Prosple Profiles

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. Part of the challenge is dealing with this but still being authentic, i.e. work with “the boys” and earning their respect as an equal rather than trying to be something you are not.

Kerrie Duong is a senior associate in the Commercial Real Estate Group.

What's really important though is that you have a love for learning, in my job we are constantly trying to improve, do things better, be predictive rather than reactive.

Failure isn’t failure if you learn something from it – then it becomes a stepping stone. People don't like to talk about bad times so it's hard to know, but more ‘successful people’ than you may realise bombed at something else before they started succeeding.

It’s important to think strategically about the long-term direction of the business – for example, who should our main customers be? What training do we need to ensure that my team stay relevant?

Since completing my degree, additional education requirements have also been introduced to the sector by the Financial Adviser Standards and Ethics Authority (FASEA) and the firm has provided financial and other assistance to help with attaining those qualifications

The most rewarding thing for me as a senior engineer is when the customer is happy. Working with an amazing group of people to produce the best outcomes, build the relations and help the business to grow.