Hear from our Property specialist Sharone Carter

Q. What is your role and what does a typical day look like?

My current role with NQBP is Acting Property Specialist, I am alsoa member of the lines handling crew.

In the property space, each day is unique as my team is responsible for the day-to-day administration and management of NQBP’s property portfolio which spans across our four ports. What I enjoy about the role is its many facets, including processing monthly rent roles, progressing market rent reviews, undertaking tenure variations and amendments. I regularly work across the business liaising with both our internal and external stakeholders providing advice on leasing and property matters and enjoy engaging with external professionals’ lawyers, valuers and our port tenants.

In addition to my corporate role, I am an active member of our ships lines handling crew which is responsible for the mooring and unmooring of ships in and out of the port. When I began lines handling in 2001, shipping crews were predominately male-dominated but I’m proud to say that today the gender balance is quite equal with many women seizing the opportunity and enjoying the benefits.

Q. This year's theme for International Women’s Day is ‘Each for equal’ – an equal world is an enabled world. What does this mean to you?

This year’s theme for IWD ‘Each for Equal’ for me means breaking down stereotypes and acknowledging that we are each equal irrespective of our differences. Equal rights, equal opportunities will bring about true inclusiveness.

Q. What is the most challenging part of your job?

Early in my career I was a single full-time working mother, trying to balance a professional career and personal life. I found myself faced with a situation where a male colleague treated me in manner that left me with a lot of self-doubt and worth and while this wasn’t pleasant, I found in myself a courage I didn’t know I had.

I pressed myself to not sit back and accept these behaviours but instead took control and challenged myself to become better educated enrolling in a Bachelor of Property at Central Queensland University.

These days I am empty nesting, and while there are still challenging aspects in my work, balancing motherhood, full time work and tertiary studies was certainly one of the most challenging. The reward of graduating and pursuing a career in the ports has left me with a great sense of accomplishment.

Q. How do you find working in a male-dominated industry?

I think there are still some barriers for women in male dominated industries, however it is great to see that those barriers are less and less. What I have learnt from the experience is to recognise my own self worth and in doing so I have built strong relationships and have enjoyed and valued a long career at the port.

Q. What advice do you have for other women pursuing careers in traditionally male-dominated industries?

Don’t let fear stop you, own who you are, acknowledge your skills and value your contributions. Gender doesn’t inhibit your ability to achieve or excel in life and career.

Don’t limit yourself simply because there is a perception it’s man’s work. If you are passionate and have a goal challenge yourself and enjoy the opportunities and rewards.