Our Aviators in Schools program connects teachers all over Australia with aviation professionals in flexible, ongoing partnerships, that bring real-world insights into the classroom.
We spoke with one of our Aviators in Schools mentors to hear about their aviation journey and show how #WithSTEMYouCan have a career that evolves with you and our world.
Fenella Jefferson, Aeromedical Training Academy Facilitator, Royal Flying Doctor Service.
Born in New Zealand, Fenella dreamed of being an Airforce pilot. A dream that was quickly put on pause due to females not being accepted at the time.
Fast forward to now, not only is Fenella a qualified pilot but she is the Aeromedical Training Academy Facilitator for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Queensland, keeping the skies safe and rescuing people from harm.
Fenella shares her Aviation journey and how STEM skills have had a huge impact on where she is today.
What did you want to be when you were younger and how did you find yourself where you are today?
“When I was younger I wanted to be a pilot in the Airforce, however due to gender requirements I couldn’t follow that path, and my parents were not wealthy enough to pay for general piloting training, so I became a scientist.
“I did a master's degree in pharmacology and toxicology and with a large number of STEM subjects under my belt, I became a pharmaceutical rep”.
“Then when I turned 30, I thought, I don't know if this is really what I want to do. So I went and did a trial instructional flight, and the rest is history”.
What does your career look like today?
“Today I am the Aeromedical Training Academy Facilitator at the Royal Flying Doctor Service. I look at the human factors side of our training, for example I train people on what to do if there is fatigue or illness. I also instruct people on what to do if there's an emergency such as a fire in the cabin.
“My trainees include all types of aviation professionals, from pilots to nurses and engineers.
“I would have to say now, working at the Royal Flying Doctors Service is my dream job. The culture is amazing, all of the people are great and we get to do really fulfilling work”.
How have your STEM skills contributed to your career and enabled you to work across the globe?
“Because of the STEM skills I have acquired, I think outside the box, it has helped me in all of my roles and will continue to help in the future.
“For example, earlier this decade I moved to the UK, I pivoted career paths and used my skillset to work in aviation recruitment for pilots and engineers.
“Another move led me to Singapore where I took the role of General Manager of an aviation recruitment company.
“I have done many talks at huge conferences all over the world. My experience brought me out of my shell. I've ended up where I am now because of my journey”.
What are some of your insights about women in the aviation industry?
“Although it’s estimated that women only currently represent around 5 per cent of all commercial airline pilots, there is plenty of room for women in all aspects of the aviation industry.
“In my work overseas, I’ve seen women represented in all areas of aviation, from pilots to engineers, to heads of companies. For example, the head of Airbus training in Singapore is female. You can see this progression on Australian shores too, with female leadership at Qantas and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA)”.
What advice would you give students about a career in STEM and aviation.
“I want to make sure that students know there are so many jobs you can do, it's not just about being a pilot, you can be an engineer, you can be an air traffic controller, you can work in recruitment, you can lead a company, get those foundational skills, take some chances and see where your journey takes you.”
Where can students start?
“By actually seeing aviation in action and creating an understanding, helps students to educate themselves on the different opportunities.
“In order to do this, I would recommend:
- Exploring if your school offers aviation related subjects or courses and give yourself a taste.
- Search for cadetships, or aviation related jobs. Even just hanging out at the airport, you never know who you're going to bump into.
- Going to a trial instructional flight (which is cheaper than a normal flight).
- Find out if there are any organisations you can join, networking is a huge part of the industry. For example, girls/women could join the Australian Women’s Pilots Association and you can join Women in Aviation International which is free if you’re under 16.
“It really doesn't matter whether you want to be an air traffic controller or a pilot or an engineer or be an accountant, all experiences and insights can help to guide your own pathway”.
Fenella is currently a mentor in our Aviators in School program, as part of the STEM Professionals in Schools initiative. Presenting to high-school students about the Royal Flying Doctor Service, her experience and coordinating site visits sharing more insights to the pathways available
Learn about the world of opportunity available through STEM career pathways visit the #WithSTEMYouCan webpage.