I'm Faye from the Philippines and I'm an undergraduate student with RMIT University. I came to Australia to pursue a degree in Computer Science and Computer and Network Engineering.
I decided to join RMIT Motorsport as an extra-curricular to gain on-hands engineering experience, and so I can stand out amongst candidates in job interviews.
In classes, I'm taught about the theory behind engineering concepts and using different apparatus to validate these theories. But in RMIT Motorsport, I get to implement what I learned in the classroom through direct application.
During my time in the team, I have gained experience in technical and leadership roles when I became Electronics Lead in 2024 and in my newly appointed role as Chief Electrical. I also gained friends who have gone through the same experiences as me and are passionate not just about motorsport but engineering as well.
My part-time work
I am currently part of the Career Edge Undergraduate Program in Telstra. Along with my activities in Motorsport, Telstra is giving me industry experience for me to seamlessly move into the workplace when I graduate.
Advice for women in male dominated industries
In a male-dominated field, learning how to stay firm and stand my ground and knowing my worth is in fact one of the most valuable lessons I've learnt in engineering and motorsport.
It’s also important to:
- Build confidence in your abilities: I've taken value in learning as much as I can to build confidence in myself and what I do.
- Have a support network of people: I used to tie how people treat me to how well I do or how smart I am, but I've learned to only value the opinions of people who want me to succeed. Find the people who trust in your abilities and give you advice when you need it.
- Always seek growth: continuously find opportunities to learn.