As a science led organisation, striving to empower women, we recognise the important role women and girls in science play towards achieving equality, diversity and inclusion every day. We’re proud to provide career opportunities, supporting women and girls in science.
We’re a global leader in the testing, inspection, and certification industry, and provide opportunities for women in STEM to have a rewarding career through ongoing training and development programs and meaningful work that has a real impact on society.
As a science led organisation, striving to empower women, we recognise the important role women and girls in science play towards achieving equality, diversity and inclusion every day.
In celebration of International Women and Girls in Science Day, we asked our own women in science for their stories and we’re proud to share Andrea’s.
As a female leader and laboratory manager within SGS, Andrea reflects on her journey as a woman in science, hoping to inspire all women and especially those in STEM.
‘Even as a child I always knew I wanted to work in STEM. My bookcases are full of fiction and non-fiction books from my childhood to now about engineering, the Earth, the Universe… just about anything STEM related. I found my role models in Marie Curie, Jane Goodall and Mae Jemison - women who pushed the boundaries so that I didn’t need to feel strange or different because I was a female who loved science.
While completing my BSc I often found myself as one of two or three females in the class; as strange as it sounds it wasn’t surprising at the time. I am hopeful in highlighting women in STEM means my experience becomes the exception and not the norm.
I found my ‘fit’ when I first stepped shiny new steel caps on a mine site 13 years ago and started working in an SGS geochemistry laboratory. Since then, I have worked in laboratories across the country, first getting my hands dirty by literally crushing rocks, then running a variety of instruments to determine ore content before moving into supervisory and management roles.
Managing a laboratory is an interesting and varied job; my day-to-day tasks can include staff training, balancing budgets and liaising with different stakeholders on the best direction for the laboratory.
The best part of my job is when I get to ‘geek out’ with the science. Exploring new technologies being implemented, reading up on SGS sustainability goals and achievements or simply looking at instrument data all keeps me excited and interested in my field.
While it has its moments I consider myself lucky to say that I really enjoy my job and am so glad that I followed my love for all things STEM, working every day to use science in a meaningful and tangible way. My love for STEM is like my bookcases, continually growing with new wonderful knowledge that I know will continue for the rest of my life.
As I tip into my forties I look around and see more women everyday working and succeeding alongside me in what has traditionally been a male dominated field. I am so excited about the young women and girls coming into STEM. They seem to be constantly pushing boundaries on what we know and think we can achieve. I look forward to seeing where they will take us.’
Andrea
Laboratory Manager SGS Australia
To join our SGS family, and fellow women in STEM view our careers page.
