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Diana Geaboc

from checkout attendant to Project Manager
I deliver construction projects, mostly repairs and renewals of large assets
Industry
Transport, Logistics and Warehousing
Company
Port of Brisbane
Job Level
Mid

Ask me about

  • What a typical day looks like in my role
  • My favourite part of my job
  • How what I studied relates to what I do
  • Do I regret dropping out of a degree halfway

About me

My journey was anything but typical! I did not know what I wanted to do when I finished school, but I knew I wasn’t done learning. I started one university degree (Law), but halfway through realised it wasn’t for me. After a lot of reflection, I decided to try Engineering. I liked finding creative solutions to problems and enjoyed maths and science.

In the first year, you get introduced to most branches of Engineering and Structural Engineering stuck out to me the most. I wanted to build the next Burj Khalifa! Just before I finished my degree, I did a summer internship with Port of Brisbane to gain some industry experience and I loved it so much, I never left!

About my role

  • Curious
  • Flexible
  • Passionate
  • Perfectionist
  • Personable

Project Managers work across a lot of industries, they oversee the delivery of different types of work packages from manufacturing to product development, to construction and everything in between. They are usually given a set amount of money and time and have to plan and manage the various stages of the project to ensure they stick to the budget and the work is done by the deadline. Depending on the size of the project, the general stages of a project are concept, design, procurement, delivery, commissioning and handover. Project Managers usually oversee the entire project, and sometimes have people help them at the different project stages. It is valuable for Project Managers to be familiar with legal contracts and financial management and have good background knowledge relevant to the type of project they are delivering (like a university degree) – but this is not essential and is often developed over time.

Education

  • Queensland Certificate of Education
  • Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) - Civil and Structural
  • Certificate IV in Water Network Operations

Subjects

  • Art
  • Digital Design/Information Technology
  • English
  • History
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Physics

Awards

  • Dux of Information Technology Studies (2011)
  • Dux of Visual Art (2012)
  • Academic Excellence (2008-2012)
  • DCN Young Achievement Award - Highly Commended 2021

Hobbies

  • Beach adventures
  • Gaming
  • Gardening
  • Renovating
  • Travel

Pets

  • 2 Dog
  • 1 Cat

15 year old me!!

“Prioritise developing the skills you enjoy using and allow yourself the space to change your mind, that's how we grow.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Went to university straight from school
  2. Changed my degree twice
  3. Did an internship for work experience
  4. Was promoted a few times
  5. Now manage projects and mentor interns

My typical day

My employer

Port of Brisbane is Queensland’s premier port and logistics hub. As the third largest container port and one of the most diverse multi-cargo ports in Australia, Port of Brisbane is an economic powerhouse driving Queensland and Australia’s trade growth.