Please introduce yourself, tell us about your career journey to date and what inspired you to pursue a career in fire engineering?
My name is Jakelyne Rocha, and I am a fire engineer based in London. My journey into this profession began in Brazil, where I studied civil engineering before completing a postgraduate qualification in fire safety engineering. Fire safety first caught my attention during my undergraduate studies, and Brazil's history of significant fire incidents also had a role in my decision to pursue a career in the fire safety industry. The social impact this profession can have on people's lives was clear to me from the start, and that has guided my career ever since.
After building my experience in Brazil, including on large-scale industrial and infrastructure projects, I made the move to the UK in 2022. It meant learning an entirely new regulatory system as the Building Regulations, Approved Document B, BS 9999, BS 9991, PD 7974 and such, were all new to me. But I knew that the fundamentals of fire dynamics do not change, physics is the same wherever you are. It was a learning curve, but one I embraced with confidence and I had great support from colleagues to thrive, that confidence and positive environment made all the difference.
What professional achievement are you most proud of, and why?
Since moving to the UK, I have been involved in several different types of schemes, from concept to construction stages and I do have particular interest in residential schemes as the importance of getting fire safety right feels most immediate and personal. I have been involved in residential schemes above 100m in height and throughout my career I can say that I have collaborated with truly inspiring people.
How has being part of the IFE supported your development or career progression
I am an Associate Member of the IFE, with an Interim Chartership, and as fire engineering is a fast-moving field I make a point of attending events and CPDs regularly, some provided by the IFE. Staying connected to the industry, its people, and developments is something I consider essential.
Do you have any advice for women thinking of starting a career in fire?
On the subject of being a woman in this profession: yes, I am often the only woman in the room. But today is a day to celebrate, not to dwell on difficulty. Fire engineering has given me the opportunity to work on complex, high-stakes projects and to hold my ground in high pressure environments. I have found, consistently, that confidence in your skills paired with genuine kindness and a collaborative spirit takes you further.
My advice to any woman considering a career in fire engineering is to pursue it if it speaks to you, if you are motivated by working in areas with real social impact. Be confident in what you know, be kind and collaborate with others. Invest in knowing yourself, your strengths and values, because that self-knowledge will help you to recognise when something is not right, work related or not, and to respond with clarity rather than doubt. Fire engineering needs people who care deeply about keeping others safe, and there is absolutely a place for you here.