What's your job about?

In New Zealand, Babcock holds a primary contract to provide ship repair, marine engineering, and fleet sustainment services for the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN). I started at Babcock as an intern in 2022 and was offered a graduate role out my internship which I commenced in 2024. As part of Babcock's graduate programme, you gain the opportunity to rotate through various teams, broadening your expertise. I began in the obsolescence team, moved on to a rotation as a design engineer, and am currently embedded within a Navy team providing operational support for the vessels.

In my current role, our team is responsible for addressing any issues that arise on vessels promptly. My responsibilities include work with Excel and database management to ensure that every task and maintenance activity is accurately recorded and tracked. Additionally, I've taken on several design projects where I utilize AutoCAD to create designs, select appropriate parts, and research the best solutions.

The work is dynamic, requiring us to adapt swiftly to various challenges to ensure the ships remain operational and efficient. One day, I might be working on an urgent repair that needs immediate attention, while the next, I could be assisting with long-term projects to enhance vessel performance. 

What's your background?

I grew up in the beautiful city of Ōtautahi, where I stayed to complete my degree at the University of Canterbury. When I joined my Mechatronics cohort, I quickly realized that I was one of only six females in a class of 120. These experiences as a minority in my field fueled my passion for promoting diversity and supporting women in engineering roles.

While at university, I served as President of the Women in Engineering club, which was created to support female engineering students. Under my leadership, the club grew to become one of the largest on campus, collaborating with engineering firms across the country to provide mentoring, support, and opportunities for female students. Additionally, I founded a program that allowed high school girls to explore engineering and see that they too could have a future in this career.

Transitioning into the industry has had its challenges, but I remain a steadfast advocate for diversity, demonstrating that being a woman in engineering empowers me to bring a unique and valuable perspective to the field. Gender does not limit capability; instead, it enriches our profession. I firmly believe that diverse teams drive better solutions.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Babcock is a large global company, and we have a diverse range of projects that require a multitude of skills. Our graduates come from various engineering disciplines as well as other fields, and their diverse backgrounds help us tackle the unique challenges we face.

Ships are like tiny floating cities and require a variety of engineers to keep all parts functioning seamlessly. Mechanical, electrical, and process engineers and even those with a background in management and logistics play crucial roles. For example, while I focus on marine engineering and fleet sustainment, I collaborate with colleagues from different engineering disciplines who contribute their specialized expertise to our projects.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

The coolest thing about my job is working on the Navy base in a dockyard. It's exciting to be surrounded by massive ships and having engineering work being carried out daily. I love getting to go on the ships and see my projects being implemented firsthand. It's incredibly rewarding to witness the tangible results of my work contributing to the operational efficiency of these vessels.

Marine engineering adds an extra layer of problem-solving because everything we're working on is floating in the ocean. This unique challenge requires innovative thinking and a proactive approach, making the job both fun and engaging. 

What are the limitations of your job?

One of the limitations of my job is the steep learning curve that comes with working in a Naval environment. There is a vast number of processes and procedures that must be followed, which can create a significant amount of administrative work alongside engineering design tasks. While the administrative workload can sometimes be overwhelming, it ensures that all activities are thoroughly documented and meet strict standards, ultimately contributing to the safety and efficiency of our operations.

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

• Say Yes to Everything: Embrace every opportunity that comes your way, whether it's joining a club, attending a workshop, or participating in a project. Each experience, big or small, adds to your personal growth and helps you discover new passions and skills.
• Build a Strong Network: Connect with your professors, classmates, and industry professionals. Building a diverse network will open doors to valuable insights, collaborations, and career opportunities. Don't hesitate to ask questions and seek guidance from those around you.
• Don't stress about being perfect. You don't need to find the perfect role right away. Give things a go, learn from your experiences, and trust that everything will work out in the end. Embrace the journey and be open to new opportunities.