A stint as a cleaner has led to Jacana’s Tshering Yangzom scoring an engineering job as part of the Glenroy Level Crossing Removal Project.
The Jacana resident came to Australia in 2016 from Bhutan to upgrade her engineering qualification.
Ms Yangzom said her aspirations of studying while experiencing field-based experience were difficult to achieve.
“Due to my visa type – student visa –it was hard to find a job,” she said.
“Because of COVID-19 … I lost my job.”
Ms Yangzom said she looked for positions that could somehow lead to what she really wanted to do.
“That’s when I applied for a cleaner’s position,” she said.
“I started working as a cleaner… [for] Moreland, Coburg Level Crossing Removal Project and started asking people around for any internship opportunities, when I met one of the site engineers.
“She helped me pass on my resume to the diversity and inclusion team.
“After a few months I was given an opportunity to work as an engineering intern in the engineering department at the Glenroy Level Crossing Removal Project.
“I worked as an intern for six and half months.
“I am now working as a junior engineer on the Glenroy project.”
Ms Yangzom urged aspiring engineers to persevere with their dreams.
“Don’t give up,” she said.
“Follow your dreams. It is hard but if you focus on your dreams and work hard for it there will always be a way.
“You will get hands-on experience.
“For international students –please don’t hold back and take whatever opportunities come your way.
“Apply for jobs you are interested in as there will always be one company who will be willing to take you in.”
