Meet Joanna Groves

What inspired you to be part of engineering?

My passion for engineering was sparked through a blend of academic interests and some family encouragement. I have always enjoyed STEM subjects and solving home improvement problems with my dad since a young age.  After my cousin graduated with a degree in Science, she observed the recognition and rewards engineers received, noted alignment with my strengths and interests and guided me towards my eventual career path.

What keeps you motivated and engaged in your work?

I find joy in our supportive, inclusive and collaborative culture – elements which enable our people to thrive. By recognising and leveraging the broad range of skills and perspectives we bring as individuals and a team, we’re able to resolve complex problems quickly and keep our community happy and engaged.

What has been your most fulfilling career achievement to date?

One of my proudest accomplishments has been co-founding Queensland Women of Wells (QWOW) alongside Layna Smith and Danielle Leray. In recognising the need for women in our industry to connect, together we have established a vibrant network where we share experiences and learn from one another. Seeing our community grow and empower women has been incredibly fulfilling.

What do you think are the key challenges facing engineers in the next few years?

One of our greatest challenges is finding ways to responsibly integrate rapidly advancing technologies into our work. Having a continued focus on sustainability and environmental impact will enable us to conceive and create innovative solutions that build a more sustainable future for everyone.

What advice do you have for young people considering a career in engineering?

Engineering is vast and varied. It’s a discipline where you can apply creativity and problem-solving skills to make a measurable difference in the world.  The best advice I can give is to reach out and explore the options, seek out mentors, and take every opportunity to learn and grow. By bolstering technical engineering capability with softer skills like collaboration and innovation, we can make an impact on the world around us.

Find out more or connect with Joanna on LinkedIn.