Mary-Ann is a graduate engineer with Schneider Electric who has found a supportive community within Engineers Australia. She speaks to us about the encouragement she has received and how it has advanced her career.  

What was your inspiration for studying engineering? 

Growing up, I watched my father design and fix things, from small electronic parts at home to enormous communication towers and electrical systems in different communities. I saw how engineering solutions brought joy by simplifying the lives of people, especially for those who lived in rural areas. Because of that, I decided to become an engineer.   

Can you tell us a bit about what you have been up to since graduating? 

I graduated in April this year with a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronics engineering. Before completing university, I was hired as an intern and then a graduate engineer with Schneider Electric, and I have been working in the electronics research and development team in the home and distribution division for almost a year.  

My role entails researching, designing hardware, programming, testing prototypes and debugging. I love this role because I get to work on real-life projects that have an impact to customers and the business at large.  

How have you made the most from the support of Engineers Australia since graduating? 

Through my Engineers Australia graduate membership, I have been able to access different technical databases and attend networking events, which are aiding my professional development. 

Since I graduated from university, I have kept on asking myself what’s next? And should I undertake further studies or stay in the workforce? I had a lot of buzzing questions about the next step in my career. Through an Engineers Australia Young Engineers Australia graduate welcome event I attended earlier this year, I discovered I wasn’t the only one asking these questions.  

I learnt it is important to always challenge myself and take on every opportunity that comes my way. Attending this event also helped me decide to undertake completely different roles during my graduate program with Schneider Electric.  

I have recently developed an interest in cybersecurity so for my next challenge, I will be taking on an IT role in the digital innovation and technology business unit. In addition, I will begin a master’s degree over the next few years.  

Why did you decide to become a student ambassador? And how has it helped you in your journey? 

I came to Australia from Tanzania when I was 16 to seek better opportunities. It was daunting at first because English is my second language. I didn’t have any connections, so I had to start from somewhere and being an ambassador for Engineers Australia was the foundation I needed. I also wanted to improve my teamwork, networking and interpersonal skills. 

Through Engineers Australia, I have been able to not only attend, but also be a part of, panels presenting various topics to university students, which has enabled me to network with my peers and engineers working in different fields in South Australia.  

Even now as a working engineer, I continue to apply the skills I learnt, and through networking I have been able to secure different opportunities within Schneider Electric.