Graduate Profile - Azriel Poskey-Miles
What did you study at University?
I studied Chemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering and completed my B.Eng (Hons) at the end of 2020.
Are you a cat person or dog person?
BOTH! I have had both cats and dogs my entire life and they help fill different interactive needs.
Favourite place to eat when in Adelaide
Ryo’s Noodles on Gouger Street. It is a family favourite and always tastes incredible!
What drew you to your field?
After realising Medicine was not the best path for me, in year 12 I got the chance to re-evaluate my ideas for the future. At the time I loved Chemistry, Physics and to an extent Maths and thought that Chemical Engineering would be a good option. I realised pretty quickly that it was exactly what I needed, and I would have the opportunity to help people to solve problems every single day to make our daily lives safer and more sustainable.
If I could go back to my University days I would…
Enjoy and make the most of a student discount!
Most prized possession
The ring on my right hand. My mother and father bought me this ring after we received the results of my first ever cello exam, and I have worn it ever since. It is starting to look a little worn, but it always reminds me of my commitment to my music and the hard work that went into that time of my life.
If you could start a charity, what would it be for?
My dream charity would be looking at the leaky pipeline of Women in STEM. The initial funding would go towards providing help and teaching assistance for primary school girls when they begin to struggle with maths. If we can support them at this stage, a larger proportion of those girls will enjoy maths and will be more likely to continue these subjects into High School.
What is your greatest career strength?
I believe my best career strength is called individualisation. People with this strength see each person as one of a kind and are keen observers of other people’s strengths. I often aim to draw out the best in anyone by ensuring that their needs are met and work undertaken is tailored to their skills and goals. This is incredibly useful in leadership positions but is also useful when engaging with stakeholders on long-term projects.
Something that makes you smile
Something that never fails to make me smile is meeting new people and instantly connecting.
What current fact about your life would most impress your five year old self?
My five year old self would probably be most impressed by the way I mix gold and silver jewellery on a daily basis.
Something you are grateful for
I am incredibly grateful for all the opportunities in life I have both been given and worked hard for.
What is your dream role?
Unfortunately, my dream role changes every time you ask me. However, consistently it involves some kind of leadership in which I am able to make positive change to both industry and company experience.
What’s your favourite flower or plant?
My favourite flower is the peony. Not only do they look gorgeous, they also smell heavenly!
What do you wish someone had told you after you graduated?
I wish that after I finished University someone had told me that it is okay to do nothing and to grieve the end of a big and important stage in your life. I took some time off but spent weeks feeling guilty that I wasn’t doing things. It is important to recognise that the end of your initial education stages is the end of a lifelong relationship you’ve had with learning and it’s okay to grieve that loss while recognising that greater things are coming.
I cannot get through the day without…
I cannot get through the day without tea. My locker at work is stacked with my favourite teas and I make sure I almost always have a cup on my desk. Just in case you were wondering the tea I have on hand is French Earl Grey, China Jasmine, Just Peppermint and Green Rose from T2.
Three words your closest friends would use to describe you
Bubbly, motivated and caring
Biggest career highlight/goal
The big career goal I am currently working towards is to achieve a permanent, full time position in an area I enjoy.
My goal for this year is…
My goal for this year is to listen to myself more and work on creating a healthy work/life balance.
What does your perfect breakfast look like?
My perfect breakfast is a smashed avo with plenty of red onion, basil and bacon. Classic, I know.
Best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Learn how to say no. It doesn’t matter how good an opportunity is, if you don’t have the time and mental capacity to fully commit to it you need to say no. As a person who is very good at over-committing and delivering, I’m still learning this but I know that in order to maintain my wellbeing I am allowed to decline opportunities.