Reaching for the stars

By Emma Sun
PASSIONATE aerospace engineering graduate Komal Sangha from Dandenong North recently became a fully qualified aerospace engineer in the Royal Australian Navy.
After joining the navy in her second year of studies, the 24-year-old realised that a career with the defence force was the way to go.
“I decided to join the navy in 2007, at the age of 20,” she said.
“At that time the navy seemed like a really exciting option due to all the undergraduate benefits including financial support throughout my degree, a massive support network and excellent career prospects upon finishing the degree.”
Ms Sangha recently received her first posting as a fully qualified officer at the career management cell in Canberra and is now based on the HMAS Albatross in Nowra.
She said the navy provided her with valuable knowledge in her field, and opportunities to gain experience in a range of positions, from management to more technical jobs.
“There is never any monotony in your career as you generally get rotated every two years to a different position, gaining varied and valuable experience,” she said.
“In the Australian Defence Force, engineers are not just limited to trade specific jobs and can opt for an operational or out of category posting, which is what I’ll be doing for the next 18 months or so.”
Ms Sangha is faced with problem solving tasks on a daily basis as part of her training and said being a woman had not been a hindrance at all for her.
“In order to keep the squadron operational and to provide an ongoing aviation capability, every day you are faced with new problems, issues and complexities, providing you with the strength and knowledge to make sound and safe decisions,” she said.
“With a squadron of almost 270 personnel with a minority of women and among them only two female trainee engineers, I have always received constant support, respect and advice whenever required from every single person.
“It has been an extraordinary experience so far, enhanced by the team of personnel I have worked with as well as my mentors. “
She encouraged anyone looking for a career in engineering to consider working with the navy, army or air force.