My journey to becoming a data specialist with Southern Railway
I’ve been with Southern Railway for four years now, working as an Asset Management Systems Data Specialist, and it’s not exactly where I expected to end up. I studied Politics at Master’s level and originally wanted to go into the civil service, but I wasn’t happy in my previous job and couldn’t quite see a clear path forward.
It was actually a family member who suggested the railway as an industry, and once I started looking into it, it quickly became something that felt worth exploring. My work anniversary falls on Valentine’s Day, which feels quite fitting, because over time I’ve found a role that genuinely works for me.
Looking back, there were early signs that this kind of work would suit me. My dissertation focused on engagement, looking at why people connect with certain things and not others, and it involved a fair amount of data. In my previous role, I was also working heavily with spreadsheets, so when I came across this job, it immediately stood out as something that matched how I think and what I enjoy doing.
"Engineering isn’t just hands-on work, it’s also everything happening behind the scenes"
How a typical day looks in my role
A typical day for me depends on the project I’m working on. Recently, I’ve been focused on maintenance plans for Class 379 trains. The fleet engineers map out the work that needs to be done, and we take that information, structure it, and plan how it will be delivered. That includes checking the data is accurate, building it into spreadsheets, and coordinating with production teams to make sure everything lines up.
The Class 379 units are part of a newer fleet, and I was actually involved in some of the train building for them, which was really exciting. We use something called a ‘virtual train’, where we track assets and location codes, giving us a picture of the train and how it all fits together.
Challenging expectations as a woman in engineering
Like any role, there are challenges, and the most difficult moments tend to come when something unexpected happens. If a result comes back that doesn’t match what we expected or what the data suggests, it becomes about digging into that problem and figuring out what’s happened.
When people talk about women in engineering, they often picture roles on the shop floor or working directly on trains, but there’s also a whole data and systems side to it. That’s where I sit, alongside colleagues including two women in quality management roles, and it’s a good reminder that engineering isn’t just hands-on work, it’s also everything happening behind the scenes.
Why this job works for me as someone who is neurodivergent
For me, this job fits the way my brain works. I’m autistic, and pattern recognition is something that comes naturally to me, along with problem-solving and approaching things from a different angle. I also love research, so having a role that allows me to lean into those strengths has made a real difference.
"When people talk about women in engineering, they often picture roles on the shop floor or working directly on trains, but there’s also a whole data and systems side to it"
That experience is part of what led me to co-found and now co-chair the Disability Employee Network. I was diagnosed with autism at 23, and in my previous job I didn’t have the adjustments I needed. When I joined Southern Railway, I wanted to help create a space where colleagues with disabilities or caring responsibilities could access the support they need.
Creating an inclusive work environment
A big part of the network is education and encouraging open conversations. The more people understand about disability and neurodivergence, the easier it becomes to create an inclusive environment. There’s also a broader point that everyone experiences a form of disability at some stage in life, even temporarily, and that perspective helps shift how people think about it.
It’s also important to make sure frontline colleagues feel represented and heard. The railway can be a great fit for neurodivergent people, as many roles align well with specific skillsets and ways of thinking.
Mental health and neurodivergence
Through this work, I’ve become more aware of the mental health challenges that can come with neurodivergency, particularly around diagnosis. I previously worked with my local MP and council on this, and it’s something I continue to care about, making sure people feel supported during what can be a difficult process. Even small things, like clear communication, can have a big impact.
Being co-chair of the Disability Employee Network has helped me connect with more people across the organisation, and it’s reinforced something quite simple: everyone has their own challenges and their own successes. I’m also part of an Accessibility Advisory Panel, working with the accessibility team to represent the public and contribute to change.
Why I’m proud to be championing change
If I had to pick my biggest achievement, it would be helping to create something that gives people a voice. I’ve always wanted to contribute to positive change, and if I can make someone else’s experience easier in a place where I once struggled, that matters.
My role at Southern Railway has given me opportunities to develop, build new skills, and take on leadership responsibilities. It’s also shown me that there isn’t one fixed path into a career, and that sometimes the right role is the one that fits how you think.
"The railway can be a great fit for neurodivergent people"
My advice to other neurodivergent people, or anyone with a disability, is not to give up. Rejection can make things feel more difficult, and it can hit harder, but it’s important to focus on what you enjoy and where your strengths lie.
Trying different things and finding what brings you a sense of calm and purpose can make all the difference, because there is a place for everyone, even if it takes time to find it.