Career Bites

What do you do?

I am a consulting Structural Engineer.

Do you enjoy what you do?

Yes, it is very enjoyable to be able to assist in repairing, inspecting or building homes for people.
 

What does structural engineering involve?

I complete designs utilising various materials and structure for the construction of load bearing frames which are the main support for houses, factories, bridges, etc.

What did you have to study at uni after life at St Bernard’s, in order to do this?

Civil and Infrastructure at RMIT

Was that study helpful?

Yes, it provided an overview on civil engineering and exposed me to the different facets of civil engineering.

What advice would you give a student considering doing tertiary study?

It may be difficult but what is the worse that can happen? A degree such as civil engineering can be utilised in many fields due to the 4 years of training completed.

What skills do you need to do your job?

Problem solving, communication and creativity.

Did you learn anything about your job when you got there, or did you already know it all?!

I felt like I knew nothing when I started at my first job…. It was a very steep learning curve.

What are the greatest challenges you face at work?

Engineering has a lot of pressure with times frames and client demands. It is not always possible to please everyone
 

What are the greatest rewards in your role?

Being part of the team, which help move into their dream home/repaired property.

Was studying at uni worth it?

Yes, life experience in the city was appreciated.

What interests you most about your work?

I get to go to some of the behind the scenes on some of the coolest places in the world such as the MCG roof, old train lines in Manchester England and earthquake ruins in New Zealand.

What do you enjoy most?

Being able to change the lives of my end clients.

Which parts about your role do you least enjoy?

Writing long reports which are quite theoretical and long winded.

How did you end up working for yourself?

Through time and building relationships, I was able to get work and clients by recommendations and build a client list. In completing good work, the company’s name got around the industry which increased the workload.

How do you hire people for your business?

I have hired people who I know and trust at this point in time.

What does a typical day look like?

Completing critical tasks such as reports, calculations followed by any inspections required and emails to communicate with the end client progress on jobs

What personal qualities and attributes help you in your role/work?

Ability to work hard, time manage and clearly communicate with clients and staff.

What are your stand out memories of life at St Bernard’s College?

The hill walk from the ovals to the old year 7 portables was a HIKE!

If there’s something you could say to your 17 year-old self, what would it be?

Enjoy your teenage life. As Jimmy V said, “If you laugh, you think, and you cry, that's a full day. That's a heck of a day. You do that seven days a week, you're going to have something special.”

Has anyone helped you in your career journey?

Many people. I believe you are the sum of the people that you learn from. I have had the absolute pleasure of working both in Australia and Internationally learning from technical gurus to people who know how to set up a thriving business. To me, relationships are the most important thing in any walk of life.