Faces Of The CRL: Nina Tropina

Delivering the country’s largest infrastructure project takes some seriously talented people, so in this section “Faces of the CRL” we talk to some of City Rail Link’s best and brightest. This month we turn the spotlight to Nina Tropina, a Link Alliance site engineer at the Karangahape Station site. 

What do you do?
I am a site engineer on Karangahape Road Mined Tunnel. I initially studied Biology, but quickly realised that construction was a growing industry and did my second degree in Civil Engineering.

Where were you working prior to this?
I have worked on a number of infrastructure projects, including fun locations like Brisbane, and recently Waiheke Island.

It was recently International Women’s Day, what women support and inspire you on your career path?
I have had no direct female reports since entering the industry as I have been in structural engineering which is heavily male dominated. Therefore, I have looked outside my team for support from other women. Joining the Women's Infrastructure Network (WIN) committee has been one of the most beneficial steps I have taken, as it gave me access to women who have been in the industry for 5-10 years and have given me a wealth of support and tips on how to navigate the industry and how to recognise unacceptable conduct in the workplace. Female peers who are open to honest conversation are also greatly appreciated.

What has helped you get to where you are and what advice would you have for others who want to set off in a similar direction?
I would recommend anyone starting out in the industry to reach out to their leaders and ask for a mentor.

What do you do when you are not working?
I love getting out of town and going on road trips or doing conservation work in my spare time.