Suhaila Muhamad
Ask me about
- Working remotely offshore in a male-dominated environment
- How I set myself up for success when I moved countries
- How my engineering degree benefits me
- How I identified my transferrable skills and used them in my career
About me
- International Experience
My journey may be slightly different than the rest! Before graduating from high school, I was offered a scholarship to study at an engineering university in Malaysia, one owned by the national oil company. That opportunity set my early career path towards the oil and gas sector, which suited my desire to travel and work in challenging environments.
For my first four years, I lived out of a suitcase, flying by helicopter to offshore rigs or sleeping in pickup trucks across the mid‑west USA while supervising field operations. It sure did build character! Since moving to Perth in 2014, I discovered a strong passion for sales and relationship building. I recognised that as my transferable skills and deliberately utilised them to reshape my career, transitioning into new industries while continuously enjoy learning new things.
About my role
- Curious
- Daring
- Passionate
- Personable
- Sensitive
- Witty
I help connect the energy projects and industries that will power Queensland’s future. As an Account Director at Powerlink, I work with customers who want to connect new energy projects, such as wind farms, solar farms, gas plants and batteries, as well as large industrial businesses, to the electricity transmission network.
I am the main point of contact for my customers, helping them understand the connection process and find solutions to meet their needs. I work with engineers, commercial specialists and other experts across Powerlink to coordinate technical and commercial outcomes. My role is about building strong relationships, solving complex problems, and helping bring energy projects to life. Every successful connection supports jobs, investment and a more reliable and sustainable energy system for Queensland.
Education
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Civil
Subjects
- Biology
- Chemistry
- English
- General Mathematics (Maths A)
- Geography
- History
- Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
- Physical Education
- Physics
- Science
- Specialist Mathematics (Maths C)
Awards
- 2 x Dean's List award in University (CPA >3.5)
Hobbies
- Camping
- Hiking
- Reading
- Travel
- Yoga
Pets
- 2 Cat
My career journey
-
The only woman to complete harsh field training in the USA
-
Migrated to Australia in 2014
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Secured impenetrable market in Trinidad
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Transitioned to the energy industry
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Relationships made along the way from 5 continents
My typical day
My employer