+ Technical Assistant
+ Chemical Engineer
+ Opacarophile
What drew you to study STEM?
It was always something I enjoyed and was good at when I was at school, and I’ve continued to be drawn in since. I was lucky enough to be channelled into STEM at an early stage in my education and found it natural and fluid. Even then I was aware of the disproportionate amount of boys to girls in my class though.
Was working in IP always part of your career plan, or was it something that presented to you during your journey?
IP was an option presented to me later on in my journey when I was studying for my Masters of Chemical Engineering at Melbourne University. A unit called Chemical Engineering Management went through the finance and management side of engineering, and one of the lectures in this unit was given by a guest lecturer who was a Patent Attorney and also a graduate of Chemical Engineering. She explained that they wanted engineers in the patent attorney field. Coming from WA this had never occurred to me, as at the time I thought chemical engineering equalled mining or being out in the field working somewhere rural, so this was something very new to me; it was a good turning point as I realised I had more career options than I realised.
Which women leaders did you look up to as you were growing up and why?
I didn’t have women leaders around me when I was growing up. Most of my teachers at school were men so it was my science teacher who inspired me to come into the engineering field. The reason I did Chemical Engineering was that I really enjoyed the classes with my chemistry teacher. He was really patient and that worked for me. But he wasn’t a she!
Who do you look up to now and why?
The women around the Wrays office that have been dedicated to their work for such a long time. Sometimes you can wonder how to successfully stay in a job for decades, but these women have done it. From them, I’ve learnt I won’t be doing the same job in future, because the environment and the world changes. These women have been constantly changing and adapting throughout their careers, which inspires me.
How does your engineering degree benefit you in your role as a patent attorney?
I still look at my engineering notes and flick through my lecture notes regularly. They’re still very relevant. I honestly didn’t realise quite how well they would serve me in my career, as patents are new, inventive and innovative, but I still need a strong foundation of knowledge to understand these inventions and technology; not just scientifically but also as an engineer.
For example, the problem-solving mindset was drilled into me during University, so now, when given a complex document to work through I know where to start and how to tackle it. Understanding and attacking scientific documents would not be possible without my engineering degree. They might look scary, but my studies gave me the tools I need to know how to work through them.
What role do you think we all need to play in supporting a greater uptake of women in STEM?
Although I think it is important to focus on higher-level students, it’s also key to involve students in the earlier years too. To increase the uptake of women in STEM it’s essential to involve girls early on and to promote science subjects, which are sometimes labelled as too hard, but it’s about encouraging students to take up the challenge.
Is there any advice you would like to share with women embarking on a STEM career?
The people we see in senior roles today are the same people who were in our roles 30 years ago. There is so much support for women in the industry now, with groups like Women in Tech and Women in Mining. There are a lot of women thinking they’re going it alone, but at these events, you realise you’re not the only one! There are some great male ambassadors for this too. So my advice is to attend events when you can and talk to as many people in the industry as possible.
What do you hope to see from women in STEM of the future?
I don’t think quotas will be necessary for the coming years. Women shouldn’t feel they’re at the table only because they’re filling a requirement.
Get connected
+ 08 9216 5100
+ ellen.cha@wrays.com.au
+ in/ellen-cha