What's your job about?

ASC is Australia’s sovereign submarine builder and sustainer. I am currently a Graduate Engineer in the ASC Safety Team and work on multiple tasks, such as writing reports, reviewing work, analysing risks, taking meeting minutes and registering data.

When I was in the Structural Team, I focused on completing structural calculations and familiarised myself with various structural elements’ location, dimensions and loading conditions. My main project involved calculating the size of fasteners required to hold an actuator to the submarine. As with any new job, it took some time to learn the ropes, as there are many procedures and requirements to be followed, and new software to be learnt. 

What's your background?

I was born and raised in Adelaide, South Australia, and enjoyed doing extracurricular activities such as music, tech, debating and sports throughout high school. During my senior years, I found myself drawn to mathematics as I enjoyed solving problems. This led me to apply for the Engineering Pathway Program at university. I found the program very beneficial as I could complete prerequisite and first-year engineering subjects while figuring out which engineering stream I wanted to pursue. 
I decided to study Civil Engineering and then chose to major in Structural Engineering in my third year. I applied for, and was accepted into, the Undergraduate Engineer Program at ASC and really enjoyed the team dynamic. I continued working one day a week in the first semester of my final year of university and now work at ASC as a Graduate Engineer.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Yes, people with backgrounds in any of the following disciplines can apply for the Graduate Engineer Program at ASC: Electrical, Mechanical, Structural, Materials, Software or Naval Architecture. I recommend being flexible and willing to learn outside of your specialisation, as you will get a taste of many different engineering disciplines. The Graduate Program provides a strong mentoring and support system to allow an easy transition into the different kinds of work and to build the required skills.  
What's the coolest thing about your job?

I really like that ASC’s Graduate Program has four rotations in different disciplines such as maintenance, project management, design and specialty engineering. The program gives me the opportunity to try different disciplines and find out which area sparks the most interest. Another bonus is that submarine manufacturing and maintenance is done onsite. I particularly valued this when I was in the Structural Team and had multiple opportunities to go on a submarine! I feel a real sense of accomplishment when I look back and think about how much I have learnt, the projects I have worked on and how much I have achieved. 

What are the limitations of your job?

The only limitation of my job is my travel time! Transitioning to an hour-long drive to work was a major change in routine for me as I used to be able to walk to school or take a 30-minute bus ride to university. However, ASC’s flexible working arrangements allow me to start and end my day early so that I can avoid peak hour traffic!

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...

1. Make the most of being at university: I loved my uni experience as it was easy making new friends and I had the flexibility to try new things while studying. 
2. Don’t be scared to take an extra year to complete your degree: I took five years to complete a four-year degree so I could better balance my work, study and competitive sporting commitments.
3. Make sure to continue with your hobbies once you get a job: Going to the beach, playing sport or catching up with friends after work allows me to have a balanced lifestyle.