Brazilian engineer Marilia Dumont arrived with qualifications but few local connections. Her path back into the profession reveals the hidden barriers affecting overseas-trained engineers.
Growing up in Brazil, Marilia Dumont spent countless hours in her father’s automotive workshop, absorbing the logic and creativity behind how things work.
“I used to break things and, with his help, put them back together, as my way of trying to understand how everything worked,” she said.
So when choosing a degree, engineering seemed like the logical step.
“I wanted to study something where I could learn how to properly build things and somehow help the future. But, back then, the belief was that engineering wasn’t for girls, and since my mum was the one paying for uni, she thought it would be wiser if I went to law school.”
However, a year into her degree, Dumont realised law wasn’t for her.
“When I moved into engineering, it brought together everything in my mind – problem-solving, making things better, creativity, logic and trying to make a positive impact on people and how the world works.”
A career on pause
Almost completing her engineering degree in Brazil and while working as a quality inspector/auditor for a steel manufacturer, Dumont’s life took an unexpected turn when her father passed away.
“When my father died, I had a breakdown. I quit everything and went to Canada to learn English,” she said.
Upon returning to Brazil, Dumont found work in another field – banking. But engineering was still calling. Then, she re-enrolled in university and completed her degree while still working as a bank manager.
“I thought: I need to go away, do an engineering-related course, and then come back to Brazil and return to engineering. So I came to Australia.”
Starting again in a new country
To come to Australia, Dumont enrolled in a Diploma of Project Management as a bridge back into engineering. Upon completing the diploma, she began a business course as the COVID pandemic hit.
“During COVID, I found an opportunity to do a Master of Engineering Management, so I embraced it,” Dumont said.
A reconnection with engineering ensued, as well as an introduction to Engineers Australia, which soon became one of the most important anchors in her professional rebuild.
“During my degree, I was encouraged to engage with Engineers Australia. And by the end of my Master’s degree, the pathway started to become clearer – I knew I wanted to work in this field here in Australia, so I contacted Engineers Australia to have my degree assessed.”
Obstacles remain for overseas-trained engineers. What’s being done to break down barriers and make the most of their skills?
Navigating new systems
Although Dumont didn’t have to repeat her degree, it was important to her to adapt to the new system as effectively as possible.
“Production engineering is very process-based, and the skills can transition across roles. But a big thing for me was understanding Australian Standards – they’re different from those in Brazil.”
Dumont pursued short courses in both Brazil and Australia, using Engineers Australia resources to build on her foundations.
“Engineers Australia has a lot of material, and the technical societies have relevant content. I also completed on-demand courses through Engineers Australia, which were especially important as they gave me the base I needed to pursue further study. and to develop the skills and knowledge I rely on in my current role.”
READ: Mapping a migrant engineer’s journey from Santiago to Sydney
Breaking down barriers
Even after rebuilding her technical base, Dumont encountered the same obstacles many migrant engineers face: language barriers, visa constraints and the challenge of finding roles that matched her capability.
“The biggest barrier is always local experience – all companies want it,” she said. “But before my Master’s graduation, I struggled because of visa restrictions. The student visa allows only 20 hours per week (only recently increased to 24 hours per week), and engineering roles usually require more.”
And bias appeared in more subtle ways too.
“In one interview, when they heard my accent, the salary changed,” she said.
But being open to every opportunity was key to finding her footing. At a breakfast event hosted by Engineers Australia in 2022, Dumont met Joseph Tam FIEAust CPEng EngExec – Principal Supply Engineer at Seqwater and former president of the Engineers Australia Queensland Division – who broadened her perspective.
“He opened my mind about different roles; sometimes we look only at the job title and not the description,” she said. ‘He also said, ‘Just because you’re not getting the exact engineering role you want, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply’. He encouraged me to search for companies whose values align with mine and look for positions that could open other doors.”
Dumont realised that a role can be a ladder to where you ultimately want to land in your career. While she didn’t have all the field-specific skills, Dumont tailored her resume and cover letter to highlight the key skills the organisation needed.
“That’s how I started at Seqwater. I got a job as a Project Officer,” she said. “I learned the rules and requirements, and in the interview I could say, ‘I’m still learning, but I understand what’s required and I’m committed.’ Through that, I could show the company my work. And from there, I progressed.”
Her commitment to the work, and especially the network, helped her clinch her current role as Dam Engineer – Infrastructure Planning and Capital Delivery at Seqwater.
Dumont has also built a wider network through Engineers Australia events, mentoring programs and women-in-engineering groups.
“All the Engineers Australia events I’ve been to have helped me build confidence and make connections with people from different companies. The Engineers Australia community has been the one I rely on the most.”
Read the story of Iranian-born mechanical engineer Hannah Talebi, who found navigating the Australian job market to be far from easy.
Reclaiming an engineering career
Today, Dumont is part of one of Queensland’s most significant dam safety projects, contributing to the long-term upgrade of Somerset Dam.
“Being part of the Somerset Dam upgrade is one of the most important highlights of my career. I’m working on an incredible project, alongside highly experienced engineers, and I am able to contribute far more than I ever imagined.”
The project is pushing her into new technical domains – geotechnical engineering, hydrology, software engineering and Australian dam safety standards – honing an expansive and multidisciplinary skill set.
“This project is going to run for years, and it’s shaping my future.”
Migrant engineers offer strengths that employers sometimes underestimate: resilience, adaptability and a determination to prove themselves, she believes. “I found a way to break into the market and prove myself to my leaders and colleagues. I have gained respect and trust, but getting started wasn’t easy.”
But the government could help to make the migration process easier.
“I know people who were sponsored but exploited with long working hours and less pay, also having their visa threatened. The government should also allow more working hours for student-visa holders with engineering backgrounds. If I’d been allowed to work more hours earlier, I would have more experience today.”
Industry, she argues, needs to refine its assessment processes so migrant engineers aren’t underestimated by default.
“Some friends of mine are not entry-level, but they’re treated that way because employers know we need local experience. We give everything we have. We’re eager to contribute, with or without local experience.”
Her strongest message, though, is for newly arrived engineers themselves.
“Engage with Engineers Australia and work on your network. Say yes to opportunities – even small ones. Lunch meetings, coffees, mentoring events – they can all change your path.”
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I am a civil engineer with over 10 years of experience as a construction project manager (civil), and i am still looking for job, due to the lack of local experience.
Your story is truly inspiring! Thank you for sharing your journey and insights.
“I faced a similar situation as you. I completed my diploma in Project Management and Leadership Management in Canberra, and my oversees engineering experience was approved through EA assessment. Due to visa limitations, lack of local experience and support, I had to leave Australia.
You’re really lucky to have things working out for you. Wishing you all the best in your continued success!