IVETTE NINO

Name: Ivette Nino

Position: Site Engineer

Company: Pensar Infrastructure

What do you enjoy the most, working in the field of construction & development?

My top 5 reasons are:

1. The Pensar team – working with a diverse range of people with different skills, personalities & experiences. Coming together to create something that none of us could achieve on our own.
2. The industry – creating something of value to the community that we can look back on and be proud to have been a part of.
3. The challenge – developing solutions to the constant challenges that are faced every day on every project & in every team.
4. The people & variety – meeting and working with amazing characters and personalities. The different projects & locations we have the opportunity to be involved with.
5. Learning process– the constant opportunity to learn and apply new skills.

Where do you see your life in the next 5 years, what possibilities are ahead of you?

In 5 years, I see myself as a role model not only for women in the industry, but from different countries and backgrounds. I would also like to be considered a role model for anyone from a different country who brings their industry skills and education but may not have the language. I consider myself an excellent example, especially for women in engineering, of how to be tenacious, work hard, learn constantly, and embrace your fears. Just keep going for it and it will bring results.

I would like to keep making a difference to people’s lives here in Australia through the projects I work on, improving infrastructure and leading to improved experiences, for example reduced travel time on roads. I would like to be part of the next generation of infrastructure sector leaders and mixed group of role models who have a fresh approach to infrastructure and problem-solving solutions.

If you could write a letter to a 13-year-old ‘you’ what would you say?

I am so proud of you.

Your life has not even begun yet. Everything will get a lot better; I promise. It will be okay. I don’t want to spoil anything, but just know what everything you are worrying about now will be so insignificant one day.

You will get everything you ever wanted. You will get good exam results, travel around the world, go to a prestigious university, and live in a different country with all your new friends. You will find decent people everywhere you go, so don’t be scared about leaving home. You will meet new people and you will have incredible friendships with them. You’re a lucky girl. You will go on dates and holidays with your friends and music festivals and eat at fancy restaurants and wear high heels and lipstick.

Enjoy time with mum and dad, they are your best friends. Try to spend more time with your sister. Trust me, one day you will understand why. The person you become will surprise you. You may be disappointed about some things, but those things are unavoidable, in shaping the bits that you would be proud of. I hope I haven’t let you down. Things will change, a lot. Embrace the bad with the good. You might as well because there’s nothing else you can do. Keep being yourself and remember always smile.

Above all, you’ll be okay.

What are 3 skills you have had to develop to get to where you are presently?

1. Flexible: I am flexible and adapt to business needs. I consider others’ ideas and don’t insist on my own way. Flexibility helps you keep changing for the better.
2. Attention to detail: My high attention to detail develops accurate and complete quality assurance packages that meet the client’s requirements. I provide detailed monitoring and reporting on quality assurance requirements at Pensar.
3. Approachable: I have built and maintained positive relationships with my team, inspectors, and clients, which has created a successful project delivery environment and strong working relationships.