Diana Swartz

Meet Diana Swartz, an inspiring EIT Student Ambassador and Automation Engineer from Zimbabwe, who is now based in New Zealand. Her journey from Electronics Intern to managing control systems projects in New Zealand has shaped her career and passion for helping other engineers. Discover her insights into leadership, overcoming challenges, and shaping the future of automation. Read on to learn more!

Fostering Connections and Personal Growth

Diana Swartz, an Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) 2025 Student Ambassador, is a dedicated Automation Engineer whose career has seen a remarkable evolution.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Diana is now based in New Zealand, where she manages complex control systems projects in the mineral and chemical processing industries. After completing her Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Diana started her career as an Electronics Intern.

However, it was her exposure to automation that sparked her true passion for the field. Her decision to pursue a Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation) through EIT, which she recently completed online, was a pivotal moment in her professional growth.

In her role as a Student Ambassador, Diana strives to create meaningful connections with her peers. She understands the struggles of engineering students, especially those who may be hesitant to ask questions or seek help.

Drawing from her own experience as a student and a working professional, Diana offers guidance in a way that fosters an environment of support. She emphasizes the importance of one-on-one interactions to make others feel comfortable in seeking help, a strategy she found helpful during her own academic journey.

“I tend to lean on my own experiences both as a student and an engineering professional to provide the perspective of someone who has previously been in their shoes,” Diana shared.

“I’ve always been approachable, and I find that it allows others to ask questions they might not feel comfortable asking in a group setting.”

As an ambassador, Diana sees herself not only as a source of academic guidance but also as someone who can help other students navigate the emotional ups and downs of engineering studies. By sharing her own challenges and victories, she hopes to instill confidence in others.

“It’s incredibly rewarding to connect with others who are on a similar journey,” she added. “Being able to share the lessons I’ve learned and help someone else along the way has been the most fulfilling part of my role.”

Navigating Challenges as a Woman in Engineering

Like many women in engineering, Diana has faced her share of challenges in a traditionally male-dominated field. Throughout her career, she has sometimes found herself in environments where her knowledge and skills were questioned simply because of her gender. This was especially true in some of the more patriarchal countries where she worked on commissioning projects.

However, Diana has learned to navigate these hurdles by owning her achievements and staying unapologetic about her abilities.

“The biggest challenge I’ve faced is having my knowledge questioned just because I’m a woman,” Diana explained. “In some situations, I was the only woman in the room, and that can sometimes be intimidating. But I’ve learned to show that my knowledge and experience are just as valuable as anyone else’s, regardless of my gender.”

In addition to developing resilience in the face of such challenges, Diana has also found strength in the support of colleagues who recognize that her gender has no impact on her capabilities. “I’m lucky to be working with a fantastic team of engineers and a supportive manager. For the first time in a long time, I don’t feel like I have to constantly prove myself,” she shared.

Diana’s message to other women considering a career in engineering is clear: be bold and unapologetic.

“There’s nothing wrong with being headstrong, opinionated, or motivated,” she emphasized. “These qualities are admired in our male counterparts, so why shouldn’t they be admired in us? Be unapologetically you, and find the people who are willing to bet on you.”

Aligning Academic Learning with Career Goals

Diana’s decision to pursue a Master of Engineering (Industrial Automation) at EIT was motivated by her desire to deepen her understanding of automation and control systems. The program not only provided her with the theoretical knowledge she needed but also helped bridge the gap between academic learning and practical application in her work projects.

“The coursework helped me better understand concepts that I had already encountered in the field but didn’t fully comprehend,” Diana explained. “It also opened my eyes to the growing influence of machine learning and artificial intelligence within automation. Now, I view the industry through a completely different lens, with a clearer understanding of how automation can optimize production environments.”

One of the most impactful courses in her program was Machine Learning for Industrial Automation, which Diana described as a game-changer for her career.

“The lecturer, Dr. Hadi, gave fantastic examples of how machine learning is already being used in industry. We covered applications like Predictive Maintenance and Digital Twins, which I believe will revolutionize the way we think about production environments,” she said.

Diana believes that the hands-on nature of the program was also crucial in preparing her for the practical challenges she faces in her career.

“EIT’s emphasis on real-world scenarios and the practical applications of what we learn in the classroom has made a huge difference. It’s one thing to learn a concept theoretically, but it’s another to apply it in the real world.”

Balancing Work, Study, and Ambassadorship

Balancing her responsibilities as an Automation Engineer, a student, and a Student Ambassador is no easy feat, but Diana has learned to manage her time effectively.

“Time management is key,” she said. “I make sure to plan ahead, which helps me stay organized and focused. When things get busy, I stay flexible and adjust my schedule accordingly.”

Diana finds that the different roles she juggles actually complement each other. Her work as an Automation Engineer informs her role as a Student Ambassador, and vice versa. For instance, her leadership and communication skills have improved through her ambassador duties, which in turn benefit her in her professional career.

“Being an ambassador has helped me develop my leadership skills and improve my ability to mentor others, which is invaluable in my work as an engineer,” she shared. “The experience has also given me the opportunity to connect with other engineers and share ideas, which is something I really value.”

Despite the challenges of balancing multiple roles, Diana finds the experience rewarding.

“Each part of my journey enriches the others. I learn new things every day, and I know that the skills I develop as an ambassador will benefit me in my future career.”

Looking Ahead: A Vision for the Future

Diana’s career trajectory reflects her dedication to continuous learning and her passion for automation engineering.

As she continues to grow in her role as an Automation Engineer, she remains excited about the future of the field. With advancements in machine learning and AI, she sees endless opportunities for innovation and optimization within the automation space.

“I’m particularly excited about combining Advanced Process Control with machine learning to optimize production environments,” she said. “The potential for improving efficiency and sustainability in manufacturing is incredible, and I’m excited to be part of that change.”

As a Student Ambassador, Diana remains committed to helping her peers and encouraging the next generation of engineers. She believes that the future of engineering is bright, and she is excited to contribute to shaping it.

“Automation is such an exciting field, and there’s so much to be done. I’m looking forward to continuing my work and sharing my journey with others,” she concluded.