From Dreams to Wings: Michelle Low’s career journey in the Aviation World
Ever wonder what goes on behind the scenes to ensure your safe travels through the skies? The marvel of a seamless and secure flight experience often masks the intricacies and efforts that lay the foundation for aviation safety. It's a world that relies on meticulous planning, rigorous adherence to safety regulations, and the expertise of dedicated professionals who uphold the highest standards in the interest of safety.
In this exclusive interview, we are privileged to engage in a conversation with Michelle Low, a distinguished Senior Regulatory Affairs Engineer at the Boeing Company. Michelle stands as a beacon of expertise and commitment within the aviation domain, ensuring that the skies we navigate remain safe and secure for all passengers and stakeholders.
Hello Michelle, tell us more about yourself!
I’m Michelle and I’m a Senior Regulatory Affairs Engineer and Senior Program Manager for Southeast Asia at The Boeing Company. My work entails working with a wide range of government entities and international organizations to improve or maintain the levels of aviation safety in Southeast Asia. My current focus is on identifying gaps in the system from a regulatory perspective and ensuring that these gaps are closed by providing technical assistance or advocating safety policies. Technical assistance addresses the existing issues and safety policy advocacy ensures that governments develop policies and regulations that are aligned with international standards and recommended practices. In other words, I work with governments to ensure that you remain safe when you fly. My job is exciting as it takes me to many places and allows me to work with a wide range of stakeholders.
Can you tell us more about your journey and what drove you to pursue a career in aviation? What pivotal moments or motivations influenced this path?
I naturally gravitated toward aerospace in school but I also kept my options open by doing internships in different job fields so that I had more choices when it came to selecting my university major.
In the first year of my Junior College studies, I was very fortunate to have been selected for the prestigious Ministry of Education Overseas Science Attachment Program I was assigned to the aviation and space attachment program at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University along with some aviation companies in China. I attended lectures at Hong Kong Polytechnic University and even witnessed live rocket engine testing in Shaanxi, China. This experience was pivotal in my career choice as it reinforced my interest in aviation, leading me to choose Aeronautical Engineering as my university major and an aviation-related scholarship.
Looking back on your childhood, what were your early aspirations and dreams? Were there any indications that hinted at your eventual passion for aviation?
Some of my early aspirations were to be an engineer or scientist. I was always a curious child who loved to ask why and understand how things work. As a primary school student, I was thrilled to complete the science experiments since I could accumulate all the pins in the Young Scientist program.
From an early age, I was fascinated by planes and I always wondered how such a massive object could fly. It goes without saying that I was thrilled each time I had the opportunity to travel by plane during my vacations.
Have you had the opportunity to travel to unique or interesting destinations as part of your work?
I find all destinations interesting but there is one country, in particular, that left a deep impression on me - the Lao People's Democratic Republic, commonly known as Laos. In addition to the beautiful natural scenery and unique culture, it was the people of Laos who left the largest impression on me. The locals were very hospitable, warm, and authentic. Some of my Laotian colleagues went on to become good friends of mine, and one of them even travelled to attend my wedding. My travels have made me appreciate the depth of human connection and how it brings every destination to life.
Balancing a demanding career with personal interests can be challenging. How do you find time for activities outside of work that you're passionate about?
All of us are busy and we have to make time for what is important to us. Encouraging more girls and women to join the aviation industry is a personal passion of mine. Hence, I devote time to my role as a leader of the Mentorship Committee for the Women in Aviation International Singapore Chapter.
Additionally, I prioritize taking time for myself to rest and recharge. This enables me to operate at my best, whether at work or pursuing my personal interests. We cannot give effectively when we are exhausted. As the Chinese proverb goes, "Rest prepares you for a longer journey."
The aviation industry has often been considered a male-dominated field. Can you discuss your experiences as a woman in this industry and how you navigated potential challenges?
Early in my career, I experienced struggling to be taken seriously early due to my gender. Additionally, people often mistook me for an administrative assistant when I attended meetings, which was amusing. However, I discovered that these biases melted away when I excelled at my job. Instead of evaluating me based on my gender, people did so on my work performance. I also used my “minority” status to my advantage – it made me all the more memorable at conferences and work meetings.
What do you believe can be done to encourage more girls and women to pursue careers in aviation and related fields?
I believe that we can follow the strategy of creating awareness and attracting and retaining women in the aviation industry. Initially, it is crucial to create awareness among young girls about the various career paths that exist in aviation. It is important for young girls to know that they can take on technical roles such as being a pilot or an engineer. Following that, the industry should take measures to keep the aviation sector compelling to women. Apart from offering competitive compensation and benefits, the industry must be open to greater diversity and implement inclusive policies that support both genders. Finally, the industry should consider the implementation of retention strategies to preserve the female talents that they have nurtured over time. This approach would also aid in attracting mid-level female candidates and those who are returning to the workforce.
How do you see the aviation industry evolving in the coming years, and what challenges and opportunities will it face?
What is a challenge to some may be an opportunity to another – they are two sides of the same coin for me. Aviation will face increasing pressure to become more environmentally friendly, which will translate to cost pressures for airlines in the short term. However, it also presents an opportunity for further innovation. For instance, these pressures have accelerated the development and use of Sustainable Aviation Fuels, coupled with other measures to minimize carbon footprint at airports. Another aspect of cutting-edge development is the implementation of automation in the industry. Although this may lead to the redundancy of certain jobs, it offers a chance for current employees to upskill or reskill themselves to embrace more diverse roles within the sector.
How can young girls interested in aviation prepare themselves for the industry's changing landscape?
Firstly, exposure. Young girls interested in aviation can expose themselves to the aviation industry by attending airshows and aviation open houses. In particular, they would want to look at the long-term trends in the sector, such as the increasing use of automation and emphasis on environmental sustainability. These experiences offer them a glimpse of what the industry would look like when they eventually join.
Secondly, they can delve deeper into school subjects that complement their interests and align with these trends. As they grow older, internships at local aviation companies are highly recommended as they allow the girls to gain an in-depth and practical understanding of the industry, as opposed to the theoretical aspects that schools offer.
Finally, it is important for young girls to recognize the value of resilience and develop this skill as they mature. This will help to prepare them for the evolving landscape in the industry and resilience is a crucial life skill that will serve them well beyond the workplace.
Reflecting on your journey, what guidance would you offer to your younger self?
Don’t be afraid to explore. It is important to keep exploring so that you can eventually find what you are passionate about.
It’s ok to be different. This may seem terrifying when you are a teenager and trying to fit in at school. Everyone is unique and it is essential to embrace your individuality – this allows you to reach your fullest potential
Not knowing what occupation to pursue is normal. Not everyone has it figured out in secondary school. Most people actually figure it out much later, be it in university or even after they have worked for several years. The most important thing is to keep exploring what your passions are and to work towards those passions.
We don’t have to choose our occupation based on societal expectations. Many people study medicine and law because they or their families think that such professions are prestigious and pay well. They are, but a career is a marathon, and passion is what makes it sustainable in the long run.
Study hard but have fun as well. Many of us are worried about our grades and want to do well so that we have options for university majors. However, it is important to have fun and rest as well. Balancing work and play will help you lead a fulfilling life.
Lastly, what message or words of advice would you like to convey to young girls who hold aspirations of venturing into the world of aviation?
Don’t let the complexity of the industry or the gender ratio deter you. It is perfectly fine to be unique, and the aviation industry can be a highly rewarding industry once you enter it.
