Endorsed Employers: Accenture | Alstom | AusNet | CSL | Pacific National | Rheinmetall | Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust | TBH | Western Power
There were so many great reasons that women across our Endorsed Employer network shared with us about why they love working in STEMM – we had to bring you a part two!
Read our first five reasons here and then dive into some more below.
Why you should grow your career with a role in STEMM
From opportunities to travel to inspiring the next generation of young women to pursue their passions, there are plenty of reasons to grow and explore a career in STEMM.
1. There’s the potential for international travel.
“What I love about working in STEMM, particularly in the construction industry, is the thrill of bringing complex projects to life across the Middle East and beyond. Each project presents unique challenges, from engineering innovations to navigating diverse cultural and environmental factors. Throughout my eight-year journey at TBH, I’ve had the privilege of working on some of the most exciting mega projects across the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Indonesia, and more. Collaborating with experts and senior leadership has been instrumental in shaping both my career and my personal development.”
Kathren Salah
Senior Associate at TBH
“I’m particularly proud of my six-month secondment in Bern, Switzerland. My husband and I packed our things mid-COVID in 2021, and I was terrified about moving during such an unpredictable time while navigating life’s challenges and working in a new country. But looking back, it was by far the best experience I’ve had. I grew exponentially, both professionally and personally, and now I have a fantastic network of colleagues who I call very close friends.”
Nina Djordjevich
Senior Manufacturing Manager at CSL Behring
2. Gender representation and support for women have never been better.
“I’m an alumnus of the Women’s Connect program. Through this program, I can meet with women around the organization at varying stages of their careers, tenures, and areas of responsibility to share and grow from their collective experiences. My experience is valued and considered by all participants. While the scope of my role focuses on data and quantifiable information, my experience is transferrable. I am a people leader, thought leader, strategic thinker… none of this is specific to my gender.”
Angela Schmidt
Advanced Analytics Manager, Data & Analytics for Pacific National
“Although the industry has historically attracted more men, many women are now excelling and making significant contributions. Their diverse skills and dedication prove that gender should not define one’s potential or opportunities in this field.”
Jade Aye Chan Lwin
Substation Design Area Manager at Western Power
“I was the co-founder of a Women in Engineering blog, volunteered as a mentor for women engineering undergraduate students, and arranged annual Women in Engineering events in my role as the Alstom Women of Excellence Pillar Champion. The work of engineers affects every aspect of our lives, so it makes sense that the people doing engineering should be reflective of our society, and that means women should be equally represented in this rewarding, influential, and exciting profession. Additionally, the more women who exist in STEMM spaces, the more girls will be able to see themselves aspiring to these types of careers.”
Yvette Griggs
Project Technical Manager at Alstom
“If we look at the construction industry in particular, many people still believe that construction is purely about physical labor and isn’t suitable for women, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The industry today is incredibly diverse, with roles in project management, engineering, design, and technology—all areas where women can and do excel. Breaking down this misconception is crucial to attracting more women into construction, where their unique perspectives and skills can drive innovation and success on complex projects. Women belong in every aspect of construction, from the boardroom to the building site, and it’s time we fully recognize and embrace that.”
Kathren Salah
Senior Associate at TBH
3. There are plenty of diverse pathways to explore (and support to do it!).
A degree in engineering provides you with the basis of knowledge for specific topics and also teaches you ways of critical thinking. This critical thinking and knowledge can be applied across various engineering disciplines and carried throughout your career. Studying aerospace engineering does not restrict you to only working on aircraft; you can move your career in whichever direction you strive for, whether electronics, optics, or mechanical domains.”
Erika Gallagher
Technical Manager Mission Equipment at Rheinmetall
“CSL definitely recognizes hard work and dedication. I’ve received so much exposure to develop my technical and management skills. In each of my roles, I’ve also had great managers who’ve always provided support and encouraged me to try new things.”
Anja Kozulin
PNS Production Manager (Project Banksia) at CSL Behring
4. Do work that’s meaningful to our wider communities.
“So much of what we do in IT is customer-focused on the end user, so it is essential that we can combine customer-focused outcomes with technical solutions – where we solve the issues but with the end user – our customers, who are women, men, and gender diverse people – in mind. Increasing gender representation in the IT industry results in better customer outcomes and innovation as diverse lived experiences provide insights for new solutions.”
Judy Niven
IT Operations Lead with SMCT
“STEMM is about leaning into the uncertainty that comes with the many challenges we face in our world. I love sharing the responsibility to respond to unpredictable situations as they pop up, and as an electricity network controller, these situations directly influence the lives of Victorians. It allows me to stretch and grow my intellectual capabilities to continuously strive for better outcomes. I also love the pride I feel walking into work knowing I’m there to do a critical job which few people have the skills and knowledge to do.”
Steph Astbury
Distribution Network Controller at AusNet
5. You can inspire the next generation of young women.
“Everyone needs to know you don’t have to be masculine to be an engineer. Society has moved beyond overtly saying that “girls can’t be engineers.” However, I think there is still the misconception that you have to act a certain way or have a particular personality type to do this kind of work. And it’s just not true! Most of my work is computer-based. I consistently perform engineering tasks by wearing feminine clothes and accessories that align with my gender expression and acting like my authentic self. It would be helpful if girls and young women, and their parents and teachers, knew that they wouldn’t have to change who they are to be successful in engineering.”
Yvette Griggs
Project Technical Manager at Alstom
“My passion for empowering women in this industry has driven me to lead the Inclusivity and Diversity Committee in our Middle East offices. With the support of my mentors, I’ve actively participated in industry events, sharing insights on the challenges women face and strategies to overcome them. Additionally, I engage with universities to inspire the next generation to pursue careers in construction. For me, achieving gender equity is not just about fairness—it’s a strategic imperative strengthening our industry’s future.”
Kathren Salah
Senior Associate at TBH
“Women remain underrepresented in this industry, so anything we can do to level the playing field should be encouraged. To continue to entice our brightest graduates into this industry and ensure Australia keeps pace with the world, technology needs to be known as an industry with strong inclusion and diversity and fantastic career prospects.”
Natalie Smith
Senior manager at Accenture
“An increase in gender representation in the IT industry results in better outcomes for customers and innovation as diverse lived experiences provide insights for new solutions.
I believe it is all about balance – and having gender equity means more than just fairness and creating a larger talent pool. It fosters a more inclusive and supporting work environment, helps break down stereotypes, and encourages more people to pursue careers in IT.”
Judy Niven
IT Operations Lead with SMCT
