Laura Jiew

Marketing Communications Manager, ON Innovation Program at CSIRO

Laura's career has taken her through education, non-profits, STEM, and cyber/information security. With a bachelor's degree in Science and postgrad qualifications in Marketing and Event Management, she's quite the versatile professional. Laura sees herself as someone who's people-oriented, tech-savvy, and a great communicator. She thrives on making genuine connections and helping stakeholders succeed. She's all about building stronger, more connected STEM communities, and her current gig at CSIRO fits like a glove!

Career & Background

What inspired you to do what you are doing now?

I am inspired by those who are curious, innovative and motivated. I have always been motivated to work for organisations that are driven by purpose, hence the majority of my working experience being within the context of (higher) education and STEM.

Could you tell us a bit about your professional background and where you are headed in your career right now?

My career has spanned across the areas of education, non-profits, STEM and cyber/information security.

I have an undergraduate degree in Science and postgraduate qualifications in Marketing and Event Management.

I would describe myself as people-oriented, tech-savvy and a strong communicator. The human connection and ability to contribute towards a stakeholders’ success story is something I really thrive doing. I am passionate about building stronger, more connected communities within the STEM sector and I currently work at the CSIRO which has proven to be a great fit!

My professional expertise lies in the areas of:

– Strategic marketing
– Corporate communication
– Stakeholder engagement and relationships
– Project management, particularly in the Australian higher education context
– Event planning, coordination, and delivery (including major conferences)
– Content creation, producing & copywriting (brand, social media, email-marketing, website content management, podcasting)
– Leadership and mentoring

Outside of my professional working life, I have previously dabbled as an entrepreneur with 7 years of experience co-owning a café with my husband. I also enjoy travelling and learning about new cultures with my family.

Wait there’s more!

I’m done

Your favourite food for thought

Books

Becoming and The Light We Carry by Michelle Obama (love her! – hence the bias)
Dare to Lead by Brene Brown

Podcasts / Thought Leaders

How I Built This, hosted by Guy Raz from NPR
ABC Conversations with Richard Fidler and Sarah Kanowski
Work Life, hosted by Adam Grant

What drives and inspires you

What are your core values?

Growth
Reliability
Respect

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

My mum. She became a single mother of 4 at the age of 37 after my dad passed away from cancer. She’s a qualified Mathematics and Science teacher and had always worked full-time. In 2019, she retired from high-school teaching after a career that spanned across 37 years. She currently works part-time as a private tutor, and continues to share her Mathematics and Science knowledge with high school students seeking additional assistance. Her strength, resilience and work ethic is something I admire deeply.

You as a Mentor

Why have you decided to become a mentor?

I have always enjoyed leading and mentoring, especially within the context of young / new graduates and would love to support my friends Liz and Belle in the Qld chapter 🙂

What are the top 5 skills or qualities you bring to mentoring?

Collaborative
Empathic
Knowledgeable
Respectful
Supportive

Ready to be a part of Assisterhood as a Mentee?

We are now up and running in QLD, VIC and NSW – and we’re only just getting started! Let’s shoot for the stars – together!

Apply Now

Meet the QLD MentorsLaura Jiew