SMIFutures Early Career Profile: Dayna Ferguson

In the latest SMIFutures Early Career Profile, Dayna Ferguson, UK Specification Manager; New Build Navy, Nuclear & EPC at Roxtec Ltd., reflects on how curiosity, resilience and integrity have shaped her early career, and shares insights on building confidence, earning trust, and contributing to complex maritime projects from the outset.

1. What initially attracted you to the maritime industry, and why did you choose it as a career path?

The Maritime industry is an environment where what you design and build really matters - to safety, to capability, and to people who rely on these assets every day. It felt like an industry that would challenge me and keep my curiosity for how Roxtec can support past, present and future.

2. What initially attracted you to your company, and why did you choose it for your career path?

I wanted to work somewhere that valued doing things properly and encouraged open, honest conversations with engineers. Roxtec stood out as a company that takes responsibility seriously, trusts their employees to be creative in how they approach challenges plus is the most trusted and exciting MCT manufacturer in the market. It felt like a place where you’re trusted to grow, but also held to high standards.

3. Can you tell us about your educational background and how it prepared you for your current role?

My education gave me a foundation, but more importantly it gave me confidence to keep learning. It taught me how to approach problems, how to communicate clearly, and how to keep asking questions.

4. What challenges did you face during the early years of your career, and how did you overcome them?

One of the biggest challenges early on was confidence - particularly presenting complex technical solutions in rooms with very experienced professionals. I learned quickly that credibility isn’t about having all the answers; it’s about being prepared, listening carefully, and following through. Over time, consistency builds trust, and trust opens doors.

5. How did you navigate the transition from being a student to a working professional?

You’re contributing to outcomes that affect cost, safety, and delivery. I learn from asking questions, seeing the task at hand and being hands on so pushing myself to be in uncomfortable environments to then better my knowledge was key.

6. Can you share any memorable experiences or projects you’ve worked on?

Most recently; Organising EMC Roadshows around the country where we hold engineering seminars focused on EMI shielding specifically for the MOD, Primes and Naval Architects and designers alike. Being trusted to contribute to complex maritime and infrastructure programmes early in the design process has been particularly rewarding.

7. What skills or qualities are essential for success in the maritime industry?

Curiosity, resilience, and integrity. You need to be willing to keep learning, to listen to different perspectives, and to stand by your judgement when it matters.

8. How do you balance work and personal life?

Some periods are demanding, and that’s part of working in a high‑responsibility industry. It’s important to have a strong support team around you that you can call upon – which I am thankful that I do!

9. What do you find most rewarding about working in the maritime industry?

I’m motivated by working with people who care deeply about getting things right, even when it’s difficult. The projects I am involved with have a huge impact on the geo-political landscape which I find fascinating.

10. How do you envision the future of the maritime industry, and the role of young professionals?

Young professionals have a huge role to play - bringing fresh thinking, confidence, and energy - while also respecting the experience and lessons already earned.