Name: Kate Noordermeer
Position: Specialist Asset Integrity Engineer
Company: BHP Mitsubishi Alliance
What do you enjoy the most, working in the field of construction & development?
Working onsite as an Asset Integrity Engineer in the Bowen Basin, I enjoy the diversity of people and work I experience on a day to day basis. I have the pleasure of working across several of BMA’s open-cut coal mines, which are supportive work environments where I can tackle rewarding challenges. I get to utilise my technical skills while stretching my soft skill wings. I’ve been afforded many opportunities to work and develop within the energy and mining sectors, so I enjoy investing time at the University of Queensland’s Mentor Program for Engineering Students in an attempt to encourage future generations of Engineers.
Where do you see your life in the next 5 years, what possibilities are ahead of you?
Like most industries, coal mining is progressing with automating aspects of production, standardised practices, and implementing more sustainable processes. I’m passionate about the sustainability aspect and I plan to develop my “Big Picture Thinking” to create a more sustainable approach to Asset Integrity and Engineering.
If you could write a letter to a 13-year-old ‘you’ what would you say?
If I could help guide my 13-year-old self in any way it would be to learn how to relax and recharge while you have no other responsibilities. As a 13-year-old, I was already quite serious about life and doing my best, so I developed a real knack for putting a lot of pressure on myself. I wish I had learned how to recharge at the end of the day while I was younger, so it would come more naturally now!
What are 3 skills you have had to develop to get to where you are presently?
When I finished university, my understanding of and experience with the energy and mining industries were limited. I’ve taken opportunities that have put me out of my comfort zone, challenged me and helping me develop. I would say that first and foremost the skill I’ve developed that has had the greatest benefit was resilience; bouncing back when faced with adversity and persevering. Success in my role requires multiple teams and disciplines to work together towards an agreed solution, so I’d add stakeholder management to that list (although there is always more to learn and develop). Thirdly, I would have learned and achieved only a fraction of what I’ve done in the last 9 years if I hadn’t developed effective time management skills.
