Quick Chat with Keely Quinn, Division Manager, Engineers Australia Canberra
Originally from Darwin, Keely moved to Canberra in 2000 to study accounting at the Australian National University before discovering that she liked people more than numbers. This discovery lead to her working for a number of industry associations and not-for-profits. In 2007, she travelled to London to see the Rugby World Cup, where she worked for the London Underground (“the tube”) in procurement. After returning to Darwin in 2010 for a quick “stop off”, Keely landed a job in Engineers Australia Northern Division and took on the role as voluntary director of a community bank. She moved back to Canberra in 2015, promptly starting her most challenging role yet (motherhood) before keenly recommencing work with Engineers Australia in the Canberra Division.
Current job title and function?
I am the Canberra Division Manager, based in the Barton national office. I lead engagement with industry, academics, schools and the broader community to promote what engineering achieves. I also deliver member engagement programs, including professional, award and CPD events.
How long have you been working for Engineers Australia and what roles have you carried out?
I have been working for Engineers Australia for around five years, originally based in the tropical Northern Division, where I held Youth Coordinator, Major Projects Officer and Operations Manager roles.
Why do you enjoy working for Engineers Australia?
I believe that without engineers we would all be lost as we wouldn’t have medical advances, communication technology, infrastructure, transport, energy and other things we take for granted every day. Consequently, I have a real passion for promoting the engineering profession and I particularly enjoy engaging with members and am constantly inspired by members’ innovation and their enthusiasm for engineering.
What are you working on now?
In the Canberra Division, we are working on lifting the profile of our members by celebrating their dedication and success. The Canberra Engineering Excellence Awards and the forthcoming Fellows Lunch are two events where we will be celebrating and acknowledging the critical contribution of engineering to our society.
If you weren’t working for Engineers Australia, what do you think you would be doing?
If I wasn’t with Engineers Australia, I’d be working in science communication as I have a particular interest in science.
What is the most recent book you read?
The most recent book I read was The Very Itchy Bear, which I read to my toddler son, Gabriel.
Favourite quote?
My favourite quote is from my favourite movie Jaws: “You’re gonna need a bigger boat”. The technology used at the time to make Bruce the Shark in Jaws was cutting-edge.
How would you describe yourself in three words?
I am enthusiastic, approachable and hard-working, and always willing to go the extra mile.
What is the greatest piece of technology released in the last decade?
Video conferencing has enriched my life enormously as I Iive away from my family and it helps build community at work in a national organisation.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy science, particularly exploring the practical applications of science and engineering in mainstream media.