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Women in Leadership - Eden Glazebrook, Project Manager
Name: Eden Glazebrook
Role: Scheme Project Manager
Company: Network Rail
Please tell us a little bit about yourself: I left Invicta in 2020, I am now 22 and working in the railway industry as a Scheme Project Manager in the delivery of track renewals. I am confident, professional and personable and like to be challenged! I bought my first home in Maidstone at 19 and I love going on holiday - Dubai is my favourite destination!
Why did you decide to go into your chosen field? I like a challenge and have always been interested in 'managing' projects. Project Management is a transferrable skill. Therefore, I decided to go into the Railway industry as I wanted to have a career that had progression, stability and represent women that wish to get into the industry from a young age.
What qualifications and work experience did you need to reach your current position? I left Invicta in 2020, I studied Business, Economics and Psychology. I completed nine months of work experience for Network Rail during my summer holidays and final year of Sixth Form. This helped me in applying for my first role within the organisation and set me up for my career. The company has also sponsored me to complete the Level 4 Associate Project Manager qualification and am now completing a Level 5 in Leadership and Operational Management to help me to progress within my career.
What do you enjoy most about your job/role? I enjoy being a Project Manager as it involves coordinating people and tasks to complete a job. I like the fact the job I do makes a direct difference to passengers of the railway, working towards delivering a safer and more reliable railway. I like being held accountable for managing projects and going out on site to meet with the teams working on the track. This exposure has given me confidence within my role.
Are there any obstacles you had to overcome in your career? The company I work for has inclusivity as one of it's values. However, women within the railway and construction industry as a whole are the minority. I have needed to overcome this obstacle when applying for roles, and identify the fact that I bring different perspectives and dynamic to a team - particularly one that is male dominated and feel empowered by this.
Why do you think it is important to have strong female representation in your industry? I think it is crucial to have strong female representation, whether that is in greater representation or in how we empower ourselves. Although the team I work for is male dominated, the women within my team are strong and have a voice. It is also important for helping the next generation (you!) entering into the industry to feel you have a voice and it is important!
What advice would you give to those wanting to take a similar career path? Gain as much work experience as you can - this is what makes you stand out on your CV! Talk to people... it may feel daunting cold calling or sending an email but this is how you network and can gain contacts for your career going forward. It is never too early to start building this skill!
Proactivity is key!
Is there anything else you would like to add about your job or about Women In Leadership? Even if you are the only one amongst your peers choosing to go down a particular career path or into a different industry like construction, take pride in this and feel empowered as a female. I am still proud of myself for being proactive at 16/17 as it has meant I am in the position I am in now within my career. If I can do it, so can you!
