Professionals

We are proud to spotlight Julia Drummond, CAE Software Engineering Manager in Arlington, TX who holds the honor of being the first woman to graduate with a Software Engineering degree from the Computer Science Engineering (CSE) department at The University of Texas at Arlington, (Alum BS of Software Engineering - 2003).

CAE is privileged to have a highly skilled workforce and we love sharing their successes. In this spotlight, Julia, who has 18 years of service at CAE, answers our questions about CAE’s work life and culture and about her most memorable accomplishments and advice for our future engineers.

What aspects of your job at CAE are the most fulfilling?
The best part of my job is the people that I'm able to work with and my ability to make an impact. Whether it is working with a Customer or with a CAE Coworker, it is so important that we work with the mantra of "What we do matters!". Opening yourself up to be impacted and choosing to work to impact others on a positive basis, makes it all worthwhile. If we are building a trainer to help a Warfighter to get home safely or if we are running a program effectively and efficiently to make sure our employees can have a strong work/life balance … we can choose to make an impact every day. The range of that impact can be endless!

How would you describe CAE’s work life and culture?
One word FAMILY! Our culture has a long and proud history in the flight simulation business. We invented the flight simulator! And with that comes a long history of tenure of employees and sometimes that tenure has been generational. It has evolved into a place where we have one of the strongest team environments I've ever come upon. We are a team, and we support each other, so much so that we have become a family. The people at the company aren't just my coworkers, they are my chosen work family!

Could you share an accomplishment in your career at CAE?
There came a time in my career when I knew that I was going to have to rebrand my own personal identity at work. People were calling me to do a lot of soft skills, but they weren't calling me to do the hard execution of programs that I wanted to be known for. So, I sat myself down and made a list of what I wanted to be known for when my name came up. And then, I asked my manager to put me on a program that was on fire and was critical to the company. I went about diagnosing all the problems, came up with solutions, and used my weekly interface with engineering leadership as a mentorship moment. Sometimes you have to be willing to walk through a fire to grow in leaps in your career, and that was my moment. I turned that program around in a very short amount of time and was able to take us into final testing with a solid stable product. That first big success gave me the solid set of tools to keep taking on bigger and harder challenges, which in turn helped me grow in my career but also into a more confident person.

What advice would you give to someone considering a career in engineering?
Julia has been able to develop and grow the skills needed to continuously grow in her field. As she explains, “Some of these skills have been learned through experience and some I have modeled by emulating others. Skills such as building networks of friends and colleagues, the organizational skills that I've used to execute programs, and the opportunities to grow a team and therefore also build my leadership skills in the process. Not all have been successes but it’s most important that you make everything you learn a lesson learned and adapt as needed.”

Julia’s advice…
The biggest skills you will need to grow in your career are networking and controlling your personal brand. Networking is just being able to create relationships and help people in a positive way. In terms of personal branding, you control the perception that others have of you, and it will be your job and no one else's job to make sure that people understand what your skills are and what type of person you are. Someone very wise once said to me, "No one is going to think of you for a position if they don't know who you are and what you do." And that is very true, those two things drive more than 70% of the success you will have in your career. The rest is all hard work and the ability to adapt.

Julia recently returned to The University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) to speak to the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) about her career experience and share information about CAE’s engineering capabilities and career opportunities.

Are you interested in joining CAE’s team in Arlington, TX? Contact Amanda Haddadin - [email protected]

In the dynamic and fast-paced world of engineering, few careers shine as brightly as those marked by dedication, resilience, and success. Meet Nicole Borawski, Senior Director and US Chief Engineer for CAE Defense & Security in Tampa, FL. Over the past 20 years, Nicole’s unwavering willpower and steadfast commitment have propelled her to the forefront of execution for global engineering programs and her expertise has been instrumental in propelling innovation and achieving technical excellence.

A Non-Linear Path to Leadership in Engineering Excellence

Nicole Borawski exemplifies professionalism and compassionate leadership at CAE. Her journey to becoming the Senior Director and US Chief Engineer is marked by dedication, courage, and inspiration. But where did it all begin?

Let us rewind ⏪ to the very beginning of Nicole’s path to success.

Nicole’s career path has been anything but linear. After high school, Nicole spent a year at the University of Central Florida (UCF) but was unsure that she was on the right path. Seeking direction, she joined the U.S. Army, only to have her experience cut short due to a training accident. Despite these setbacks, Nicole learned valuable lessons that were crucial for her future. “Don't dwell on perceived failures. Instead, ask yourself what you gained from the experience. For instance, leaving college at 19 felt a little embarrassing, but it ultimately led me to where I am today. It took time to realize that not finishing college at that time was a blessing in disguise, as it later steered me towards a career in aerospace engineering and the defense industry,” says Nicole Borawski.

After leaving the Army, Nicole spent seven years in retail management, which proved to be an invaluable training ground. Interacting with the public honed her customer engagement skills and taught her the importance of patience, adaptability, and the value of listening.

Nicole eventually grew restless with retail and decided to return to college but was still uncertain about her field of study. This was when Nicole’s sister, then in her EMBA program, suggested engineering. Intrigued, she researched the profession.

” I went to my brand-new People PC and Asked Jeeves, “what does an engineer do?” The readers might be too young to get these references but trust me, it is funny. This was a watershed moment,” says Nicole.

Recalling her Florida childhood and finding Haley’s comet in 1984 all by herself with her little 100mm telescope, she figured that meant she could be an aerospace engineer. What came next was all based upon gut instinct, courage, and determination. Nicole quit her job, enrolled in Saint Louis University, (SLU), put her things in storage, got in the car and drove west towards an entire new adventure.

Heading Home

In 2004, while at SLU, a former CAE employee and professor helped Nicole secure an interview as a Software Engineer in Communications / Navigation. Nicole successfully got the position and headed back home to Florida to join CAE USA.

Quickly gaining experience and knowledge, additional roles presented themselves. Inspired by Chief Engineer Dave Reilly, she pursued a path towards technical leadership.  First came a move to Proposal Engineer and then later Chief Engineer, where she became known for her ability to manage crises, and became the go-to person for getting projects back on track. Nicole’s reputation for excellence led to further roles of increasing responsibility, including Manager of Project Engineering, Manager of IET Programs, and Director of Operations. Each position brought new challenges and opportunities for growth, culminating to the present day, as Senior Director and US Chief Engineer at CAE USA where she tells us, “This role, like my decision to drive west, required a leap of faith. Sometimes, you just have to commit and go for it.”

So, what is it that keeps Nicole motivated? The answer lies in the fulfillment she derives from overcoming challenges and mentoring others. She feels a sense of accomplishment and energy when a project comes together, especially in those final intense months. Additionally, the joy she experiences from helping others in their careers and seeing others grow fuels her dedication and success.

Leadership and Vision: A Guiding Light

Nicole's leadership is defined by her knowledge, experience, expertise, and commitment to making informed decisions. Her vision for the future is all about nurturing, motivating, and inspiring her team to rebuild a strong culture, establishing a solid platform to revamp work processes, and enhancing accountability and ownership.

"Leadership isn’t about authority; it is about caring for and nurturing those you lead. It means safeguarding your team while empowering them to branch out of their own comfort zones. We are all just people, making the best decisions we can with the information we have. Humility and honesty are essential in this process," Nicole Borawski.

Nicole has had many memorable experiences while at CAE of which she is proud. Among the many moments in Nicole’s career, one standout experience was a challenging project in India, where she navigated complex logistics and customs issues to ensure the success of the program, underscoring her resilience and dedication. Other memorable moments for Nicole include receiving feedback from CAE’s customers. “I’ve had many reasons to be proud of CAE. Getting to talk to the user community and hearing that they love the device we delivered is the best,” Nicole Borawski.

The Power of Networking, Mentorship and Taking Initiative

Nicole's approach to her career advancement has been a mix of networking, seizing opportunities, and embracing tough assignments. She credits her time in the CAE Leadership Development Program (LDP) and her experience running key programs as crucial to her growth. Nicole emphasizes the importance of perseverance and staying true to one's goals, “Put yourself out there, take on challenging roles, and learn from every experience.  Don’t be afraid to let yourself be a little vulnerable.”

Mentorship has also been a cornerstone of Nicole's career. Nicole is a passionate advocate for mentorship and takes immense pride in being the top mentor at CAE. She encourages her mentees to find someone to mentor in return, fostering mutual growth. For those aiming to advance their careers , she advises finding a mentor and advocating for oneself, by clearly communicating goals and being open to support and guidance. She also emphasizes the importance of networking and in continuous learning through reading books and periodicals, engaging with customers and competitors, and brainstorming with colleagues.

Exemplifying the Power of Perseverance and Passion

Throughout her career, Nicole has learned the importance of vulnerability and authenticity. She believes in being true to oneself and embracing one's unique qualities.

“Progressing in your career is not about having a flawless plan; it is about embracing growth, learning from setbacks, and building meaningful connections. Set your goals high but be gentle with yourself when you trip up. It happens to all of us,” Nicole Borawski.

Nicole’s  journey underscores the importance of resilience and trusting your instincts. It tells us to embrace our path, learn from every experience, and do not be afraid to take bold steps towards your dreams.

Beyond the Workplace

Outside the office, Nicole has a history of community service, including helping the homeless and coaching for battered women. These efforts reflect a deep-seated belief in giving back and making a positive impact on the community.

We are grateful for Nicole’s years of dedication to CAE and its workforce through her mentorship. Nicole’s  journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring engineers and leaders, highlighting the rewards of commitment and the impact of a fulfilling career.

Learn more about CAE USA by visiting our career’s website Careers at CAE USA