Somaia Ahmadi proudly served in the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) beginning in 2020, contributing five years of dedicated service both at sea and on shore.
After completing basic training and engineering training in Melbourne, she began her Navy career as an Assistant Marine Engineering Officer, later taking on the responsibilities of a Maintenance Manager in the Royal Australian Navy.
Somaia spent 15 months posted on a ship and undertook multiple deployments at sea, gaining extensive experience in marine engineering operations and shipboard leadership. Based in Sydney, Somaia has since transitioned into a civilian engineering role with Beca while continuing to serve as an active Navy reservist.
"If you’re thinking about it (transitioning from a military to civilian career) - go for it!"
Service Snapshot
- Years of service: 2020-2025 (Royal Australian Navy)
- Most senior role: Maintenance Manager – ACSSPO/RMC
- Where you served: Garden Island Defence Precinct, Sydney
What does Remembrance Day mean to you?
Remembrance Day is a day where we pause, reflect and honour those who have served and their sacrifices. To me, it is about ensuring their legacy is preserved and honoured, especially in today’s fast-paced world. It’s an important opportunity to pause and remember those who served alongside us and just as importantly, those who served and sacrificed before us.
What’s one thing you’d like others to know about military veterans/reservists?
You accumulate a lot of skills, problem-solving amongst a lot of pressure, managing uncertainty and are given leadership roles at a young age. I thoroughly enjoyed how it made me feel – especially the mentorship; it forces you to think with a leadership mindset.
Military veterans and reservists develop valuable skills beyond discipline, such as problem-solving under pressure, decision-making with limited information, and early leadership responsibilities.
What were you looking for in an employer when you transitioned to civilian life?
I was motivated by a desire to make an impact and align with the values of serving the community, which matched Beca's own purpose. I wanted a role where I could give back to the community. I shared a lot of the values that Beca has, including making everyday better.
What was one of the biggest adjustments you faced moving from military service to civilian life?
One of the biggest adjustments I faced moving from military service to civilian life was getting used to the different levels of formality in the workplace. In the Navy, hierarchy is clear, structure is rigid, and addressing people as sir or ma’am is second nature. Stepping into a civilian organisation like Beca, I quickly realised that the environment is far more relaxed and egalitarian.
Even though I personally understood why this change could be challenging for others, it still took some time to recalibrate my own habits and expectations.
What transferable skills have you harnessed in your civilian career?
One of the key transferable skills I’ve carried into my civilian career is effective communication, especially when engaging with different stakeholders.
What advice would you give to other veterans/reservists considering a career in professional services?
My advice is simple: if you’re thinking about it, go for it! Don’t assume you’re limited or that your military background won’t translate - because it absolutely will.
The skills you develop through service are incredibly valuable in professional services. From communication and leadership to problem solving and teamwork, so much of what you’ve learned is directly transferable.
As a reservist, how does Beca support you in your continued service?
Beca has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of my role as a reservist. The team understands the importance of service and is genuinely open to helping me balance my civilian responsibilities with my commitments in uniform. Their flexibility and encouragement make it easy to manage both sides of my career, and I’ve always felt respected and supported in continuing my service.
What’s the proudest thing you’ve done in your civilian life?
There isn’t one single achievement that stands out for me - instead, I’m most proud of saying yes to more opportunities and new experiences. Stepping outside my comfort zone has been a big part of my civilian journey, and embracing those moments has helped me grow both personally and professionally.
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