On the Spot

What was your first job?
By Penny Marshall, director of the Institution of Civil Engineers Yorkshire and Humber
Published 18th Nov 2014, 06:00 BST
Penny Marshall, Director of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Yorkshire and Humber.Penny Marshall, Director of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Yorkshire and Humber.
Penny Marshall, Director of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) Yorkshire and Humber.

I was a Saturday girl in Boots.

If you weren’t in your present position, what would you be doing?

I’d be practising as a civil engineer

What is the worst mistake you’ve ever made?

As a placement student I set out some roads for a housing estate but used the wrong starting point, so they were all in completely the wrong place.

What’s your ideal day away from the office?

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I’d spend the morning in the garden, followed by lunch with friends and a walk.

Name one person you would like to have dinner with and why?

Thomas Telford. He was the first president of our Institution, and an amazing engineer.

What was your best subject at school?

English and French.

What are you hobbies?

Gardening, walking and assorted watersports.

What would you do if you won the lottery?

Build an eco-house somewhere nice.

What is your top time saving tip?

Working from home has revolutionised my life.

What is your favourite time of day?

Lunchtime. There’s lots of light, and I do enjoy eating.

What is your favourite item of clothing?

Scarves.

What’s the best thing about being in Yorkshire?

The open space.

What would your epitaph be?

She did alright, considering she was born in Lancashire.

Related topics:BootsGardeningYorkshireLancashire