As a child, Angela Zhang loved being around airports, watching aircraft taxi across the apron before taking off to their next destination.
“There was something about it that always felt a bit surreal,” she says.
Angela knew early on that the aviation industry fascinated her but wasn’t quite sure how that interest could turn into a career. That changed in high school when Angela’s tutor found out she was interested in aviation and mentioned that another girl she had taught was training to become a pilot.
“Up until then, it simply hadn’t crossed my mind that piloting was something that I could pursue, as it was largely a male-dominated field and not something I’d been exposed to,” she says.
“Hearing about a woman in the field completely shifted my perspective.”
Now, as a volunteer with CSIRO’s Aviators in Schools program, Angela mentors young people to help them see themselves in aviation, bringing her journey full circle.
What did your education and training pathway look like after school?
After finishing school, Angela enrolled in a university aviation degree and began working towards her pilot’s licence.
“There are lots of pathways into piloting depending on your goals, but I chose the university route because it exposed me to more than just flight training,” she says.
Alongside her aviation studies, Angela says she took part in overseas exchange programs and the broader university experience.
“Being exposed to experiences outside of aviation helped me build a wider perspective while also broadening my network with a variety of people,” she adds.
One challenge she didn’t anticipate was the physical side of the role.
“Coming in with a smaller frame meant I had to gradually build strength and adapt – whether it was handling the controls during certain manoeuvres, pushing the aircraft, or moving hangar doors. It wasn’t something I expected at the start, but it became something I learned to adjust to over time.”
What’s it like navigating a male-dominated industry?
With women globally representing just 5 per cent of air traffic controllers, pilots and licensed aircraft maintenance engineers, there are still moments when standing out as one of the few women is unavoidable.
“There are often times when I’m the only woman in the room, and at times it can feel a bit isolating. However it hasn’t changed how I see myself in that environment. Everyone is working towards the same goal, and there’s generally a strong sense of support from one another.”
She says it’s often not something she thinks about until she speaks with people outside of aviation.
“The reaction is often surprise and curiosity. Not in a negative way, but it shows the stereotype is still there.”
Angela believes that perception will continue to shift as more women enter the field.
“There are now so many initiatives and support networks for women in aviation. I feel fortunate to have access to these resources. I’m also grateful for the people who have helped make the industry more accessible over time and it’s something I hope to contribute to.”
Do you have to be “good at STEM” to study aviation?
Angela says confidence matters more than being perfect at STEM subjects.
“I wasn’t naturally strong in many STEM-related subjects when I started, and I often found myself taking longer to understand concepts compared to others.”
Over time, she says she realised what mattered more was understanding how she learns best, staying curious, and continuously asking why something works the way it does.
“What made the difference was learning how I learn, staying curious and asking why things work the way they do.”
Resilience, she says, is just as important as academic ability.
“Being willing to keep working through something until you find a better way – that’s what really sticks.”
Why did you get involved in Aviators in Schools?
For Angela, the Aviators in Schools program, represents a full circle moment.
Delivered in partnership with Aviation/Aerospace Australia, the program is designed to build students’ STEM capabilities and inspire them with the possibilities of diverse career pathways in aviation and aerospace.
“My own journey started from hearing about a female pilot when I was younger,” she says. “So, I really value the opportunity to now speak with students who may not have yet discovered their interests.”
Through the program, Angela visits schools to run hands-on activities, talk about her pathway into aviation, and show how STEM subjects translate into real world careers.
“I love being part of students’ curiosity – building gliders, talking through what a typical day looks like, and sharing my journey,” she says.
“Hopefully it helps make aviation feel more accessible and encourages students to explore what excites them.”
Learn about the world of opportunity available through STEM career pathways by visiting the #WithSTEMYouCan webpage.