The Engineering Mindset: PhD, Systems Thinking and the Road to Consultancy

What if the thing holding you back wasn't your grades, but your belief in what you were capable of?Abby joins Josh on The Engineer a Career Podcast for one of the most honest engineering career conversations we've had on the show. From leaving school with a B in English and a C in Chemistry, being rejected from art school twice and nearly not making it through third year at Strathclyde, to completing a PhD, researching with BAE Systems and founding her own engineering consultancy.This isn't a polished success story. It's a real one.Josh and Abby explore what it actually means to think like an engineer beyond the technical skills. Why being comfortable with ambiguity separates good engineers from great ones, how systems thinking becomes one of the most powerful tools across your entire career, and why building genuine connections matters more than any networking event ever will.Abby also opens up about imposter syndrome, a dissertation presentation so bad the head of department called her into his office, and what finally pushed her to back herself and start Defankle.If you've ever feel like you didn't quite fit the mould, this one's for you.Follow Engineer a CareerLinkedIn: @engineeracareerInstagram: @engineeracareerTikTok: @engineer.a.careerYouTube: @engineeracareerWebsite: www.engineeracareer.co.uk