ACR Journal

ACR industry April | May 2020 56 Volume 6 No.3 WOMEN IN ACR In this issue we talk to Merve Koklu, Pre-Sales Application Engineer for TCUK… What was your first job? I have a degree in mechanical engineering and started my career working as an R&D engineer in Istanbul. What does your current role involve? I am responsible for e ectively utilising software programs across Carrier, Ciat and Toshiba to select equipment, prepare technically correct quotations and support the sales team, providing the correct solution to our customers, utilising the portfolio of all three brands. What attracted you to the industry? HVAC is one of the few industries where you can make a real environmental impact. What excites/interests you about the industry? Sustainable and smart building systems. The buildings’ HVAC system is a major component in sustainable building design, as heating and cooling systems are a major source of building energy consumption. It really motivates me to support our customers with our system solutions for sustainable and smart buildings. How would you like to see your career developing? I transferred to the UK team from the team in Turkey. My primary focus is on continuing to develop my skills and I believe the best way to do that is to constantly challenge myself. What is the best piece of advice you were ever given? Don’t ever stop learning and growing as a person. Whether at work or in your personal life, do the very best you can do and be true to yourself. What do you see as the challenges facing the industry? Reduce the amount of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere. What would you say to other women who are considering coming into the ACR industry? Engineering involves everyone and has an e ect on all our lives, which is why the sector needs greater diversity. To all women who are interested they should be curious, brave and the best in what they do. Is there a little-known fact about yourself that would surprise other people (secret skill, unusual hobby etc)? A: Outside of work, I make sure to find time to do the things I enjoy such as traveling and cycling, since arriving in the UK, I have taken the opportunity to visit 20 European cities and my next venture is further afield to India and Sri-Lanka. I express the creative side of myself through ceramic painting, which I then give as personalised gifts to friends and family.