Reflections on a Lifetime Achievement Award
Dr Carol Marsh OBE EngD CEng FIET, Engineering Director at Celestia UK, recently received a Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her contributions to engineering leadership, mentoring, volunteering and inclusion. Here, she reflects on the role the IET has played throughout her career.
“Receiving a Lifetime Achievement Award was both an honour and a moment for reflection.
While the award recognises an individual, it also reflects the many colleagues, mentors, volunteers and organisations that have supported me along the way. The IET has been a constant throughout that journey, providing opportunities to learn, contribute and connect with remarkable people across the profession.
When I joined the IET while undertaking my Engineering Doctorate, I saw it primarily as a professional institution that would support my development as an engineer. I never imagined it would become such an important part of my career and personal growth.
Like many engineers, my focus at the time was on developing technical expertise. Achieving Chartered Engineer status and later becoming a Fellow were important milestones, but it was volunteering that truly changed my experience of the Institution.
What began with local activities gradually developed into a range of leadership and governance opportunities. Over the years, I have been fortunate to serve in volunteer roles across the IET, including as Chair of IET Scotland, Chair of the IET Council, Trustee and Vice President. Along the way, I also became the first female Chair of several of these groups, reflecting the positive changes taking place across the engineering profession.
However, some of my most rewarding experiences have come through supporting others. Whether mentoring aspiring engineers, supporting professional registration through advising and interviewing, or advising Fellowship candidates, it has been a privilege to play a small part in helping people build confidence and achieve their goals.
Volunteering has also broadened my horizons in ways I never anticipated. Through the IET, I have met engineers from industry, academia and government, as well as young people whose enthusiasm and ambition give me great confidence in the future of our profession. These experiences have shaped my perspective and influenced my approach to leadership throughout my career.
Looking back, I can see how deeply my involvement with the IET has influenced both my professional and personal development. The skills, confidence and connections I gained through volunteering helped me navigate periods of change and encouraged me to look beyond my immediate role to consider the wider contribution I could make to engineering.
If there is one message I would share with IET members, it is this: get involved. Volunteering may begin as a way of giving something back, but in my experience, it provides far more in return. It offers opportunities to learn, to grow, to meet remarkable people and, ultimately, to make a lasting contribution to the profession.”