Happy International Women in Engineering Day! To celebrate, we asked some of our Robogals members who are studying and working in different engineering fields, to share with us their experiences and advices for all students who are interested in pursuing engineering!
Our panellists have studied, or are studying computer engineering, chemical engineering, mechatronics engineering, and environmental engineering!
Jackie Bettencourt
Jackie is the Regional Executive Officer in North America. She studied computer engineering, and now working as a Quality Assurance Engineer in Canada!
Q: What did you study? Why did you choose to pursue that field?
A: I studied Computer Engineering at Queen’s University. I chose engineering because I fell in love with the problem solving, and challenging aspects of it during the Shad Valley summer enrichment program. After completing a general engineering my first year, I realized the endless potential of programming as a creative force and seemingly boundless opportunities to explore and grow within this field of engineering. Needless to say, I was hooked!
Q: What are you currently working on?
A: I currently work full time as a Quality Assurance Engineer at the Canadian tech company, ecobee. In my current role, there are endless opportunities to approach my work through different perspectives, and to try and capture potential user experiences as I go about testing and uncovering defects. It is rewarding to advocate for the users of our products and contribute to delivering high quality work to them.
Q: Do you have a role model in engineering? What would you say to students who are interested in pursuing engineering as a career in the future?
A: I don’t have a specific role model in engineering, but I do admire and look to the women in engineering that have become my mentors throughout my academic and industry careers.
To the young students who are interested in pursuing a career in engineering: you have a place here! There are so many paths to explore, so much to learn and to challenge yourself with through a career in engineering; your perspective is a vital one and I look forward to someday crossing paths with you.
Enda Larasati (Laras)
Laras is the Logistics Coordinator with Robogals APAC. She studied chemical engineering and now working as a project engineer.
Q: What did you study? Why did you choose to pursue that field?
A: I studied chemical engineering. I pursued this field because of my interest in understanding how processes operate and how chemical engineers can transform raw materials to usable, everyday products.
Q: What are you currently working on?
A: I am currently working as a project engineer where I conduct new product development (such as hand sanitisers, soap, detergents and many more!) as well as running sustainability projects to reduce wastage.
Q: Do you have a role model in engineering? What would you say to girls who are interested in pursuing engineering as a career in the future?
A: My role model in engineering is my father. He is an engineer himself and has always inspired me to always stay curious by understanding “how things work and why”. For any students curious about how things function and enjoy problem solving, I highly encourage you to explore the world of engineering. It may seem an overwhelming occupation, but it is a fun and rewarding career where you can innovate and solve the challenges of the world.
Chris Tan
Chris is the Project Manager with Robogals APAC. She’s studying mechatronics engineering.
Q: What did you study? Why did you choose to pursue that field?
A: I’m studying Mechatronics Engineering. I’ve always liked logical problem solving, and in school I did well in Maths and Physics, so I decided to pursue engineering. I choose to specialise in mechatronics as I am interested in the programming and electrical side of things.
Q: What are you currently working on?
A: At university, I am working on engineering design projects with PSOC, machine learning projects with Jupyter notebooks, and building simple analogue electronics from scratch.
Q: Do you have a role model in engineering? What would you say to students who are interested in pursuing engineering as a career in the future?
A: My biggest role model in general is my mum! In the engineering field, I’d say Dr Jen Nee, one of my lecturers.
Engineering is an important job for the future, but so are artists, accountants, gym trainers and musicians. Choose the job you’d like, and you wouldn’t work a day. 🙂
Maria Ngo
Maria is a Regional Mentor with Robogals APAC. She studied mechatronics engineering and now working as a graduate engineer in the Digital Buildings unit.
Q: What did you study? Why did you choose to pursue that field?
A: I studied mechatronic engineering. I chose to study engineering because engineering applications fascinated me. And mechatronic in particular because I wanted to explore all of mechanical, electrical, and software engineering. I also love seeing the integration of different components in a system so mechatronic is an exciting field for me.
Q: What are you currently working on?
A: I currently work as a Graduate Engineer at Schneider Electric. I assist in the configuration, troubleshooting, and monitoring of their digital services within the Digital Buildings business unit.
Q: Do you have a role model in engineering? What would you say to students who are interested in pursuing engineering as a career in the future?
A: My role model is Marita Cheng. I learned about Marita in an HSC assignment and was in awe at her courage and determination to promote engineering to younger girls and constantly work on challenging issues like supporting aids for those in need.
My advice for future engineers out there is to stay curious and never shy away from any challenge that sparks your interest. Looking back at my own journey through university, I realise I’ve grown the most whenever I forced myself out of my comfort zone.
Rae Tang
Rae is the Deputy Regional Executive Officer in Robogals APAC. He studied Environmental Engineering, then Sustainability, and will be working in the Climate Change and Sustainability Team very soon!
Q: What did you study? Why did you choose to pursue that field?
I studied Environmental Engineering in my undergraduate, then Masters of Environment and Sustainability. I am passionate in inspiring positive change in the environment and our communities. With the knowledge that I have gained studying my Bachelor’s and Master’s, I believe that I am able to help usher in a more sustainable future where our communities are well equipped with the ability to make sustainable choices!
Q: What are you currently working on?
Currently, I just finished uni, and I will be starting a graduate role in the Climate Change and Sustainability Team at KPMG in August!
Q: Do you have a role model in engineering? What would you say to students who are interested in pursuing engineering as a career in the future?
A: One of my role models in Engineering is professor Anas Ghadouani. He inspired me to pursue and study in-depth engineering regarding water!
I would say to students who are interested in pursuing engineering to really research and study which type of engineering really interests them the most. I had been relatively aimless in my studies of Environmental Engineering until I got in deep with Water and it really lit up my passion!