As International Women in Engineering Day (INWED) approaches on 23 June, BG&E Resources (BGER) is proud to highlight our female engineers who are making valuable contributions to the profession.
This annual event is dedicated to celebrating the achievements of women in engineering but also serves as a catalyst for encouraging more women and girls to pursue careers in this dynamic industry.
In celebration of INWED, we spoke to some of our female engineers across various disciplines at BGER to hear their stories.
Accelerating Careers and Empowering Talent
We are committed to empowering our employees to develop their skills and achieve their professional goals.
“Starting my career in engineering has taught me the importance of adaptability. Working in a consultancy has allowed me to be involved in a wide range of projects, which has helped me understand my strengths and shape my own career path,” shares Jordee Hunter, a Civil Engineer who has been instrumental in our civil and hydrology teams over the past three years.
Alongside Fiona Kenyon, a Senior Civil Engineer, Jordee recently delivered a compelling design review presentation for a major project that helped set the stage for the project’s success and bolstered client relations. Reflecting on her experience, Jordee says, “Collaborating with one of the senior members of my team on a major project presentation was a highlight for me. It’s inspiring to see how our contributions can shape positive outcomes from the very start.”
In the Structural team, Lucy Nguyen began her career as a Graduate Engineer in 2021. Over time, she was promoted to a Structural Engineer, where she continued to enhance her skills in technical design and gain hands-on experience in conducting structural inspections on-site.
Reflecting on her journey, she says, “The chance to develop my design skills while expanding my on-site experience has made my professional growth well-rounded and rewarding. I am grateful for the guidance and trust shown to me by the senior leaders in the company, which have boosted my confidence and propelled my career forward.”
Ola Malek joined the Electrical team as an Undergraduate Engineer three years ago and will soon be promoted to a Graduate EIC position after recently completing her studies. While pursuing her studies, Ola contributed to projects for major clients. She reflects, “Being able to work part-time while studying not only provided me with flexibility but exposed me to different aspects of EIC engineering in the industry. One of the most memorable moments for me was seeing the completed lighting design illuminated at one of the projects I worked on.”
Embracing Change and Broadening Horizons
We embrace the diversity of experiences and paths our employees bring, recognizing them as valuable assets that drive innovation within our teams. Lorana Samardali, an SMP Designer, studied architecture at university before discovering her passion for engineering drafting while working at a manufacturing company. This led her to pursue a Diploma in Technical Engineering to further develop her skills.
Lorana shares, “The support I’ve received at BGER has been invaluable. From structural, mechanical, and piping to civil engineering, I’ve been encouraged by senior members of my team to expand my skills across different disciplines. It’s empowering to work in a team where my growth is not only encouraged but actively supported and celebrated.”
Veronica Corinaldi shares a similar journey, transitioning from a specialization in pavements into a geotechnical engineering role upon joining BGER. She emphasizes the role of mentorship in her successful career shift, saying, “Inspired by mentors like Hugo Acosta-Martinez (Technical Director – Geotechnical), I’ve gained confidence in managing my own projects and contributing to a wide range of projects” Veronica reflects. “My team’s encouragement and guidance have been instrumental in helping me grow professionally and explore new horizons in my field.”
Kate Cullen, a Mechanical Engineer, shifted from the automotive industry, where she gained experience in Melbourne, South Africa, and Argentina, to the resources sector—a significant move that brought her back to her hometown of Perth.
“Starting in this new field meant learning many new skills,” she explains. Since joining the team, Kate has been supported in developing skills she is passionate about. “I’ve always been interested in project management and I find collaborating with clients and my team to be deeply rewarding. Whenever I express my interest in developing specific skills in this area or trying something new, my senior team members have been incredibly supportive.”
Looking abroad, BGER’s global presence is led by Andrea O’Brien, Project Manager who previously led the Mechanical team in Perth. Andrea says, “During my time as Mechanical Discipline Lead, I had the opportunity to lead an exceptional team of engineers and designers, which significantly broadened my professional scope. This milestone not only marked a significant step in my career but also solidified my commitment to excellence and leadership in the field of engineering.” A year ago, Andrea relocated to Ireland where she currently leads major tenders and creates opportunities for the team abroad.
Looking Beyond INWED
On INWED and every day, we are committed to supporting women in engineering and fostering a safe and inclusive environment where every individual can thrive.
#thinkBGER #EnhancedbyEngineering #INWED24 #INWED2024
