Embracing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in Engineering
Being a webmaster in the recent micromouse project, my job presented a full opportunity to experience Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in practice as well as in theory. Working with an innovatively sourced team of three people with individual origins varying across countries increased team coordination between the team and highlighted the inherent wealth as well as the advantages of a diversity-rich working environment. During the exercise, it struck me the way a conscious EDI practice embeds respect, innovation, and shared responsibility into practice in the field of engineering. EDI came across as a requirement dictated by regulation and a way of enabling innovation and team building through the learning materials and institutional activities.
From my experience, encouraging EDI greatly enhances team cohesion and capacity for problem-solving. Working on a multinational team, I saw that different cultural points of view encourage a wider range of creative ideas to address technology issues. It aligns with the concepts advanced in EDI policies at Swansea University (n.d.) that benefit by highlighting the need for inclusion in learning and workplace settings. In line with the vision of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) in nurturing change, developing professional growth, and encouraging ethical standards by being respectful of diversity in perspectives, the team employs EDI in all activities (IET, n.d.). The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes: Fourth Edition (2020) emphasizes that the performance of engineers depends on inclusive methods. Ultimately, this combination fosters creativity within groups, enhances productivity, and lays a strong groundwork for sustained technological achievements over time.
In summary, my reflection of the micromouse project in the team culture of my environment indicated EDI to be legal and presented a modern, lively environment. Through the exercise, the importance of embracing cultural diversity and valuing other people’s views as team success and personal development depend on them. For future professional growth, I will carry on improving inclusive practice in all spheres of my profession. The program laid a good foundation for future learning and prospects in ensuring diversity and inclusion in the field of engineering.
References
IET. (n.d.). We include everyone. The Institution of Engineering and Technology. Retrieved April 5, 2025, from https://www.theiet.org/about/vision-and-strategy/equality-diversity-and-inclusion/edi-strategy
Swansea University. (n.d.). Inclusivity in the faculty of science and engineering. Retrieved April 5, 2025, from https://www.swansea.ac.uk/science-and-engineering/edi/
The Accreditation of Higher Education Programmes (AHEP): Fourth edition. (2020). Retrieved April 5, 2025, from https://www.engc.org.uk/media/3464/ahep-fourth-edition.pdf