From campus to construction: how Swinburne alum Olivia is shaping her city

When Olivia first stepped onto Swinburne’s Hawthorn campus as a highschool student exploring her study options, she felt something click.

“It just felt like home,” she recalls. “Close enough to the city, but not right in the middle of it. There was so much happening on campus – clubs, opportunities, people. It felt like a place where I could grow.”

That instinct proved right. Five years later, with a double degree under her belt and a thriving career in civil engineering, Olivia is now leading major community infrastructure projects and inspiring the next generation of women in STEM.

Finding her path through hands-on learning

Originally drawn to Swinburne for a rare engineering and design double degree, Olivia eventually transitioned into the Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Hons) and a Bachelor of Business (Finance).  This combination offered both technical depth and broad career flexibility.

She says her eventual direction was shaped by a lot more than theory.

“You don’t really know what engineering is until you do it,” she says. “The hands on aspects – the surveying projects around campus, industry collaborations, work integrated learning – were the experiences that helped me realise, yes, this is what I want to do.”

A cadet engineer placement at Knox City Council proved pivotal. After completing her degree, she continued the program as a graduate engineer, rotating through the traffic, assets, waste management and construction teams. 

It was construction that lit the spark.

“When I got on site and could see the real-world impact of the work, I knew I’d found the right place. It was the perfect balance of strategic thinking and practical problem solving.”

Finding balance and community beyond the classroom

While engineering was her academic focus, Olivia threw herself into student life with equal enthusiasm. 

A lifelong dancer, she joined Swinburne Cheer and Dance in her very first O-Week, imagining it would feel similar to dance with pompoms. Instead, she found herself learning lifts, stunts and teamwork in a whole new way.

“I’d spend all day in a really male dominated environment, then head to cheer training and be surrounded by a completely different energy. It was the perfect balance. 

Leadership quickly emerged; first as club secretary, then as president for two consecutive years.

Olivia also became a student ambassador and later joined the Future Students team, helping prospective students find their pathway at Swinburne. 

“I loved being able to share what Swinburne offers beyond a piece of paper. There’s so much more to the experience.”

Thriving in (and changing) a male-dominated industry 

Engineering still remains a male-dominated field, and Olivia acknowledges the challenges that come with that.

“I got used to being the only woman in the room. But you have to remind yourself that you deserve to be there and that your voice matters.” 

She now sees the industry shifting, with more women entering engineering and cadet programs supporting new talent.

“It’s exciting to see that change. I started as a cadet, and now I get to mentor the next group coming through.”

From childhood inspiration to national recognition

One of Olivia’s earliest memories of engineering came from a primary school video about bridge failures around the world. 

“I remember thinking, I want to build a bridge one day – just one that doesn’t fall down!”

Years later, she found herself leading Knox’s bridge renewal program.

“It was such a full circle moment. Bridges were the reason I fell in love with engineering, and now I get to deliver real community infrastructure.”

Since then, her career has continued to accelerate. Olivia is now a Team Leader in the Construction team at Knox, managing a portfolio that includes road resurfacing, drainage upgrades, bridges and roadside infrastructure. 

In 2024, she was named a national finalist for the Women in Industry Rising Star Award, and was one of only two nominees from local government across Australia.

“To be recognised at that level so early in my career…it was a really big moment.”

What’s next?

Olivia encourages future students to explore and embrace uncertainty. 

“Engineering is broad. You may not know exactly what you want to do, and that’s completely fine. Try everything. The first year at Swinburne gives you a taste of different streams, and that’s so valuable.”

Her biggest message?

“Believe you deserve to be there. Give things a go. You don’t know what you’re passionate about until you try.”

Only five years into her career, Olivia has already progressed from cadet to team leader. And, she’s not slowing down. 

Over the next five years, she hopes to step into more senior leadership roles and continue representing women in engineering at industry events and in schools.

“I want to keep giving back, both through my work in local government and through encouraging students to imagine themselves in engineering careers."