Please introduce yourself, tell us about your career journey to date.
My name is Zara Vermeulen, and I work as a Fire Engineer at SOCOTEC UK.
My career journey so far has been both varied and rewarding. Alongside completing my Master’s in Structural Fire Engineering, I continued developing my experience through a range of industry and research-based projects, including a summer internship at the Danish Institute of Fire and Security Technology (DBI).
Shortly after graduating, my research was published in an academic journal, and I had the opportunity to present it at the SFPE European Conference 2025. Around the same time, I relocated to the UK after being offered the opportunity to join the SOCOTEC UK fire engineering team.
Since joining the industry, I’ve benefited from working within a highly supportive and knowledgeable team environment, which has provided both strong mentorship and continuous learning opportunities. That experience helped me develop both technically and professionally and ultimately led to my promotion to Fire Engineer within 11 months of starting my career.
What inspired you to pursue a career in fire engineering?
What inspired me to pursue a career in fire engineering was the opportunity to work within an ever-evolving discipline, which has a direct impact on people’s safety and wellbeing. In a world that is continuously changing, fire remains one of the most critical risks faced within the built environment, and I was drawn to the challenge and responsibility that comes with helping to address that.
From the beginning of my career, I’ve viewed fire engineering as far more than just a technical profession. It’s about using engineering knowledge to help create safer, more resilient, and more sustainable environments for communities and future generations.
What continues to motivate me is the opportunity to collaborate with others to find practical, balanced solutions to real-world challenges. It has also strengthened my interest in wider social impact initiatives, including resilience, community safety, and pro bono work that can positively contribute to the industry and society more broadly.
What do you find most rewarding about working in this field?
What I find most rewarding is the potential for engineering to have a genuine and positive impact on society. As fire engineers, we have both the technical skills and the responsibility to help solve real-world challenges and contribute to safer environments.
I also believe the profession has an important role to play beyond purely commercial work. There is significant value in contributing to initiatives that support communities, improve public safety, and create meaningful social impact. For me, using our expertise to create a better and safer foundation for future generations is one the most meaningful and fulfilling aspects of the role.
What professional achievement are you most proud of, and why?
One of the professional achievements I am most proud of is my career development and progression within the industry so far. Over the past year, I have learnt a tremendous amount, and I was grateful to be promoted within a year of joining the sector.
Through this experience, I’ve developed a much deeper understanding of fire engineering principles, legislation, and how fire engineering can be applied to support safe and practical design solutions. This progression reflects not only my personal and professional growth, but the increasing importance and demand for specialist fire engineering skills both within the UK and internationally. We are constantly faced with new challenges and responsibilities, and I believe continual learning, development, and adaptability is essential.
How has being part of the IFE supported your development or career progression?
Being part of the IFE has been valuable for both my technical and professional development. It has provided opportunities to access industry knowledge, networking events, and professional discussions that help broaden understanding beyond day-to-day project work. The IFE also helps create a strong sense of professionalism and the importance of maintaining high standards within the fire sector.
Do you have any advice for women thinking of starting a career in fire?
My advice for women considering a career in fire engineering would be to identify what genuinely interests and motivates you, and pursue it with confidence, focus, and determination. Fire engineering is a highly varied and evolving field, so being open to challenges and opportunities across different disciplines can be incredibly valuable.
I would also encourage women to trust in their own knowledge, perspective, and capability. At the same time, remaining open to learning from others and respecting the experience and insight of colleagues across the profession, making use of professional networks and organisations like the IFE.