Breaking Barriers in STEM: A Q&A with Natasha Farnsworth
Parbery Manager Natasha Farnsworth is a member of our Engineering and ILS team. She brings expertise in technical intelligence and systems engineering, which she has applied throughout her seven years of working in Defence, in both industry and government roles. For the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, she gave insight into her experience as a woman in STEM and Defence, highlighting the challenges she has navigated and the support systems that have helped her succeed.
What inspired you to pivot into systems engineering, considering that you finished a Bachelor of Architecture?
I joined the Department of Defence grad program after my Bachelor’s degree. I worked in the Technical Modelling and Photogrammetry team where I used my CAD modelling and drafting skills. As well as developing facility models, I generated 3D CAD models and engineering diagrams for defence systems to support threat detection. I was so curious about the mission data I was producing, where it fit in the broader defence capability, and what the validation process entailed, that I did some research into additional courses I could take and decided to do a Master of Systems Engineering.
Reflecting on your experience in both industry and government roles in Defence, what unique challenges have you faced as a woman in engineering, and how have you navigated them?
In most teams I have worked in, I’ve either been the only woman, or one of very women in a technical role. I’d say the biggest challenge is self-confidence, especially coming back to the workforce after having two little girls of my own. To navigate through this I found some excellent resources about coaching women in the workforce and I’ve surrounded myself with a supportive network.
In your time working in Defence, have you felt supported as a woman in your field? Are there initiatives you think can improve support for women?
For the most part I have absolutely felt supported. In my government roles I felt very supported when I pursued my Master’s, worked full-time, and had two children. In my current role I have the flexibility with work and enormous support and encouragement to pursue additional learning, all whilst being a working mum. Unfortunately, like most women I know, I have had bad experiences and needed to find the courage to move on to somewhere that better aligned with my values. And these better places do exist. The support does exist. I’d honestly love to see a single repository where all of these forums, resources, and guidance could be easily accessible.
Who are women in engineering or science that inspire you?
This is a tricky one, because the women who I find most inspiring aren’t your typical idols known for making discoveries in their fields. I’m most inspired by everyday women who work so hard and do their best and never take credit for their small wins. I’m inspired by the women who march through the shops with a tantrum-throwing toddler. I’m inspired by women surviving on coffee in the breakout room because they’ve been awake all night with sick kids. I’m inspired by the women who take the time to listen to you and get excited when you’re excited. I’ve met some amazing women in my life and I’ve taken an attribute from each of them that I aspire to embody every day.
What advice would you give to girls or young women aspiring to work in science, technology, engineering, and Defence fields?
Find your own path. You don’t have to fit into a stereotype to work in STEM. In fact, we should be breaking all stereotypes. Pursue your curiosity. Your career will be so much more rewarding if you learn and progress in a field that you constantly want to know more about. Ask the questions. Take the risks. And change your mindset from ‘failing’ to ‘failing forward’.
