Passion for engineering: Meet Sarah Fan

I joined Metso over two years ago as a Design Draftsperson at our Canning Vale site in Australia, working first on screen media design and then on mill lining design. Recently, I transitioned to the production team as a Manufacturing Engineer.

My career path has been quite unique. With a master’s degree in mechanical engineering and six years of experience in China, I faced challenges finding a role in Perth, Australia, after moving here in 2012. During this time, I became a mother and pursued a new career in nursing, completing a full-time program at the Curtin University. I worked as a registered nurse for several years before returning to engineering.

I finally rejoined the engineering field with Metso and I’m also pursuing a master’s degree in engineering at the University of Western Australia, where I am halfway through my studies. Alongside my engineering role, I continue to practice nursing when I can.

A funny part of my journey is how my background blends into unexpected situations. At my nursing job, whenever things broke down, everyone turned to me, assuming I could fix them – though I had to clarify that I wasn’t a car mechanic or an IT specialist. Conversely, in my engineering role, I often find myself offering free health advice.

The power of teamwork: From concept to reality

The Metso value that resonates the most with me is “Getting it done – together.”  This value truly reflects the collaborative spirit I experience every day at Canning Vale.

I enjoy being part of a team where every step of the product manufacturing process is meticulously executed. From observing the initial product design phase, through to the creation of detailed drawings and the final production, it’s truly fascinating to witness the entire journey.

One of the most rewarding aspects has been seeing how the collective expertise and contributions of everyone involved come together to produce a successful product. The teamwork and collaboration required to bring a product from concept to reality are nothing short of amazing.

Each person's role is crucial, and it's clear that no single individual could achieve this alone. The success of a product is a testament to the outstanding teamwork and dedication of the entire group. It’s amazing to see how the combined expertise and dedication of team members, whether they have 40 plus years of experience or are new to the team, drive our success.

Pursue your passions

To all the women considering a career in engineering, my message is simple: just do it! Embrace the journey and view it as a valuable life experience.

I spent six fulfilling years in the engineering field. When circumstances changed and I faced challenges finding a new engineering role, I explored nursing as an alternative and found satisfaction there as well. However, my passion for engineering never waned.

If you’re passionate about engineering, don’t hesitate to pursue it – even if you encounter obstacles along the way. It’s okay to explore different paths and experiences, but never shy away from returning to what you love. Life is about enjoying the journey and learning from every experience. There's nothing to lose and so much to gain. Follow your interests and embrace every opportunity to grow.