Mix it up

From working on giant dam projects such as Sydney’s Warragamba, to visiting mega pipelines measuring more than two metres wide, Abby loves that no one project is the same as the next in her gig at global engineering firm WSP.

“It’s never repetitive. You are always looking at a new problem and there’s always a different type of solution to it. Honestly, that’s the part I enjoy the most,” Abby says.

Due to her love for solving problems and puzzles, Abby initially enrolled in a science degree after high school, but when she met some engineering students at uni, she realised she was in the wrong degree!

“It takes time to learn how to study properly. I didn’t completely get the hang of it until the end of my second year,” Abby says.

“It also doesn’t matter which degree you get into uni with – universities are flexible and give you the opportunity to change.”

To get her gig at WSP, Abby initially applied for and landed an eight-week cadetship with the firm, which turned into regular part-time work. Now that she’s a graduate, Abby enjoys working directly with clients.

“It’s one thing to work to meet your project manager’s goals and expectations, but a completely different one when you understand where the client’s coming from,” she says.

Abby now has her sights set on a project management role at WSP. “I enjoy the organisation and like keeping things to a budget and a schedule. Plus, I like working with people in terms of utilising their skills.”

Her career advice to students is to do what challenges you: “The most difficult tasks give the most rewarding results.” – Charis Palmer

Electives checklist

Choose these subjects in high school to kickstart your aerospace career:

✔ Physics

✔ Advanced maths

✔ Engineering studies

Reach for the Stars

Unleash your potential with these awesome, futurefocused aerospace careers:

Aircraft systems engineer

Work on the forefront of technology, integrating systems within commercial and military aircraft. Expect to grapple with avionics, hydraulics and more.

Propulsion specialist

Immerse yourself in the world of jet engines and rocket thrusters. You’ll be optimising power while ensuring safety and efficiency.

Spacecraft engineer

From satellites to interplanetary explorers, you’ll design, test and oversee these high-tech celestial travellers.

Aeronautical analyst

Use your maths and engineering know-how to improve the performance of aircraft and spacecraft.

Defence engineer

Develop advanced technologies for national security, from supersonic jets to missile systems.