily lives, yet invisible to most people.”
That inspiration led Aude to apply for an internship with the company, marking the first step in her engineering career.
Building a Diverse Skill Set: A Career in Sales
Aude’s path to becoming Supply Chain Director was anything but conventional. Her career started in sales, where she quickly gained a wide range of experiences. “Sales gave me insight into different business functions and helped me understand customer needs on a deeper level. If you’re curious and eager to learn, people notice and invest in you.”
Throughout her career, Aude participated in numerous internal training programs that helped her develop vital skills. “I learned everything from presentation skills, product technical training, and commercial negotiations to leadership skills and change management. Over time, I developed a strong understanding of the global supply chain, which prepared me for the role I hold today.”
Finding a Calling in Engineering
Despite starting in business, Aude soon found her calling in the engineering sector. “I didn’t take the traditional route. My journey involved exploring different areas, from market management and product development to testing and qualification. Engineering isn’t just about technical expertise; it’s about understanding and supporting diverse projects, which involve financial forecasting, project management, manufacturing planning, and even building partnerships.”
What truly captivated Aude was the chance to make a lasting impact. “The prospect of contributing to the infrastructure of tomorrow, tangible solutions that benefit society was what piqued my interest.”
Navigating Challenges as a Woman in Engineering
Being a woman in a male-dominated field has presented unique challenges for Aude, but she’s navigated them with resilience. “Like many women in similar environments, I’ve had to deal with being spoken over or dismissed. My contributions weren’t always acknowledged, and my ideas were sometimes co-opted by male counterparts.”
These experiences only strengthened her determination to advocate for herself. “It’s taught me the value of proactive communication and the importance of confidently presenting my ideas. When faced with unprofessional behaviour, it’s crucial to address it directly.”
Advice to Young Women Considering Engineering
When asked what advice she’d give to young women entering the engineering field, Aude is clear: “Don’t be discouraged by stereotypes! Engineering is an incredibly diverse field with countless opportunities. You don’t necessarily need an engineering degree to build a successful career in this industry.”
Aude stresses that there are many roles beyond engineering, such as supply chain, sales, marketing, and logistics, which also offer exposure to the sector. “The key is to find your niche, leverage your skills, and have the enthusiasm to learn.”
Excitement for the Future of Engineering
Aude is optimistic about the future of engineering, particularly the opportunities it presents for sustainability. “We’re on the cusp of a technological revolution, and engineering is at the forefront of this change. At H&MV, we’re actively involved in building a more sustainable future by integrating renewable energy sources into the electrical grid.”
She adds, “It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of something that not only improves daily life but also positively impacts the environment. The engineering sector offers endless opportunities for innovation, and I’m excited to see where the next generation will take it.”
Aude Grey’s is proof that with curiosity, passion, and determination, you can defy expectations and thrive in any field. Her path from business school to engineering leadership serves as an inspiring reminder that you don’t need to follow a conventional route to make a difference—especially when that difference involves building the sustainable infrastructure of tomorrow. If you’re interested in building a more sustainable future and exploring career opportunities in the energy sector, visit our Careers Page to find out how you can join our innovative team at H&MV.
Together, let’s shape the future of energy!