Emma Birch studied Bachelor of Civil Engineering and Bachelor of Science – Geology & Geophysics at the University of Sydney and is now the Head of Asset Management Program Management Office at Hydro Tasmania.
I find growing a business, coaching junior staff and helping clients, all to be equally rewarding. I especially enjoy working on transactions that are ‘live’ and are read about in the newspapers and other media.
Being a full-time working parent is a daily juggling act. However, working in a firm that promotes flexibility and work-life balance has greatly helped me with not only the advancement in my career but to also raise two children.
I think being a woman in a male-dominated arena is always a challenge – especially when it is largely relationship based and it at times feels like it will always be that way.
The most rewarding part of my job is watching the staff I work with and mentor grow into strong professionals, getting their CA qualification, learning how to work with clients, learning how to become advisors and strong auditors.
The best thing I ever did was start working in the accounting field while studying. It made the content easier to follow and builds your experience level. I'm not saying it was easy, but it was worth it.