Secretary at a tyre service shop, Sebastopol, Victoria.
Q. How many years have you worked in the Automotive Industry?
A. 10 years
Q. As made apparent, you have worked in the automotive industry for a number of years, what are the key motivating forces that have kept you in the industry for so long?
A. I have found that working in the automotive industry, is completely different to working in a super market environment (where I worked for 12 years).
In that the guys are fun, can take a joke (as well as give it). It seems to be a team environment. And a down to earth place to work.
Q. As a person in office and administration duties, we have found that this generally means taking on a large number of roles or tasks. How do you cope with the pressure of maintaining high quality standards for your work?
A. I find that I need to have a routine and I need to stick to it. It seems to work really well for me. And also most of my clientele are Farmers and Truckies. You couldn’t ask for more laid back down to earth customers,
and because I love my workplace, Co workers and clients. I have no problems in keeping a high standard. Also I know I am appreciated so I find myself constantly striving for more.
Q. What is the one main piece of advice you would give to other women who are trying to find confidence and adapt to working in a largely male dominated industry?
A. I would say the best piece of advice would be, don’t take things too seriously. Don’t be over sensitive. And you will find yourselves laughing and having a joke or two with the guys. The guys genuinely take you under their wing. I have a dozen big brothers looking out for me now.
Q. As you stated, you enjoy working in the industry because of the clientele and your co-workers. How do you deal with difficult or stressful situations in the workplace?
A. If I find myself in a stressful situation, I have a chat to my manager who I can talk to. And quite often he will knuckle down and give me a hand, or advise me on what I can do to make it a less stressful situation.