"We need enthusiastic women to support the move for clean, safe and sustainable energy."
Who am I
Hi, My name is Charlotte, and in mid-2021, I graduated from the University of Queensland with a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering. During University, I Interned WoodGroup PLC, a large oil and gas consultancy based in Britain with offices in Australia. Once I graduated, I moved to the Future Energy and Generations team, where we help deliver decarbonisation strategies. In 2022 I eventually got offered a Job at Aurecon in the Power and Generation team. The works focus on Renewable Energy and Decarbonisation. Although I am young, I have lots of career goals. I want to be an outspoken voice for the Energy transition. And believe together; we can fundamentally change our energy industries and society as a whole. Even though I'm still relatively new to my field, I believe I will be able to impact the future positively.
Why I chose a career in power
One of the defining features of our generation is the urgent need to address the climate crisis. The power industry plays a critical role in the transition towards a more sustainable future, and it's a field that will continue to evolve and grow in response to changing demands.
One positive outcome of the COVID-19 pandemic was the proof that governments, companies, and individuals can act quickly and effectively in times of crisis. Showing that we can care for each other. We can apply this same urgency and collaboration to the climate crisis.
So, if you're interested in making a difference for the planet and not just future generations but our generation, I encourage you to explore the power industry as a potential career path. With net-zero goals, global cooperation, and the increasing demand for renewable energy, there's never been a more exciting time to get involved.
And even if you don't want to pursue engineering, there are many opportunities to contribute to the power industry. The field requires diverse skills and perspectives, from policy and finance to communications and marketing.
Where it all started
It's a bit of a funny story. I remember watching "The Martian" in grade 9 and being struck with the desire to go to space. I've always been fascinated with exploring new ideas and concepts and figuring out how they all interrelate. In addition, I am motivated by the idea of making a difference for future generations. So, I researched what type of degrees astronauts had and discovered that many were mechanical engineers. Even in grade 9, I knew that was my path, which was one of the main reasons I chose to pursue that field.
Over time, my aspirations shifted from wanting to become an astronaut to focusing on renewable energy and decarbonisation. Space is incredibly fascinating, but I realised that we only have planet Earth right now. It's up to us to take care of it and ensure that future generations can enjoy it just as we have. That's why I'm passionate about making a difference through sustainable energy practices, and I'm excited to see where this career path takes me.
My work experience.
What's next?
We are on the cusp of the Great Energy Transition or Electrification. We are waking up to the impacts of climate change and realizing that the status quo needs updating. This transition will enable us to shift towards more sustainable energy sources and reduce our reliance on large petrol governments.
In this transition, I hope we will move towards a more equitable future. While there may be disparities in the benefits and burdens of the energy transition, we can work towards a more fair and just distribution of these impacts and technologies. For example, we can invest in renewable energy infrastructure in disadvantaged communities and create job opportunities to move workers into the clean energy sector. We will also be forced to improve our energy efficiency and ensure our products are not made with forced labour.
Overall, I am excited to see how the power industry will continue to evolve and adapt to meet future demands. There is great potential for innovation and progress in this field, and I am eager to participate.