Meet Paula Phillips | Inspiring Women in Engineering

1. Tell us what you do at Transport

I work as a system and safety assurance manager with the Regional Rail Project.

2. What's your proudest moment?

I feel proud whenever I read or hear something positive about a project I have worked on - even if I was only a minor part of the project, and the project itself was finished years ago.

3. What advice do you have for other women thinking about a career in Engineering?

Read and watch stories about engineers, especially women engineers. I remember being inspired by Lillian Moller Gilbreth when watching “Cheaper by the Dozen” (the 1940’s version!) as a child. There are many more options now, including recent movies such as ‘Hidden Figures’, and even Doctor Who.

4. How can we transform the future of women in engineering?

We need to recognise that it is an adaptive challenge, so will require all of the ‘five ways of leading’ – and that leadership needs to come from all of us.

5. Tell us something that people may not know about you?

I had the opportunity to work as an engineer overseas, in Japan, for a few years when I was a fairly recent graduate. I learned a lot, and I would recommend to anyone early in their career – deliberately seek out experiences slightly outside your comfort zone.