What is your name and position title?
My name is Rebecca Andrews, and I am graduate Engineer.

How did you become an Engineer?
I became an engineer after I graduated from La Trobe University. I graduated last year with a Bachelor of Industrial Engineering, with honours.

What made you want to be an Engineer?
I have always wanted to be an engineer since I was a little girl. I have always been fascinated by science and knowing how things work. My dad had big influence on me as a kid, he would bring home old circuit boards and other HVAC equipment for me to pull apart and reassemble. From these experiences I knew as a child, engineering was something I wanted to pursue.

When did you start working for A.G. Coombs?
I started officially working for A.G Coombs at the end of January this year after previously completing a 6-month internship with A.G Coombs during my studies in 2020.

What were you doing before you started working at A.G. Coombs?
Before I started working at A.G Coombs I was working in hospitality as many of us uni students do, whilst completing my studies.

What is the most rewarding part of your role?
The most rewarding part of my role is seeing designs and drawings becoming a reality, seeing all the pieces coming together and working. Especially projects and modules I have personally collaborated on and co-designed, such as my commissioning test rig and valve testing rig.

What is the most challenging part of your role?
Right now, the most challenging part of my job is taking in all the new experiences and knowledge, and then applying them to make meaningful decisions. Fortunately, I have supportive team members to help me navigate some of the tricky stuff…and I love a challenge.

What is something you are looking forward to?
I look forward to looking back on my first year and saying, “I did it” and to see where my career takes me, what kind of opportunities and experiences I will gain working for A.G Coombs.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years, I expect to be an accomplished Engineer, I hope to specialise in prefabrication, but my aim over the next 5 years is to be in a place where I can make a difference within the industry, and I want to inspire other young women to pursue careers in STEM.

About International Women in Engineering Day

Launched for the first time in 2014 by the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), International Women in Engineering Day is an international awareness campaign to raise the profile of women in engineering and focus attention on the amazing career opportunities available to girls in this exciting industry. It celebrates the outstanding achievements of women engineers throughout the world.

For more information on International Women in Engineering Day, visit: https://www.inwed.org.uk/