'I found engineering and chose it because it seemed to fit my love of maths, interest in practical challenges and passion for doing something meaningful.'

Caitlin Nicholas

Graduate Engineer

WHO IS SHE:

I completed a double degree in Electrical Engineering and Statistical Sciences at QUT in 2019. After working as a Student Engineer at Energex and Ergon Energy Network, as part of Energy Queensland, I joined the 2020 Graduate Program. While working as a Graduate Engineer, I pioneered a model to predict the end of life for Ergon Energy Network's wooden power pole population. I am currently studying a Master of Science (Applied Data Science) and hope to use data to revolutionise the industry and its practices.

KEY STRENGTHS:

Data science, electrical engineering, problem solving, communication, strategy, learning mindset, challenge driven

WHY CHOOSE THIS DEGREE?

When I was in primary school, I wanted to be a teacher because I loved maths. This passion for STEM then developed into an interest in medicine. After watching Jharal Yow Yeh injure himself while playing NRL, I realised medicine wasn't for me. So, I flicked through my highschool career's book to figure out what I was going to do. I found engineering and chose it because it seemed to fit my love of maths, interest in practical challenges and passion for doing something meaningful. After my first year at uni, I transitioned into a double degree with mathematics because there wasn't enough math in electrical engineering. I am now studying a Master of Data Science because I love math, problem solving and analysis. I enjoy the challenge of trying to extract meaningful and accurate knowledge from data. I foresee that I will probably want to do a PhD in the future (likely with a focus on math / statistics / applied data science).

My Journey

Where it all started for me

Completed High School

What did I end up studying?

Student Engineer at Energex and Ergon Energy Network, as part of Energy Queensland.

Entering the industry

Currently studying towards a Master of Science (Applied Data Science) and hope to use data to revolutionise the industry and its practices

My previous work experience

Started studying a double degree in Electrical Engineering and Statistical Sciences at QUT - After my first year at uni, I transitioned into a double degree with mathematics because there wasn't enough math in electrical engineering.

My work placement experience

I joined the 2020 Graduate Program at Energy Queensland. While working as a Graduate Engineer, I pioneered a model to predict the end of life for Ergon Energy Network's wooden power pole population.

What I'm doing now

My advice for anyone looking to get into the industry?

Take advantage of as many work placements and industry speakers at API events as possible - so you can get a good understanding of the many areas you can specialise in.

How to connect with

Caitlin Nicholas

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Abby Biles

"As we confront Australia's national skills shortage and the pressure to achieve Net Zero, the inclusion of women in the power industry becomes even more crucial. By leveraging diverse talents and perspectives, we can address these challenges. There are so many incredible women out there who's skills are needed in this space they just need the industry to support them in return."

Liana Lidden-Verney

"There is no gender monopoly on the skills needed in the industry. By having a workforce with diverse perspectives and experiences, we fuel innovation and innovation is exactly what this industry will be reliant on for generations to come."

Katrina Thomlinson

"There is value in every industry from diversity of thought and one way to bring diversity is employ more women in the workforce. Women bring different values, perspectives and approaches to solve the problems of today and into the future."

What can I do next?

No matter if you're at high-school or at university, we have great programs and resources to get you started on your journey towards power engineering!

High School Students

University Students

'I found engineering and chose it because it seemed to fit my love of maths, interest in practical challenges and passion for doing something meaningful.'

Caitlin Nicholas

Abby Biles

Read more

Liana Lidden-Verney

"There is no gender monopoly on the skills needed in the industry. By having a workforce with diverse perspectives and experiences, we fuel innovation and innovation is exactly what this industry will be reliant on for generations to come."

Read more

Katrina Thomlinson

"There is value in every industry from diversity of thought and one way to bring diversity is employ more women in the workforce. Women bring different values, perspectives and approaches to solve the problems of today and into the future."

Read more