Picture the scene: you meet a young woman, and she tells you she’s an engineer. What assumptions do you make?
A career in engineering is often seen through a lens of preconceived ideas, especially for women who are about to enter the sector or have just entered it.
And while some of these ideas are probably accurate, many aren’t.
Early-career professional and engineer Olivia Kieser has encountered these assumptions a few times – and she’s keen to share a more balanced perspective!
A bright start at Downer
While completing her degree, Olivia landed a summer internship with Downer, a leading engineering and construction provider. This led her to secure a graduate role and eventually her current position as a site engineer. She shares:
“My role is really focused on how we can improve the way we work and get the best performance out of the asset. Sometimes this looks like scoping and delivering projects that will make things safer and more efficient for our crew, and sometimes it’s analysing data in order to identify these opportunities. I love having that variety.”
This split creates a dynamic, engaging work experience and many opportunities to learn something new for her:
“Having come from the construction side of the business, it’s great to be able to explore the flip side and work in areas like maintenance. I feel like it exercises a different part of my brain, where I’m given a problem to solve instead of a design and a specification. I think it’ll make me a more well-rounded engineer.”
Below, Olivia shares more about her varied experiences and a few key myths about women working in engineering that she believes we should all let go of.
Myth 1: You have to gain years of experience before considering travel, relocation opportunities, and working internationally.
Fact: Traveling for work and relocating are viable opportunities, even early in your career.
Olivia currently works in operations and maintenance on the NorthConnex tunnel in Sydney, Australia, but her journey started across the sea.
“I transferred into this role from the New Zealand side of the business just over a month ago. It’s been very exciting, as it’s given me a whole new set of experiences and challenges for me to tackle.”
Working for an organization with a global footprint like Downer has undoubtedly helped. She imagines her younger self would be surprised and delighted with the travel opportunities she’s received so far.
“When I chose to study engineering, many people told me it could take me worldwide. But I certainly didn’t expect this so quickly! Starting in New Zealand, working FIFO in the Pacific, and relocating to Australia with Downer – I’ve lived and worked in three different countries already! Looking back at photos from the Solomon Islands, I have to pinch myself – what an incredible opportunity to see parts of the world that most people never get to explore.”
Myth 2: Engineering is a male-dominated industry and always will be.
Fact: Things are changing, and everyone is reaping the benefits.
Olivia shares that the industry is still male-dominated in specific sectors, particularly the construction and maintenance side of civil engineering, but the status quo is changing. She adds that even in these male-dominated spaces, she’s always felt capable:
“For example, while working FIFO in the Pacific, I was the only woman on the team. This was definitely challenging, but at the same time, I feel so fortunate to have been given that opportunity, and no one doubted that I could do it and thrive.”
Overall, her experiences at Downer have been positive from day one since she started as an intern. There’s been consistent support, and her gender has rarely been seen as a barrier:
“I’ve always felt supported. Managers and crews alike have always been willing to make time to explain things and, in some cases, teach me things (perhaps) most men entering the industry already know – simple things, like the names of different power tools and how to use them. I feel positive that the engineering and construction culture is changing and moving in the right direction.”
As a WORK180 Endorsed Employer, Downer is leading the way for gender equity in the engineering sector.
Explore benefits and policies and discover current job openings.Myth 3: It’s better to focus on your job first before getting involved in extra activities.
Fact: Your career and what you prioritise are up to you; there is no wrong or right way to approach it.
When trying to find your feet in the early stages of your career, it’s understandable to want to focus solely on gaining competence and skills in your new role. The thing is, joining events and professional groups can have a significant, positive impact on your growth and development.
Olivia advocates for others to find opportunities to get involved and connect with people, no matter what stage you’re at in your career.
“I put my hand up to join the Wahine Kotahitanga committee, a New Zealand-based group focused on supporting young women in site-facing roles at Downer. As part of this group, I attended a number of events and met so many women in similar roles, which was really important for me, particularly when I was the only woman on a project.”
She says that even if your company doesn’t have dedicated groups like this, there are many industry groups that connect women:
“When I started working in construction, I joined the National Association of Women in Construction, which allowed me to make friends and meet women in senior roles whom I could look up to.”
Myth 4: Recognition and awards are only for those who’ve been in the industry for years.
Fact: The timeline for recognition may be shorter than you expect.
When we asked Olivia whether she’s experienced a sense of belonging within her organization, the answer was a resounding yes.
While many examples sprang to mind, one stood out in particular:
“When I was in my final year of university and working part-time for Downer, I was nominated for an award by one of the men I’d worked with – which was a huge honour in itself. When I collected references for my submission, so many people came together to support me. It was an incredible experience. I ended up winning the award, which opened many doors for me. I’m extremely grateful to every one of those people who submitted something and cheered me on.”
Moving to Australia was another one of these moments:
“When I expressed my interest in transferring here, so many people had a hand in helping me find the perfect opportunity. I felt incredibly supported through the transition and so happy to be able to stay with Downer in this new chapter.”
Myth 5: The industry has a thriving community and an exciting future.
Fact: Well, actually… this one’s all true!
As Olivia shares, construction, transport, and engineering are great spaces to be in. The work is fulfilling, and you can make a real, tangible difference in people’s lives.
“We all want to be able to get where we want to go, quickly and safely. We also want the transport we need to be available, when we need it. That’s why I feel inspired to work in transport infrastructure. That’s what projects are all about: connecting people and places. Whether that’s a remote island in the Pacific or central Sydney.”
In reflecting on industry myths that deserve to be busted and facts that remain true, her final thoughts are positive and hopeful.
“How many women have dads who point at things and say, ‘I helped build that’? Women deserve that, too. There is a place for us. We have something unique to contribute. I encourage more women to enter and remain in the industry because we deserve to reap all the benefits this type of career has to offer.”
