Flying Officer Nidhi Vyas, who migrated to Australia at the age of 26, is a big believer in lifelong learning.
While she enlisted as an avionics technician in 2009, Flying Officer Vyas had always wanted to explore the other side of the technician world: aviation engineering. So in 2015, she commenced a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering part-time at Western Sydney University.
Her first posting to 37 Squadron involved deploying to the Middle East as an aviation technician in 2017.
Now an engineering officer and about to commence a Masters in Systems Engineering, Flying Officer Vyas reflected on how diversity is an organisational strategic advantage.
“I believe everyone has something to offer regardless of where they come from and by including unique-minded people, we can achieve many common goals,” Flying Officer Vyas said.
“I also believe that coming together as a diverse community can be a way to express and show our different skills to create betterment.”
Flying Officer Vyas said her respect for unique perspectives stems from her upbringing in India.
“I grew up in a family that always encouraged integrity in any adversity, working hard for what we want to achieve and being the best version of ourselves,” she said.
“We were taught to show courage to stand up for the right thing and never treat anyone as though they are beneath us. Be truthful, be proud of your roots, be grateful for what you have, respectful to one another and embrace change with courage.
“The values I grew up with align with Defence’s values of courage, respect, integrity and excellence.”
Working at RAAF Base Richmond in the Air Lift Systems Program, Flying Officer Vyas said that seeking to understand different perspectives can improve team performance and connection.
“I work within the most diverse team consisting of people from many different cultural backgrounds, ages and genders. Our diversity fosters innovation and creativity which allows us to think from a different perspective, enabling improvements in team performance,” Flying Officer Vyas said.
“I have seen huge encouragement from our chain of command to participate in cultural workshops and have witnessed a change in our team dynamics where we are comfortable sharing our ups and downs.”
Flying Officer Vyas is grateful to work in an organisation that values its people and learning.
“Air Force profoundly invests in education and training to help you achieve your full potential.”
