Who do you work for? 

I actually established this company - Autonomous Energy. We help organisations and people change from unsustainable energy consumption and systems to zero emissions sustainable energy systems.  We are based in Freshwater, NSW.

What does your job involve?

I advise organisations about energy efficiency, carry out renewable energy feasibility studies, supervise the installation of photovoltaic (solar) power systems and manage client relationships.

Why did you choose to work in the renewable energy industry?

I was interested in the technical side of engineering and also had a deep concern for the environment. Renewable energy was the perfect field for me. 

What has been one of your greatest achievements?

Setting up this company and successfully taking on large and challenging client companies.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

I enjoy the technical challenges and receiving good feedback from happy clients. I also enjoy talking to interested people about a topic in which I am passionately interested. 

What are some of the benefits of your position?

There are a lot of personal awards in being part-owner of the company.  One benefit is the flexibility to control my work environment.

What training did you have for this job?

In my senior years at secondary school, I studied English, Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Japanese.   I then completed a Bachelor of Engineering in Photovoltaics and Solar Energy and a Masters of Mechanical Engineering at UNSW. I chose the degree in photovoltaics as it was the perfect blend of technical engineering and environmental concerns. I also received a scholarship, which helped. 

What is your advice to students? 

Engineering can lead to an amazing range of career options, both technical and otherwise. It is not a purely technical field, although it can be if you want. Engineers are prized in all sorts of non-engineering companies as problem-solvers, and often end up in high management positions.

Engineering and science offer great opportunities to affect the world in which we live for the better, whether that be in the climate change field or otherwise, and can be very personally rewarding. The icing on the cake is that there is a shortage of people in the technical areas and a strong demand for graduates both in Australia and internationally.  This means that engineers get paid well, have opportunities to travel or work overseas, and often receive other employment benefits as well.