Fiona Yulita shares her experience and passion to inspire women to break gender or cultural misconceptions

I was very excited starting my career as a trainee of the Graduate Engineering Program (GEP). The 2-year-training-program had given me an opportunity to gain experience in different engineering functions through mentorship and on-the-job training. During the training, I was assigned as a design engineer for the Grid Automation business unit in Indonesia.

At first, I had some difficulties in the job as this was all new to me. But thankfully the team helped me and I managed to deliver my first project properly. I feel blessed to be mentored by an experienced - lead engineer, Pak Mustapa Kamal & the whole team member really supported me in completing the tasks and helped me in adjusting to the situation.

Talking about my accomplishments, there are several things that I’m very proud of. Graduate from Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology majoring in Electrical Engineering with GPA 3,72, I received an honorary scholarship from the government which offered me the opportunity to have a short leadership training in Minneapolis, USA in 2016 . Winning an essay entitled: “The Challenge of Becoming a Woman Engineer”, publishing 2 academic papers, working in a cross functional position, and lastly working as site engineer in ABB Power Grids Indonesia -- all of these experiences have shaped me to be more courageous in taking risks and be always persistent in achieving my goals. Of course, there were mistakes, sleepless night, and tears. From the moment I chose Engineering field to be my major at the university, and pursue my passion and work as a system engineer, I realized that I have to thrive in a male-dominated industry. It still is today.

I believe it is also contributed to the general perception in the society that science, technology, and engineering career are less desirable for female. But I think it can be rewarding field for both women and men. In particular, my work environment here at ABB Power Grids has helped me in gaining my confidence and strengthening my determination of never giving up on my passion.

Currently, as a system engineer, I’m responsible for designing, installing, configuring, testing and maintaining operating systems, application software and system management tools. I really enjoy the work, giving my best contribution to the team & the business. I am proud to say that we providing solutions to our customers with pioneering technology which makes the power grids stronger, smarter and greener.

I look forward to seeing ABB Power Grids Indonesia achieve our ambition by leveraging the synergy with Hitachi on social innovation, pioneering technology leadership and utilizing the cutting-edge digital solution of Hitachi.