“I had a Bachelor’s degree in computer applications, and although I liked working in technology and data management, I was looking for new challenges,” she says. “After discovering a passion for risk analysis, a dream opportunity arose so I moved into a new role in Risk Management.”

“There is something so interesting to me about risk analysis. I love everything about it – identifying and analysing risks, reviewing risk factors, assessing their likelihood and impact, establishing risk ratings and developing controls to mitigate or manage them,” she says.

Anu currently works for Inland Rail – the 1,700km rail freight project that will connect Brisbane to Melbourne. She is part of the team overseeing the project’s risk and compliance.

“Working on a project of this magnitude is exciting… I’m happy to have the opportunity to work on something that will make a real difference,” she says.

“The rail industry improves lives and helps connect communities, plus it has great potential for progressing through the 21st century,” she says. “I enjoy analysing complex data from multiple sources to understand the impacts and requirements of this megaproject.”

“There is so much variety in what I do, and I find it challenging – in a good way. I’m motivated to learn and excel, and I enjoy coming to work every day. Rail hasn’t just helped me develop professionally, it has helped me grow personally too.”

For Anu, rail is all about the people, they’re far more diverse than she expected.

“I thought rail was only for men… but it’s an industry that offers diversity – it employs people from all age groups and lots of different nationalities. The industry is changing and modernising, and with many events focused on bringing in more women and recognising those that are already here, it’s fantastic,” she says.

“I have been warmly welcomed into the industry and am lucky to work with an amazing team and managers who support each other – rail is my ideal working environment and I plan to stay here for a long time… the innovations in rail open the doors to a career for life.”