Renae Carter

Transformation Delivery Manager, Queensland Rail

Background: Human Resources

“If you look at rail at its simplest, it’s all about connecting the community; it’s a public service that we all need and use. But for me, what is most interesting is how it continues to evolve. New technology is continually being adopted and new services introduced.

It's a very innovative sector with changing customer and societal needs forcing the industry to go about things differently.

On a more emotional level there’s the legacy perspective. To be able to tell your children or grandchildren how you were involved in helping people get to and from the Olympic Games, or put a tunnel under a city, that’s pretty big.

I’d never planned to work in rail. My background is in human resources. But after I graduated, I took a six-week position with ARTC (Australian Rail Track Corporation) and stayed 11 years.

During that time, I supported the company’s HR initiatives for employees in five states. The job took me to so many places across the country and exposed me to the rail community. I talked with people from different regions and with different levels of experiences. The richness of their stories is quite amazing. Gaining these different perspectives within the sector has really helped my career.

I was working in ARTC’s Brisbane office when I moved across to Queensland Rail three years ago to support their Major Projects and Strategic Planning & Transformation teams.

I’m currently doing a Masters in Leadership and Service Innovation (University of Queensland). I want to build my skills in strategy and transformation so I can take on roles with more of a strategic purpose.

Both Queensland Rail and ARTC have been supportive of my postgrad study. The industry in general tries to find pathways or opportunities for people to progress their careers. There are initiatives like the RISSB Horizons or ARA Future Leaders Program which offer leadership development, knowledge sharing and networking opportunities.

What I love about rail is the diversity of opportunities, the support of the training and the passion of the people.

Rail is often overlooked as a career path for school leavers and graduates, or people seeking career change. But I would say, if you want a career that is a little bit different and gives you great opportunities, get to know more about rail.”