Women in maritime
What did you want to become when you were a kid and why?
I wanted to be a vet. I‘ve always loved animals and always loved the thought of being able to help save them. As I got older I realised that I was a bit too much of a softie and couldn’t stand to see animals in pain. Plus, I’d probably want to take them all home with me!
Why did you choose to work within shipping?
I was 19, and my mum convinced me to apply for a job working onboard. I was always so shy and didn’t have much confidence. Since working onboard for a year, and then in the Contact Centre for the past 10 years, I am a completely different person. Working for Stena Line made me who I am today, confident, outgoing and always up for a challenge.
What is your best work-related memory?
This is a tough one to answer as there have been so many good memories over the years. The best would probably be the day I got my job in Customer Services. I’d never wanted anything so much in my life. And when I was told I was successful I cried. I couldn’t believe that the shy, lacking in confidence person I once was, now had such an important role within such a big company. I am now part of an amazing team and enjoy the challenges the job can bring.
Who has been your role model and why?
My Mum, 100%. When my sister and I were younger (still in primary school), my Mum decided she was going to quit her job and do her nursing degree. For her to do that, having two young children and later on in her life, is just amazing. I’ve always admired her for that. She then went on to do her midwife degree and had a wonderful career doing something she always wanted to do. It really goes to show that you can achieve anything in life no matter what age you are.