23 June 2025
For Officer Cadet Lauren Jacobs, there is nothing better than a challenge.
She is undertaking a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (Honours) at the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) and said the decision to study at ADFA was a “no-brainer”.
“I chose to study at ADFA because I wanted to prove to myself that I am more than capable of doing hard things,” Officer Cadet Jacobs said.
“I love the challenge of my degree and when I can understand a concept I previously struggled with, the joy is like nothing else.”
As part of the growing cohort of young women in the Royal Australian Air Force, Officer Cadet Jacobs is keen to welcome more into engineering and wider STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
“I think it’s important for women to study engineering. Women are more than capable of doing this job,” she said.
“We provide a new, fresh perspective and show the younger generation of girls that STEM is what keeps the world evolving.”
'I can safely say that this was one of the best decisions of my life and it makes me excited for my future.'
At ADFA, learning is never confined to the classroom. The cadets have a unique experience that blends self-improvement, professional development, military discipline and academic rigour.
“My experience at ADFA has been incredible,” Officer Cadet Jacobs said.
“Here I have staff teaching me how to be a well-rounded person, think under stress, act accordingly and ultimately be the best leader I can be.”
Growing up in Springfield Lakes, Ipswich, Queensland, her “loud and chaotic” home and family were foundational in her choice to pursue engineering through ADFA.
“I’m one of three kids,” she said.
“My parents are the hardest workers I know and my brothers are my best friends.”
Her father, an electrical engineer, inspired her with his deep passion for his work.
“I’ve seen the work my dad has achieved in his lifetime and I hope that at the end of my career I can see the physical implications of my work in the ADF,” Officer Cadet Jacobs said.
“I can safely say that this was one of the best decisions of my life and it makes me excited for my future.”
International Women in Engineering Day 2025 is on June 23 and it takes the theme ‘Together we engineer’.
In its 12th year, the annual event marks the achievements of women engineers throughout history and the importance of supporting their growth for the future.
