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Engineering
Engineering
Engineering
Engineering
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Engineering
By Peter Chaly
Australia
Published by Career FAQs Pty Ltd
Engineering_100806.indd i
11/8/06 10:46:23 AM
Engineering_100806.indd ii
11/8/06 10:46:28 AM
Foreword
A career in engineering allows one to achieve great things.
Any of the engineering disciplines provides opportunities to be
creative and help improve the way of life for all. Engineering affords the
opportunity to achieve job and self-satisfaction whether it is building
bridges, sewerage treatment plants, aircraft, ships, mining equipment,
manufacturing a replacement part for the human body or indeed
operating and maintaining plant and equipment.
During my 50 years as an engineer designing and building saw milling
and sugar processing machinery, mining equipment and shipbuilding
with a smattering of aerospace along the way job satisfaction has
been the driver. I cannot imagine a more rewarding career.
My engineering career enabled me to convert my childhood
experience of building model boats, aeroplanes and jet engines into
commercial reality.
I strongly advise all students considering engineering to take
every opportunity to be involved in a practical way with hands-on
construction at the earliest possible time, in preference to maximising
theoretical knowledge.
Don Fry AO
Dr Don Fry AO is owner and
chairman of Aerospace, Industrial
and Marine Technology (AIMTEK).
He has been appointed an
Ofcer of the Order of Australia,
and awarded the Institution
of Engineers highest National
Award for his outstanding
accomplishments in research and
development. He is currently an
Adjunct Professor in University
of Queenslands School of
Engineering.
iii
Engineering_100806.indd iii
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Engineering
iv
Engineering_100806.indd iv
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Contents
Foreword
iii
ix
Women in engineering
Aerospace engineers
10
Agricultural engineers
10
Biomedical engineers
10
Chemical engineers
11
Civil engineers
11
Electrical engineers
11
Environmental engineers
12
Materials engineers
12
Mechanical engineers
12
Mining engineers
12
Risk engineers
12
Subsea engineers
13
Overseas opportunities
13
15
18
18
Corporates
19
Consultancies
19
Government
20
Other
20
21
21
Engineering_100806.indd v
11/8/06 10:46:30 AM
Engineering
Pat Lockley Tenix
22
24
25
28
30
31
33
33
35
35
Insider info
What jobs could I do?
41
42
43
46
49
52
55
57
61
64
67
69
72
75
78
81
84
86
90
92
95
vi
Engineering_100806.indd vi
11/8/06 10:46:31 AM
97
99
102
109
University courses
111
112
113
115
116
Postgraduate degrees
Chartered Engineer status
How do I get that job?
How are people recruited?
117
117
118
118
Newspapers
118
Internet
119
Industry journals
119
119
Careers fairs
121
Graduate programs
121
Recruitment agencies
121
123
123
124
125
127
128
128
129
130
131
132
133
134
vii
Engineering_100806.indd vii
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Engineering
Tips: Selection criteria
How can I stand out at the interview?
134
135
135
136
137
138
Research
138
Networking
139
Publications
139
Memberships
139
Buzz words
141
Appendix 1
143
144
152
153
Sample rsum
Appendix 5
155
156
viii
Engineering_100806.indd viii
11/8/06 10:46:32 AM
You also nd out how to stand out from the crowd and get that dream
job, with our industry-specic rsum, cover letter and interview tips
and examples.
Career FAQs is Australias leading careers publisher, with a dynamic
new approach to making career choices.
I started Career FAQs because of my own difficulties in finding
empowering, high-quality, up-to-date career information to help
me make career decisions.
I wanted to change careers in my 30s, but trying to research a
new direction led to a dead end there was no interesting and
reliable information on the qualifications I needed for different
jobs, the opportunities available, likelihood of succeeding, or,
most importantly, what the work would be like once I got there.
I know that our books can make such choices easier by giving
our readers the information they need to find a career that
meets their dreams and aspirations.
>>
ix
Engineering_100806.indd ix
11/8/06 10:46:32 AM
Engineering
Our range covers the usual career areas, as well as moving well
beyond ordinary categories into careers you may never have
thought of. Theres a great job out there waiting for you and we
can show you what it is and how to get it.
A big thanks goes out to the many people who have taken
the time to talk to us and shared their experiences with our
readers, as well as to the many eminent Australians who have
written forewords to our books, sharing the insight and wisdom
that has helped take them to the top.
For a list of current titles, please visit our website,
www.careerfaqs.com.au.
With Career FAQs you have all the tools to find your dream job.
Good luck!
Will Santow
Managing Director
Career FAQs
Engineering_100806.indd x
11/8/06 10:46:33 AM
cv
detour
find out
more
fyi
fyi
glossary
xi
Engineering_100806.indd xi
11/8/06 10:46:34 AM
Engineering
in
brief
fact
MYTH
myday
xii
Engineering_100806.indd xii
11/8/06 10:46:34 AM
fyi
The word engineer comes
from the Latin word
ingeniare, which means to
invent, create or devise.
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:1
11/8/06 10:46:35 AM
Engineering
eld, many engineers move into management roles and assume
senior positions in a wide range of organisations.
The skills learnt in engineering are highly transferable and engineers
can easily move into other industries. Many people who started their
careers as engineers have moved into areas such as investment
banking, management consulting, marketing, accounting, information
technology, telecommunications, and many other elds.
strategic planning
maintain equipment
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:2
11/8/06 10:46:35 AM
detour
Interested in the world of
high finance? Check out
Career FAQs Investment
Banking and some of the
other business, commerce
and finance titles.
www.careerfaqs.com.au
fyi
Hays is Australias largest
group of specialised
recruitment consultancies,
with 120 branches in
Australia and New Zealand.
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:3
11/8/06 10:46:36 AM
Engineering
Once you have graduated from university, it can take a while to
become a good engineer.
Its important to be prepared to invest some time into learning
how the engineering and business communities work. You are
continuing your learning and you need to get up to speed. It
might take you a couple of years to become a really useful
engineer, and its important to be prepared to invest the time
and effort to learn how to be a good engineer once you get into
the workforce.
David Lockie, Civil engineer
is naturally inquisitive
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:4
11/8/06 10:46:37 AM
is proactive
fyi
Engineering is out of this
world! Australian-born NASA
astronaut Andy Thomas
received a degree in
mechanical engineering from
the University of Adelaide.
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:5
11/8/06 10:46:37 AM
Engineering
With a strong economy, many states and territories in Australia need
more engineers to work on infrastructure and other engineering
projects. The lack of qualied engineers here means that companies
are looking to recruit engineers from overseas.
There is an infrastructure boom in Queensland at the moment
and there is a shortage of engineers. Right now people are
looking for engineers from South Africa and the UK because of
the shortage of engineers in this country.
We are also looking for process engineers, as well as specialists
in oil and gas, metals and minerals. We are also looking for more
experienced engineers with project management experience.
Claire Garrett, Ambit Engineering Recruitment
WA
VIC
NSW
TAS
NT
SA
QLD
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:6
11/8/06 10:46:38 AM
Employed
as engineer
Not
employed
as engineer,
seeking
engineering
work
Not
employed
as engineer,
not seeking
engineering
work
Not working
but seeking
engineering
work
Undertaking
further study
Other
Count
Count
Count
Count
Count
Count
Chemical
27
67.5
10.0
5.0
17.5
Civil/Structural
82
92.1
1.1
3.4
2.2
1.1
Computer
systems/Info
Technology
58
74.4
10
12.8
5.1
3.8
3.8
Electrical
60
88.2
2.9
1.5
2.9
4.4
Electronic/
Communication
19
76.0
4.0
12.0
8.0
Environmental
22
95.7
4.3
Mechanical
63
82.9
5.3
1.3
5.3
3.9
1.3
Combination
Engineering
52
83.9
1.6
3.2
11.3
Other
Engineering
52
72.2
8.3
1.4
9.7
8.3
Total
445
82.0
28
5.2
0.9
27
5.0
33
6.1
1.1
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:7
11/8/06 10:46:39 AM
Engineering
Women in engineering
While the number of women in engineering has traditionally been low,
this is slowly changing and more women are taking up engineering as
a profession. However, they are still under-represented in university
courses, with women typically making up less than 20 per cent of
the engineering student population at Australian universities. This
translates to the profession as well, and Stefania Narum, a consulting
engineer from Victoria, believes that there are still not enough women
in the eld, which means pressure on me to prove myself in each new
team. But her advice to women is: Dont give up, it gets easier.
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:8
11/8/06 10:46:40 AM
find out
more
Engineers Australia, Women
in Engineering
www.engineersaustralia.org.
au/about_us/sig/wie/
APESMA, Professional
Womens Network
www.apesma.asn.au/women
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:9
11/8/06 10:46:40 AM
Engineering
These engineering disciplines are covered in Insider info with actual
engineers telling their stories about what it is like to work in each
area. Note that project engineer and principal engineer are not
disciplines but jobs that engineers can do in any discipline. A brief
preview of many of the disciplines follows.
Aerospace engineers
fyi
Jumbo jets, space
shuttles and helicopters
were all designed by
aerospace engineers.
Agricultural engineers
Agricultural engineers work with natural resources and are involved
with irrigation, farming equipment such as tractors and harvesters
food processing, farming techniques and the conservation of the
worlds natural resources. They work on protecting the environment,
its land, soil, plants and waterways.
They work in research, for government departments, agricultural
equipment manufacturers, the food industry and for consulting
companies.
Biomedical engineers
Biomedical engineers study biology in conjunction with engineering
subjects and work in health and medicine. They work with doctors to
design medical instruments and equipment, articial joints, prosthetic
limbs and other devices. They are concerned with improving the
health and quality of life of patients and people with disabilities.
Biomedical engineers work in hospitals, in research, and for specialist
manufacturers.
10
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:10
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Chemical engineers
Chemical engineers are involved with large-scale production and
the conversion of raw materials into other products. Many chemical
engineers work in production, process engineering or process control,
where they are concerned with the creation of the product. Others
work in project engineering, which involves the design and installation
of new equipment.
Chemical engineers can be found working in chemical plants that
manufacture plastics, petroleum products, fertilizers, food products,
pharmaceuticals, paints, or other industrial chemicals. Other
subspecialties of chemical engineering include: petroleum and
petrochemical engineering, biochemical engineering, and process
control engineering.
Biochemical engineers study and work with the chemicals that are
found in humans, animals and plants.
Civil engineers
Civil engineers design and construct much of the infrastructure of our
society, such as bridges, buildings, roads, tunnels, towers and pipelines.
They often work with other engineers and architects and design
structures to withstand natural forces such as winds and waves, and
even the shocks from earthquakes. Some civil engineers specialise in
elds such as structural engineering, hydrology (the science of water),
geotechnical engineering (the study of soil and rock), or transport.
Civil engineers work for construction companies, consulting rms,
project management companies, transport companies and governments.
Electrical engineers
Electrical engineers create products that harness the power of electricity.
They design and build the electrical and electronic systems that are
essential to modern society. They design and build computer systems,
and are involved with both hardware and software design. They design
telecommunications equipment, power plants, robots, televisions,
and medical equipment (such as heart pacemakers and bionic ears).
fyi
English comedian Rowan
Atkinson has an electrical
engineering degree from
Oxford University.
11
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:11
11/8/06 10:46:42 AM
Engineering
Environmental engineers
Environmental engineers work to ensure the protection of our natural
environment. They study and aim to reduce the impact of industry on
the environment, including air, water, soil, and noise pollution. They
are involved with land management, water supply, waste removal and
management, and public health.
Materials engineers
Materials engineers work with substances such as metals, timbers,
ceramics, plastics, rubbers, composites and high tech materials. They
develop and test new materials, and study and improve the properties
of existing materials.
Mechanical engineers
Mechanical engineers are involved with the design, creation and
operation of a wide range of devices. Mechanical engineers take
energy and turn it into movement, or take movement and convert it
to energy. They might also be involved with the transfer of energy
between substances or systems. The design of automobiles, hydraulic
systems, and power generators all involve mechanical engineering.
Mechatronic engineers
Mechatronic engineers use mechanical engineering, electronics and
computer science to solve problems that cross over engineering
disciplines. They use articial intelligence to control industrial
processes and machines such as cars, port loading facilities and
aeroplanes. They can work in design, computing, manufacturing,
microprocessors, robotics, biomedical, product development,
automated control systems and many other areas.
Mining engineers
Mining engineers are involved with obtaining minerals from the
ground. They design, produce and operate the equipment that
extracts minerals in the most cost-effective ways.
Mining engineers often work in remote locations, typically for mining
companies, consulting rms, contractors, and research rms.
12
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:12
11/8/06 10:46:42 AM
Risk engineers
Risk engineers analyse the hazards of projects and processes (often
being carried out by other engineers) and then design and conduct
risk assessments. The results of a risk engineers work determine the
implications of the hazards and the likelihood or frequency of occurrence.
Risk engineers devise management strategies for project hazards.
Subsea engineers
Subsea engineers design and develop systems and technology for
offshore oil and gas processing. They are different from underwater
engineers, who work on general underwater projects covering
everything from shing to dredging and construction. Subsea
engineers design both exploration technology for offshore oil and gas
and the structures out at sea. Their work can range from developing
new concepts to the hands-on running of operations at sea.
Overseas opportunities
Engineers are able to nd work in many different elds and in most
countries around the world, and each year many Australian engineers
take up the challenge of working overseas.
13
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:13
11/8/06 10:46:43 AM
Engineering
Some overseas jobs can be personally rewarding beyond any wages
received, as engineers can make a very tangible difference to life in
a region.
I was involved with some road rebuilding in East Timor six
months after they gained independence. We employed 80 East
Timorese and worked for the U.N. The road was needed to get
the coffee harvest to Dili for export. It was great to be able
to do that. It also meant that we were providing much-needed
foreign currency and employing the locals.
detour
To find out more about
working in overseas aid, see
Career FAQs Save the World
www.careerfaqs.com.au
find out
more
Engineers Australia
www.engineersaustralia.
org.au
APESMA
www.apesma.asn.au/
students/employment.asp
14
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:14
11/8/06 10:46:44 AM
Years in job
Years in
profession
$44 000
Civil engineer
28
29
Senior geotechnical
engineer
<1
29
Environmental engineer
$90 000+
30
10
31
Project manager
32
Senior rehabilitation
engineer
5
10
Age
Position title
23
27
32
Director
$150 000+
32
Hydrographic surveyor
34
Senior consultant
14
34
13
34
11
35
$80 000+
12
37
Project manager
16
39
15
39
Senior designer
17
44
Managing director
$250 000+
17
20
50
Manager, network
investment
32
52
30
58
40
60
Principal engineer
Up to $110 000
11
40
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:15
15
11/8/06 10:46:44 AM
Engineering
fyi
While engineers can make
good money, many of the
engineers we spoke to said
the money alone would not
be enough if they didnt love
what they do in other words,
dont end up in someone
elses life just for the money.
State
NSW
VIC
WA
Size of company*
Small
Large
Small
Large
Small
Large
Graduate engineer
4045
4555
3540
4560
4060
4555
Chem/Mech/Elect engineer
5060
6080
4555
6080
5570
60100
Quality engineer
5060
6585
5060
7585
N/A
N/A
Reliability engineer
5575
7085
5570
70100
5570
60100
7590
90110
7585
90110
5575
7590
Maintenance manager
80100
100130
70100
90130
70100
110140
Production manager
90110
120150
90110
120150
70100
120140
Plant manager
100130
130170
100130
120170
80110
120150
Operations manager
100130
160200
100130
150200
100150
170220
Operations director
N/A
200300
N/A
200300
120170
200250
You can see that many of the jobs shown in the table above are
management roles. There are also engineers working as engineers
in industry. For example, an engineer might be part of an industrial
design team, in IT systems development, or cost estimation for a
building and construction company.
The mining and resources sectors, according to Michael Page
International, are paying exceptionally well at the moment.
16
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:16
11/8/06 10:46:46 AM
State
Size of company*
NSW
VIC
WA
Small
Large
Small
Large
Small
Large
Engineering manager
140150
150170
140150
150170
140150
150170
Lead engineer
115125
130145
115125
130145
115125
130145
100110
105120
100110
105120
110110
105120
Design engineer
5580
6085
5580
6085
5580
6085
Graduate engineer
4550
4555
4550
4555
4550
4555
180210
200250
180210
200250
180210
200250
Project manager
120180
180220
110170
170220
160200
180220
Construction manager
150170
170200
150170
170200
150170
170200
Field/Site engineer
90120
100130
90120
100130
90120
100130
110130
120140
110130
120140
110130
120140
Project engineer
70100
80110
7090
90100
70100
80110
130150
150170
130150
150170
130150
150170
Planning engineer
90110
90130
90110
90130
90110
90130
Cost engineer/Estimator
80100
90110
80100
90110
80100
90110
Contracts manager
130150
150170
130150
150170
130150
150170
Contracts engineer
80100
90110
80100
90110
80110
90110
Another way of nding out what current engineering jobs are paying
is to check on job advertisements. Saturday newspapers have more
job ads than other days of the week and there are job search websites
such as Seek.com that list jobs by profession.
17
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:17
11/8/06 10:46:46 AM
Engineering
Who are the main employers?
Engineers are employed across a broad range of sectors in a myriad of
roles. The principal sectors are:
private sector
corporates
consultancies
government
other.
18
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:18
11/8/06 10:46:48 AM
Corporates
Major corporations employ engineers from all disciplines. Mining,
building and construction, IT, petroleum, chemical and mechanical are
just some of the types of corporations employing engineers.
Agilent Technologies
Ergon Energy
Santos
Air Liquide
Ericsson
Shell
Alcoa
Siemens
Arup
Tatura
Kodak
Telstra
KPMG
Thiess
BHP Billiton
Leighton Contractors
Toshiba
Boral
Masterfoods
Transurban
Melbourne Water
Unilever
CFC
National Foods
Visy
Coates
Nokia
WMC Resources
CSL
Norske Skog
Woodside
CUB
Oracle Systems
Dow Chemical
Worsley Alumina
DuPont
Paperlinx
Elgas
Raytheon Australia
Consultancies
A consultant is a professional who provides expert advice in a
particular domain or area of expertise. Like contractors, consultants
are often self-employed, which means they have to manage all the
usual aspects of running a small business.
Some of the most popular disciplines for consulting work are: civil,
agricultural, environmental, electrical and mining engineering.
19
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:19
11/8/06 10:46:48 AM
Engineering
Government
The federal government employs a wide range of engineers
including agricultural, mechanical, aerospace, civil, electrical, and
environmental engineers, in a wide range of departments that include:
Department of Defence
Other
Other job opportunities exist for engineers in academia, research and
development, and not-for-prot organisations across all of the major
engineering disciplines.
detour
If you are interested
in using your skills in
business, try reading
Career FAQs Investment
Banking, Accounting or
Information Technology.
www.careerfaqs.com.au
20
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:20
11/8/06 10:46:49 AM
teamwork skills
leadership ability
21
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:21
11/8/06 10:46:49 AM
Engineering
Pat Lockley Tenix
Pat has approximately 30 years of experience as an engineer and is
currently the General Manager of Design and Engineering at Tenix in
Sydney. Pat is very involved in the recruitment and development of
graduate engineers at Tenix.
Tenix Group is a defence and technology contractor, and is one
of Australias largest privately owned companies. It employs over
4500 people and has business interests in shipbuilding, defence,
infrastructure, engineering services and property. Tenix employs a
wide range of engineers including aerospace, electrical, systems, civil,
structural, electronics, mechanical and software engineers.
q&a
Do you have a graduate program at Tenix?
We have two types of graduate programs. Each business unit has a
specific program which provides for the direct entry of a graduate to a
specific project. And there is a corporate graduate program that aims
to develop future leaders of the company.
22
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:22
11/8/06 10:46:50 AM
We look for high achievers, people who have done well in their
courses at an honours level. That usually means distinctions and
high distinctions, possibly an extra degree, but also extra-curricular
activities as well. We also look at things like part-time jobs the person
might have had, or some other contribution to the community.
The direct entry program is more of a standard employment
arrangement. We are looking for a team player, someone who works
well with other people. We look for good academic passes and any
work experience. The direct entry graduates are also included in
parts of the corporate graduate training program that has units on
innovation, risk, networking and other skills.
23
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:23
11/8/06 10:46:50 AM
Engineering
MYTH
fact
engineering is boring
Engineers need to
be smart, innovative
and creative. They
can be involved with
anything from designing
submarines to heart
pacemakers to space
stations. They are
involved with the cutting
edge of technology
anything BUT boring!
q&a
What are the realities of life as an engineer?
I have hired around 50 graduate or work experience engineers
over the years, and I think it is important for engineers to take
on responsibility. You learn a lot on the job and you need to be
methodical and thorough in your work. You are not competent at
something just because you have done it once. It takes time. Another
thing is that when you are at uni, a 50 per cent mark is a pass, but in
the real world that isnt good enough. That can be a shock to people
when they are just starting out. The standards have to be higher than
that in the real world.
24
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:24
11/8/06 10:46:51 AM
to do well. I also look at the whether the person will fit into the culture
here. We have a broad spectrum of individuals here and it is important
that employees fit in. It also helps if the person I am interviewing has
a strong interest in transport
q&a
What type of engineers do you employ?
We have 600 staff and approximately 500 engineers at Arup in
Australia. Some of the fields they work in include: mechanical,
electrical, hydraulic, structural, and civil engineering, as well as
the areas of acoustics, sustainability/technology, sustainability/
environmental, water, fire safety and project management.
25
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:25
11/8/06 10:46:52 AM
Engineering
If a graduate chose the rotation option, how long would each
rotation take?
A lot of that is up to the individual, but typically the periods in each
position vary from three months to a year. It depends on the workload
and on the person, as well as the position. At the moment approximately
25 per cent of the graduates opt for rotation and 75 per cent dont.
We have 72 offices in 32 countries and a lot of engineers opt to work
internationally. Currently approximately 10 per cent of the staff at Arup
in Australia are here on work visas.
26
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:26
11/8/06 10:46:52 AM
27
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:27
11/8/06 10:46:53 AM
Engineering
q&a
What do you look for in an engineer?
We arent just looking for technical ability. You dont need to get
distinctions in every subject. We are looking for team players,
people who can deal with conflict, and can adjust quickly to new
environments. We are also looking for good communicators. It is
important to be able to communicate with non-technical people.
28
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11/8/06 10:46:54 AM
29
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:29
11/8/06 10:46:55 AM
Engineering
Dawn Dean Brown Consulting
Dawn Dean is the Human resources manager at Brown Consulting, a
mid-sized company with ofces in Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne,
the Sunshine Coast, Sydney and South-East Asia. Its work includes
civic projects, buildings, roads and bridges, infrastructure, urban
development, and the environment.
q&a
What type of engineers do you employ?
Brown Consulting employs civil, structural and water engineers in
offices around Australia.
30
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:30
11/8/06 10:46:55 AM
MYTH
engineers just play
sport and drink a lot
of beer at uni
fact
Engineers have a
reputation for playing
sport and drinking, but
an engineering degree
is very demanding and
you will have to work
hard for your degree.
q&a
What sorts of people are suited to an engineering position
with the council?
People who are committed to the task; people who have a passion
for at least one specific area of engineering, since it covers such a
broad range; people who are outward-looking, perhaps involved in
areas outside their own council; and were certainly looking for those
who are good with people, since many positions in local government
require management skills, and a need to communicate with the public.
As well as that, we look for people who like a challenge and can adapt
to the wide variety of circumstances that arise in local government.
31
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:31
11/8/06 10:46:56 AM
Engineering
How do you contribute to the lifework balance of your
employees?
Weve got a range of things to provide that balance. We operate on a
26-day roster so that people have flexibility to deal with family issues
or do additional study.
We also have a career break policy as well for our long-term
employees. If, after five years of service, someone wants to take a
break, we will hold their position for up to a year.
Generally, also, were pretty family-orientated in terms of taking account
of the needs of both men and women when it comes to children. We
also have a great social club funded and run by our staff.
32
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:32
11/8/06 10:46:57 AM
Engineers Australia
Engineers Australia is the largest organisation representing engineers
in Australia. It has almost 80,000 members throughout the country
from all of the major engineering disciplines. The institution is
focused on the promotion of the profession within Australia and
the professional development of its members. It is a not-for-prot
organisation and is owned by its members.
Engineers Australia is a very well respected organisation that
represents engineering concerns to government and regularly provides
input regarding policy matters of local and national signicance.
Engineers Australias inuence is diverse and its members are involved
with every major aspect of engineering in Australia. The organisation is
involved with accrediting university courses, promoting and managing
the Chartered Engineer qualication, representing the engineering
33
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:33
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Engineering
profession and its members to government and promoting the
profession to the broader community in Australia.
It also has a number of special interest groups for its members which
include:
Engineering Technologists
Women in Engineering
34
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:34
11/8/06 10:46:58 AM
find out
more
Engineers Australia
www.engineersaustralia.
org.au
Association of Professional
Engineers, Scientists and
Managers Australia (APESMA)
www.apesma.asn.au
Association of Consulting
Engineers Australia (ACEA)
www.acea.com.au
Institute of Public Works
Engineering Australia (IPWEA)
www.ipwea.org.au
The Institute of Materials
Engineering Australasia (IMEA)
www.mateng.asn.au
35
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Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:36
11/8/06 10:46:59 AM
7/11/05
3:40 PM
Page 1
GPY&R DFT1803
DFT1803_250x176_CFAQs
Insider info
What jobs could I do?
The profession of engineering is made up of different disciplines and
the jobs available mean that engineers can be found working in such
widely different areas as factories and production plants, on ships,
farms, behind desks, or even in outer space!
Even once you have a chosen an engineering discipline, there are
many roles and environments that you can nd yourself in. Because
of the complexity of the work involved and the diversity of choice, it
is important to understand something about the scope and potential
that you have in front of you.
A chemical engineer in the plastics industry could end up working as a
process engineer, a project engineer, in research and development, or
in a number of other jobs. The process engineer involved with the dayto-running of the chemical plant might be responsible for improving
the efciency of an area of the plant, where a project engineer might
be responsible for the design, construction and installation of a new
piece of equipment.
41
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:41
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Engineering
But one of the key decisions that you will face is whether to stay in a
technical eld or move into a management role that is less technical.
Most engineers will face this decision at some point early in their
careers, and there are a number of factors to consider, such as career
paths, remuneration and job satisfaction.
fyi
Some of the people
interviewed wished to
remain anonymous.
An asterisk (*) next to a
persons name indicates the
name has been changed.
Civil engineer
Environmental engineer
Project manager
Hydrographic surveyor
Senior consultant
Project manager
Senior designer
42
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:42
11/8/06 10:47:01 AM
In s ide r in fo
Managing director
Principal engineer
cv
graduate civil
engineer
q&a
What advice would you like to give young engineers?
This is my first job as an engineer, but I have already learnt so much
since leaving uni. In a way, it almost feels like this is when the
learning begins again. Ive been lucky, because the company has a
strong graduate program and it is structured to help young engineers
develop. Ive already been on a number of training courses, some
held in-house and some external and I feel like my boss wants to
help me develop and thats great. So I would say that it helps to find
a company where you can continue to develop as an engineer and
where you fit in with the company culture.
What are the best aspects of the work that you do?
At the moment I am being given more responsibility. We are working
on a large construction project and I have been given some important
things to calculate.
43
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:43
11/8/06 10:47:01 AM
Engineering
What are the worst aspects?
The commuting is the hardest. Im driving at least two hours a day,
sometimes more if the traffic is bad. Its usually about an hour each
way, but sometimes its more like an hour and a half on the way to
work and an hour on the way home. Thats a lot of time each week. It
all adds up. Im actually thinking about moving closer to where I work.
The other thing is the politics in the organisation. Overall its pretty
good, but there are some games and internal politics and I just dont
think its necessary.
Does your job allow you to achieve the lifework balance that
you want?
MYTH
fact
engineering is just
for the boys
While engineering is
still a male-dominated
field, there are more
women entering the
profession all the time.
44
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:44
11/8/06 10:47:02 AM
In s ide r in fo
in
brief
Graduate civil engineer
$$$
quals
44K
BEng (Civil), Monash
hrs/wk
40
lifework
flexibility
Im able to take
holidays when
I want to
myweek
Site visit
Design calculations
Report findings to my boss
Discuss design changes ramifications
Adjust design to meet other
requirements (human factors)
More design calculations
Project meeting to discuss progress
Call client to discuss site visit next
week
Afternoon drinks
Internal training
45
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:45
11/8/06 10:47:03 AM
Engineering
cv
graduate engineer
q&a
What is your job?
I am involved with infrastructure, residential and commercial
developments. My job can involve everything from the development of
waterways, sewerage works, water reticulation networks, through to
road works and residential works.
46
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:46
11/8/06 10:47:04 AM
In s ide r in fo
47
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:47
11/8/06 10:47:05 AM
Engineering
What do you wish you had learnt earlier on?
detour
For inspiration to start
your own business, see
Career FAQs Young
Entrepreneurs
www.careerfaqs.com.au
in
brief
I wish I hadnt been told that I had to go to uni. I got on that path
of working hard at school and then working at uni and then getting
a job as an engineer, but you dont have to take that route. There
are other options, such as starting up your own business and being
entrepreneurial, that dont necessarily involve that path.
Civil engineer
$$$
quals
6080K
BEng
hrs/wk
40 usually
lifework
flexibility
pretty good, I
work on it
myweek
Visit construction site
Respond to technical queries
Write progress report
Camping
48
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:48
11/8/06 10:47:06 AM
In s ide r in fo
cv
q&a
I am what the Air Force calls a SIMU 1A, or what could more
easily be called an RAAF Engineering Officer. I am responsible for
communication and information management, and am involved with
data networks, satellite communications, and looking at process flows.
engineering officer
You joined the military and did your degree through the
Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA). What was the
experience like?
I have had some excellent times, but there have also been some real
lows as well. Overall though, it has been very good for me. But it isnt
for everyone.
You need to be fully aware of what you are getting yourself into. You
are entering military life and you need to be prepared for that. Some
of the high points have included the people that I have met, and there
is a very big network available to you through ADFA. I still have very
strong bonds with the friends I have made.
The low points include the fact that you can be moved around and
must be ready to leave wherever you are stationed. Also, some of the
processes seem broken. Its like a link in a chain has been broken and
sometimes you might see the solution to a problem and suggest the
solution but it will get knocked back for some reason that you dont
know about.
49
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:49
11/8/06 10:47:06 AM
Engineering
What sort of attributes do you think a person needs to be a
good engineer?
You need to be logical. Its really a way of thinking that you need. You
need to be methodical and have a structured approach to tackling
problems and issues, and a way of reaching a resolution.
It helps if you like to know how things work and like to improve things.
glossary
CP Eng means:
Chartered Professional
Engineer
50
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:50
11/8/06 10:47:07 AM
In s ide r in fo
Where were you in the Middle East? And what was the
experience like?
I cant tell you where I was posted, but the experience was very
interesting. I got to see a lot and learnt a lot as well. It was interesting
to see how the defence forces from other countries deal with the same
thing. My impression was that the Australian defence forces are very
quick to respond to change.
in
brief
RAAF engineering officer
$$$
quals
7080K
BEng, ADFA
hrs/wk
40
lifework
flexibility
myweek
Review project proposals
Meetings in Sydney
Look at better ways to manage
information systems
Play tennis
See a movie
51
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:51
11/8/06 10:47:08 AM
Engineering
cv
graduate
q&a
What is your job?
I am a geotechnical engineer. My day-to-day work involves conducting
field investigations and tests, collecting data, writing reports and
coming up with designs. In a nutshell, the work I do is centred around
the ground that a structure is built on, or the ground that a structure
will be built on.
Did you know much about what an engineer did for a living
when you were at school?
I knew that they built things. I liked the idea of designing something
and then having it built. But I didnt know much more. When I was at
school I knew that there were engineers, but I didnt know much about
the different streams of engineering.
52
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:52
11/8/06 10:47:09 AM
In s ide r in fo
glossary
Chartered means:
certified by Engineers
Australia, to a certain
standard of competency
and experience.
53
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:53
11/8/06 10:47:09 AM
Engineering
more in Australia, there is a different emphasis on the use of machinery
here. I also learnt just how important communication skills are to an
engineer. Its something that I hadnt thought much about before.
in
$$$
brief
quals
80100K
BEng, BComm, UWA
hrs/wk
50
lifework
flexibility
quite flexible
Its very work- and MBA-focused right now, and that is taking its toll.
I spend 45 hours a week with work and then 30 hours on my MBA, so
there isnt a lot of time for much else. Im working very hard and there
isnt enough free time for myself. But that will all change when I finish
my MBA.
myweek
Look at geotechnical work required
for project
Review geology maps
Assess the requirements of the job
and necessary investigations
54
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:54
11/8/06 10:47:10 AM
In s ide r in fo
cv
hospitality >>
environmental consultant
>> environmental engineer
q&a
What does your job involve?
I work for a company that mines and processes primary resources
(such as sulphuric acid, ammonia and phosphoric acid) to make
fertilizer products. I have an environmental advisory role, which
means I help coordinate environmental monitoring programs and
evaluate results to ensure we are not harming the environment.
I do some project management planning and implementing
rehabilitation programs which have the objective of making a site
acceptable by the EPA at the end of the life of the mine.
This involves working in an office for about 70 per cent of my time and
spending about 30 per cent of my time out on site. The site is located
approximately 150 kms outside of Mount Isa and is a remote facility. The
operation is fly in fly out where I usually live for eight days at a camp
near the site, working 12-hour shifts from 6 am to 6 pm. Whilst on site
all food and sleeping requirements are provided by the company.
glossary
EPA means:
Environmental Protection
Authority
resources boom means:
increased global demand
for resources, including
Australias iron ore and coal,
having the effect of greatly
increasing the earnings of
our mining companies.
55
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:55
11/8/06 10:47:11 AM
Engineering
Tell us something about your working environment do you
work in a team?
I work in a small team here, but am part of a larger group of 15 people,
incorporating safety and health. I work closely with an environmental
scientist, an occupational hygienist and an environment and health
sampling technician. It is a supporting and encouraging working
environment.
Just do it.
Environmental engineer
brief
$$$
quals
hrs/wk
48
flexibility
fairly good
This is not an ideal its an industry. I think that a lot of people go into
this area thinking that they are going to make a difference, and I still
like to think that I can. But the reality of it is that, like most things, it
has become a business and businesses need to make money.
56
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:56
11/8/06 10:47:12 AM
In s ide r in fo
cv
junior design
q&a
What is your job?
I am a general manager in design and construction. I left a purely
technical field and right now am using my engineering knowledge in
the management of 100 employees, 60 of whom are employees and
the others are contractors.
57
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:57
11/8/06 10:47:12 AM
Engineering
looked at what skills I was going to need and how I could contribute.
I thought about medicine but I cant stand blood and by doing
engineering I was able to work with people and make a difference.
58
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:58
11/8/06 10:47:14 AM
In s ide r in fo
in
brief
General manager, design
and construction
$$$
quals
70100K
BEng
hrs/wk
4060
lifework
very rewarding
flexibility
very good
59
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:59
11/8/06 10:47:14 AM
Engineering
Engineers have skills that our communities need. It is important
to get involved, whether it is with a sporting group or some other
group. I think that young people need support in order to make our
communities better places to live and its great when you can find the
passion and the drive to do that.
myweek
Project management meeting
Meet with government authority
about new initiative and pilot study
Management meeting
60
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:60
11/8/06 10:47:15 AM
In s ide r in fo
cv
graduate engineer
q&a
What is your job?
I am a professional project manager. I am currently involved with the
review of a golf club development, as well as a community-based
project where we are creating a wetlands trail that will be 15 km long.
61
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:61
11/8/06 10:47:16 AM
Engineering
What have been some of the more enjoyable aspects of your
career?
It has changed significantly, Im not doing the same things I was when
I graduated and thats made it really challenging.
fyi
The recession we had to
have was a term used by
then Treasurer Paul Keating
during the economic
downturn in the late 1980s
62
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:62
11/8/06 10:47:17 AM
In s ide r in fo
in
brief
Project manager
$$$
quals
80120K
BEng (Civil)
Hons, MIE Aust
hrs/wk
50
lifework
flexibility
a lot
myweek
Prepare presentation
Update report to present to
Council meeting
Deliver presentation
63
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:63
11/8/06 10:47:18 AM
Engineering
cv
research biomedical
q&a
What is your job?
I am a senior rehabilitation engineer with NovitaTech, a division
of Novita Childrens Services. I work with technology and provide
rehabilitation services by harnessing that technology for people with
disabilities. I am also involved with research and development and
education through workshops and other means.
64
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:64
11/8/06 10:47:18 AM
In s ide r in fo
65
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:65
11/8/06 10:47:19 AM
Engineering
What have been some of the highlights of your career so far?
find out
more
Engineers Without Borders
www.ewb.org.au
in
brief
$$$
quals
5560K
BEng, BSc, Flinders
hrs/wk
4045
lifework
flexibility
great
The flexibility here is great. I get paid for the hours that I work, and
get time in lieu. The core hours here are from ten until four oclock. I
tend to start at eight oclock and leave early. Its also a very supportive
environment.
myweek
Gardening
Send out follow-ups from
my wedding
Movie
Brunch with parents
66
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:66
11/8/06 10:47:20 AM
In s ide r in fo
cv
service station
q&a
glossary
GPS means:
Global Positioning
System, a satellite
navigation system used
all over the world.
67
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:67
11/8/06 10:47:21 AM
Engineering
What do you like most about your job?
I get to spend a large proportion of my time outdoors, out on the
harbour about 50 per cent of time we spend outside. This applies to
most surveying.
What were your motivations for going into this line of work?
I had an interest in geography in school, with a particular interest in
cartography, or mapmaking, and I was good at maths, so I wanted to
do something with that. I researched cartography, but found that it
was mainly being done by computers. I really didnt want to sit inside
all day at a computer I liked the drawing part of it more.
So when I found out that a surveyor is the one that physically does the
work behind the mapmaking, I teamed up with a surveyor for a day.
Having a nice lunch sitting by the water, I thought, I can do this.
in
brief
Hydrographic surveyor
$$$
hrs/wk
40100K
Assoc Dip Eng
(Surveying), B Surv,
Uni of Newcastle
3550
lifework
9/10
flexibility
9/10
quals
68
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:68
11/8/06 10:47:22 AM
In s ide r in fo
cv
environmental
q&a
What is your job?
My official title is project manager, waste technology and strategy,
but my role has developed and includes life cycle assessment of
product systems. What that means is that I might look at some car
parts, or hazardous waste, and the best method to dispose of them. I
look at things from a business perspective and from an environmental
perspective. I conduct analyses of waste and environmental
systems and determine the best systems from a technological and
environmental standpoint. It is also very important to take social
considerations into account.
What are the best aspects of the work that you do?
I have a high level of autonomy and can run projects how I want. I am
also very lucky to work in a caring and nurturing environment. There
is a high level of respect for everyone in the company, and there is
recognition of the highly specialised skill sets that each employee
has. I can go to anyone in the company to learn from them, and they
are happy to talk to you. For example, I have learnt so much from my
boss and drawn on his experience.
detour
Interested in jobs that
help sustain the natural
environment? You may want
to read Career FAQs Save
the World.
www.careerfaqs.com.au
What are the worst aspects of the work that you do?
Thats easy. Its that, as a consultant, I have to account for my time.
I have to fill in time sheets. Thats a real monkey on my back. I could
do without that, but its a necessity with the work that we do. Then
theres the development of proposals and methodologies for those
proposals. When we are putting in a proposal for some work, we
have to develop a system to tackle the job and you often dont know
much about the work when youre writing the proposal. You have to
write something that is sensible and meaningful to the client prior to
knowing a lot about the job. You have to structure the proposal, and
price it so that it is attractive.
69
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:69
11/8/06 10:47:22 AM
Engineering
Why did you want to become a chemical engineer?
I was good at chemistry and mechanics at school and I wanted to
continue those interests. But the sting in the tail was that, in reality I
had no idea what a chemical engineer really was. I didnt understand
what they did. But I got lucky because I enjoyed it from the start. And
then I sort of fell into the environmental side of the field from there.
Does your job allow you to achieve the lifework balance you
want?
Yes, very much so. We all work hard when we need to, but I dont have
to work very long hours. And my boss is very understanding about
having to take time off. And as long as we get the work done on time
and on budget, a lot of the rest is up to us. Also, if I need to I can work
from home. Overall, I would say that my lifework balance here is great.
What are the best things you can do for your career?
Keep developing new skill sets. I did a Master of Business and
Technology that gave me the ability to examine a companys costs and
reporting mechanisms. It also showed me how companies approach
innovation. Its like looking at a box from different angles. I developed
the ability to look at systems from new angles and it gave me new
tools for fixing things. Having two degrees helps you further your
career. My first degree gave me a discipline and a way of thinking, and
my second degree helped me hone my skills for the future.
Working overseas was a significant experience for me as well. I
worked in Hong Kong for three years. I was exposed to new ways of
working, and it is good to know that you can take care of yourself in a
new environment when you are away from your support network.
70
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:70
11/8/06 10:47:23 AM
In s ide r in fo
there was a lot of politics there. I had no support network and it got a
bit traumatic. But you live and learn, and I grew from the experience
personally and professionally.
I have also learnt not to rush jobs, because you will make mistakes.
Even if people are pushing you, you cant take short cuts. You need to
get it right and take all the steps you need to. Also, if you are too sure of
yourself you will also make mistakes. It always pays to check your work
with other people, otherwise your work will be of no value to anyone.
in
brief
Senior consultant
$$$
quals
80110K
BEng (Chemical),
USyd; M Bus &
Tech, UNSW
hrs/wk
38
lifework
excellent
flexibility
71
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:71
11/8/06 10:47:23 AM
Engineering
cv
q&a
What is your job?
glossary
Telco means:
a telecommunications
company.
72
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:72
11/8/06 10:47:25 AM
In s ide r in fo
73
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:73
11/8/06 10:47:26 AM
Engineering
What is your opinion of the trend towards more specialised
engineering degrees?
in
brief
$$$
quals
100125K
BEng (Electrical),
USQ; MBA, UQ
Its different; we all work very hard, and when there is a major project,
its all hands on deck to make sure that it gets done.
hrs/wk
55 in a good week
lifework
can be horrible
flexibility
myweek
Check weekend activity - anything
broken that needs to be fixed?
Look at what was scheduled what
has and what hasnt been done?
Strategy meeting
74
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:74
11/8/06 10:47:27 AM
In s ide r in fo
cv
q&a
What is your job?
I am a senior radio planner with Nokia. I am an electrical engineer
by training although I am more of a telecommunications engineer by
specialisation. I am responsible for the locations of mobile phone
antennas in the Sydney region.
What tips would you like to give people who are just starting
out?
I would say that its vital to pay attention to the people around you
who have been there longer than you have. There is a lot you can learn
from them and it is important to take constructive criticism on board.
Thats something I didnt do enough when I was starting out.
75
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:75
11/8/06 10:47:28 AM
Engineering
76
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:76
11/8/06 10:47:29 AM
In s ide r in fo
in
brief
I havent done any further study, but have done a number of internal,
short courses.
$$$
quals
80K+
BEng (Electrical)
hrs/wk
50
lifework
skewed towards
work
flexibility
extremely flexible, as
long as we produce
results on time
myweek
Meeting in Chatswood
Dinner
Movie
Grocery shopping
Watch footy
77
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:77
11/8/06 10:47:29 AM
Engineering
cv
QA/project controls
q&a
What is your job?
I develop project management processes and procedures. I also
troubleshoot overall business processes and relationships in the
organisation.
78
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:78
11/8/06 10:47:30 AM
In s ide r in fo
79
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:79
11/8/06 10:47:31 AM
Engineering
in
brief
Project manager
$$$
quals
$60/hr
BEng (Civil),
USyd; Dip Law
hrs/wk
32
lifework
fantastic, I have
time for whats
important in my life
flexibility
I would tell them to take a year off see the world and have a think
about what is important to you. I would tell that to anyone who was
about to start university. I think that it would help a lot of people.
myweek
Off
Site visit
Off
80
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:80
11/8/06 10:47:32 AM
In s ide r in fo
cv
q&a
What is your job?
I work for a medical company and design sleep apnoea masks. The
masks strap on at night and cover either the nose or both the nose
and mouth and are connected via a hose to a flow generator that
maintains a pressure that prevents sleep apnoea from occurring.
81
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:81
11/8/06 10:47:32 AM
Engineering
What professional development have you done since you
finished your degree?
I have done some management courses and short engineering
courses, but not much more than that.
in
brief
Senior designer
$$$
quals
90120K
BEng (Mech)
hrs/wk
40
lifework
good balance,
I dont take
work home
flexibility
Getting designs out that work. Its a challenging job and weve had
to work hard to get results, but it is very rewarding. Weve just been
conducting some trials in the US and have been getting some great
results. Being able to see the end point and knowing that youre on a
winner after having worked really hard keeps me motivated.
82
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:82
11/8/06 10:47:33 AM
In s ide r in fo
myweek
Department meeting to go
through all current projects
Shopping
See uni friends
Play squash
83
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:83
11/8/06 10:47:34 AM
Engineering
cv
design engineer
q&a
What is your job?
I am the managing director. I coordinate labour and resources to
produce design outcomes for clients. I receive the raw data input
and then we turn it into an engineering outcome. The design work
encompasses civil, structural and environmental concerns. Broadly
speaking I aim to meet our clients needs with my engineering team.
What are the best aspects of the work that you do?
The best part of the job is the diversity. I am involved from the project
concept right through to the delivery to the client.
84
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:84
11/8/06 10:47:35 AM
In s ide r in fo
What tips would you like to give young people who are
starting out in engineering?
It is important to be prepared to work hard and to go the extra yards. It
sounds like a clich, but it makes a big difference. Dont just go home at
five oclock, but be prepared to do whatever is needed. I think it helps
to look at engineering as a career not just a job, and advancement is
related to the challenges that you face and overcome. I give the better
projects to those people who I know are prepared to work.
I also got a lot of benefit from my MBA. It gave me a new confidence
in myself. I had been in business for 12 years at the time and I was
looking for new challenges. The MBA course gave me a great set of
new skills, and provided me with a framework for decision-making.
At the time I was dealing with some clients who were making some
strange decisions and the course helped me to understand those
decisions. It also taught me communications skills, how to write and
to deal with people better.
I found the course transformative. I was a part of a great bunch of
people and we developed some very good relationships. It was very
uplifting and I was allowed to take risks, and my thought processes
were challenged and enhanced. I learnt a lot about life and the course
was part of a lifelong learning.
in
brief
Managing director
$$$
The culture here is very helpful; we are supportive and we all help
each other out. It is easy to ask for advice and there are people here
with a wide range of experiences and knowledge to draw on.
quals
hrs/wk
4060
lifework
maybe a little
bit too much on
the work side
flexibility
It is my company
and with all the
responsibility
also comes a
lot of flexibility
250K+
BEng (Civil), MBA
85
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:85
11/8/06 10:47:35 AM
Engineering
cv
cadet engineer
q&a
What tips would you like to give young people who are
starting out in engineering?
If you stay in an organisation, in your early years I would suggest that
you move around, change jobs and broaden your knowledge base.
86
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:86
11/8/06 10:47:36 AM
In s ide r in fo
What have you had to learn the hard way in your career?
Definitely people management, internal politics and how to
manage them both. You dont get prepared for those things with an
engineering degree.
glossary
LAN means:
local area network, a
computer network limited
to the immediate area.
87
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:87
11/8/06 10:47:36 AM
Engineering
How has the profession of engineering changed over the last
30 years?
When I started here engineers were the prime people running the
organisation, but that has changed somewhat as there are now
many other aspects to the company. There has been a change in the
workforce and how it operates. As I mentioned earlier, in the early days,
you didnt even get interviewed for job changes as a young engineer,
you just got rotated into a job. Promotions happen earlier now and
theres a steep learning curve. Engineering students now have so
many specialisation options that you can graduate with an electrical
engineering degree now and have done no power systems subjects.
The degree gives you a way to think and a set of problem-solving skills.
But you do need to take some short courses to be more rounded.
The organisational structure is more flexible now. When I started you
used to have to clock on and clock off everyday with an old bundy
clock. These days things are based more on achievement and not the
hours that you work.
Technology has been a big change too. When I was at university we
were using slide rules, and when I bought my first calculator it cost
me the equivalent of four weeks wages. And while the technology is
a great enabler, a lot of people these days will just believe what the
computer tells them. There could be a huge error there and unless you
have an intuitive understanding of the process, you could miss it.
88
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:88
11/8/06 10:47:37 AM
In s ide r in fo
in
brief
Manager, network investment
$$$
quals
150200K
BEng (Electrical)
Hons, Syd Tech
Coll; MBA, UTS; M
Bus & Tech, UNSW
hrs/wk
52
lifework
flexibility
some flexibility
myweek
89
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:89
11/8/06 10:47:38 AM
Engineering
cv
graduate engineer
q&a
What is your job?
I develop engineering policy for the company and conduct reviews
of projects and programs. I also manage the R&D budget, facilitate
technical collaboration between Tenix business units, provide technical
advice to the CEO and liaise with my counterparts in industry.
90
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:90
11/8/06 10:47:39 AM
In s ide r in fo
in
brief
General manager, design
and engineering
$$$
quals
150250K
BEng (Electrical),
USyd
hrs/wk
55
lifework
under control
flexibility
myweek
91
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:91
11/8/06 10:47:39 AM
Engineering
cv
junior engineer
Chris is the General Manager for Rockdale City Council in NSW, and
has been employed in local government for over 40 years. He started
straight out of school as a junior engineer and studied part-time to
earn his degree in civil engineering. He has been the president of
APESMA and has served on committees for Engineers Australia as well
as the Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA).
q&a
What is your job?
I am the General Manager for Rockdale Council and I am responsible
for the staff, and involved with planning and development and other
key issues for the council. Some of our current initiatives are the
development of industrial sites into residential sites; and a 20-year
vision for the council that involved councillors and consultants and
took over six months to develop. As you move higher up the ladder
you lose some of the engineering aspects of the job and take on more
management responsibilities involved with high-level decision making
and budgeting.
92
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:92
11/8/06 10:47:40 AM
In s ide r in fo
93
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:93
11/8/06 10:47:41 AM
Engineering
in
brief
General manager
$$$
quals
180240K
BEng, UNSW
hrs/wk
70
lifework
it tends to come
in waves
myweek
My time!
Council meeting
94
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:94
11/8/06 10:47:41 AM
In s ide r in fo
cv
engineer >>
q&a
principal engineer
MYTH
corporate travel is
glamorous you get
to travel business
class and stay in
top rate hotels in
exotic locations
fact
95
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:95
11/8/06 10:47:42 AM
Engineering
What do you wish someone had told you about engineering
before you started on this career path?
I dont think I missed out on too much but when I embarked on
a career in professional engineering, I wasnt aware of all the
opportunities available. Still, I wouldnt change anything.
Principal engineer
brief
quals
up to 110K
Dip Mech Eng
hrs/wk
45
Slanted toward work. (I have two sons who are also engineers). When
it is something you live and enjoy it is not an issue. Engineering has
provided travel, opportunity and a social network.
lifework
slanted towards
work
flexibility
very flexible
$$$
myweek
Conduct analyses
Continue research and
design work
Inspect machinery
Mentoring
Supervise young engineers
Work in vegetable garden
after work
Model alternatives
Scouts
Go for run
Go to beach
Visit family
96
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:96
11/8/06 10:47:43 AM
In s ide r in fo
cv
process surveillance
q&a
What is your job?
My current job is Senior Subsea Engineer, working as a consultant on
oil and gas projects.
What are the best aspects of the work that you do?
I am always learning something new, I enjoy working in a project
team, its well-paid, and theres international travel (which becomes
the worst aspect if theres too much of it).
What tips would you like to give young people who are
starting out in engineering?
Take the time to build credibility, make sure you get some experience
at the coal face, that is, where the machinery, or the process, is.
Advice for women: dont give up, it gets easier.
What have you had to learn the hard way in your career?
That Im not expected to know everything and that others dont know
everything either.
97
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:97
11/8/06 10:47:44 AM
Engineering
What do you wish someone had told you about engineering
before you became an engineer?
in
brief
Senior subsea engineer
$$$
quals
hrs/wk
myweek
Meeting in office
Check on priorities for work that is
scheduled to be done
Not working
Not working
Not working
98
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:98
11/8/06 10:47:45 AM
In s ide r in fo
cv
q&a
What is your job?
I am the General Manager for Group Market Risk at one of Australias
major banks. I look after the risk management framework that
protects the organisation from adverse movements in rates and prices.
That includes, for example, interest rates, foreign exchange rates and
commodity prices.
What are the best aspects of the work that you do?
I enjoy the big picture view. I get to look at the macro view of exposures
that the organisation has to the rest of the world. There is a wide range
of influences that can impact market rates. This includes political
upheavals, oil prices, housing figures, unemployment and the
general economy. Engineers are able to understand how everything is
connected, from a whole refinery to the intricacies of a simple pump.
I use that same thinking in my job. I look at large macro aspects but
also need to be able to zoom in to view individual transactions.
99
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:99
11/8/06 10:47:45 AM
Engineering
Why did you leave the profession?
I had been working in the United States and wasnt sure what my next
step would be. I thought I might like to continue to work overseas, but
then a friend of mine who was working at an investment bank told me
about a job and I applied for it, thinking that the money was good and
that I would give it a try. That was six years ago.
100
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:100
11/8/06 10:47:46 AM
In s ide r in fo
in
brief
General manager, risk
management
$$$
quals
hrs/wk
60
lifework
flexibility
depends on the
opening of the
financial markets
200300K
BEng (Chemical),
PhD, USyd
myweek
Conduct interviews
Team dinner to celebrate recent
good customer satisfaction
survey results
101
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:101
11/8/06 10:47:47 AM
Engineering
Ever met someone who is still learning their craft
but is already making waves in the industry?
Our rising star interview shows the story of an
individual with the motivation, insight and ability
to put a great idea into action.
cv
surveyor >>
q&a
What was it like seeing the destruction in El Salvador?
The aftermath of the earthquake was a pretty intense experience. In
some regions 90 per cent of the houses were completely destroyed
just rubble. And most of those were made from mud brick.
102
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:102
11/8/06 10:47:47 AM
In s ide r in fo
What sort of field research and testing did you have to do?
The testing was undertaken at UTS. Its a million-dollar facility that
allows us to simulate earthquakes to a very high accuracy. We tested a
number of different wall and reinforcement systems. The most recent
test was of a half-scale house that included two rooms, two doors and
a window. The system worked extremely well.
We subjected the house to five very severe earthquakes, including one
that was 125 per cent of the strength of the El Salvador earthquake
and the structure didnt collapse. There was damage, as expected,
but it was a very good outcome in terms of prevention of collapse and
minimisation of damage.
103
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:103
11/8/06 10:47:48 AM
Engineering
The living conditions have been quite varied, ranging from very
comfortable to very rudimentary (a ramshackle old mud brick house
with a dirt floor, a bed that was too short for me and a pit toilet out
the back!). I have really enjoyed both aspects of that. I think one of the
highlights of my time in El Salvador has been living and working in the
community its an opportunity to experience a little bit more of the
reality of life there.
104
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:104
11/8/06 10:47:49 AM
CareerFAQs-out 1.3
15/8/06
4:18 PM
Page 1
Surveying is an ideal career for young people who love to wear their boots and carry
a laptop around interesting outdoor sites. You can be working on a building site or on
earthworks for a new motorway. Or measuring the harbour oor from the deck of a
hydro-graphic vessel. Or mapping an open cut mine. No two days will be the same
and you need never complain about being stuck all day inside an air conditioned ofce.
For more information about surveying phone (02) 9264 2076 for a careers pack.
www.surveyors.org.au
16/8/06 10:13:52 AM
8/8/06 10:49:56 AM
Ready, set,
go for it!
What qualications do I need?
To become a professional engineer you need to complete an
engineering degree that has been approved by Engineers Australia.
In order to be accepted into a university course you need to have
completed your school leaving certicate (that is, the HSC in NSW,
VCE in Victoria , and so on) and obtained a score equal to, or higher
than the mark set for entry by the institution you would like to attend.
You also need to have studied a high level of maths, physics and
possibly chemistry (depending on the degree you choose).
It is also possible to become an engineering technologist. To do
this, you will need to complete a three-year engineering technology
degree. Or you could choose to become an engineering associate by
completing a two-year advanced diploma in engineering through TAFE.
The following table, taken from the interviewees in this book, shows
some examples of the qualications necessary for various jobs in the
engineering industry.
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:109
109
11/8/06 10:47:50 AM
Engineering
Job title
Qualifications
Project engineer
Civil engineer
Bachelor of Engineering
Environmental engineer
Bachelor of Engineering
Project manager
Hydrographic surveyor
Senior consultant
Project manager
Senior designer
Managing director
General manager
Principal engineer
Bachelor of Engineering
PhD researcher
110
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:110
11/8/06 10:47:51 AM
Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
University courses
There is plenty of choice for people wanting to study engineering
in Australia, though not all universities offer engineering degrees,
and those that do may not all offer every stream of engineering. The
institutions in Australia that currently offer engineering degrees include:
New South Wales
Victoria
Queensland
La Trobe University
University of Sydney
Deakin University
Griffith University
University of Technology,
Sydney
Monash University
University of Newcastle
University of Wollongong
University of Western Sydney
Queensland University of
Technology
University of Queensland
University of Southern
Queensland
Victoria University
Australian Capital Territory
South Australia
Western Australia
University of Canberra
Flinders University
Murdoch University
University of Adelaide
Northern Territory
Tasmania
University of Tasmania
Australian Maritime College
111
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:111
11/8/06 10:47:52 AM
Engineering
What can I expect to learn?
The course structure for professional engineering degrees varies
between universities and engineering disciplines. Some institutions
allow you to take a exible rst year course in engineering where
you dont have to choose your discipline until the end of that rst
year, while other courses and universities jump right into the specic
engineering discipline from the start.
In a general engineering rst year you will cover a lot of common
territory between engineering disciplines (and even other faculties,
such as science). Course subjects will include mathematics (both
applied and theoretical), physics, computer science and possibly
chemistry. If you have chosen your discipline, then you will also cover
some of the fundamentals for that eld as well.
112
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:112
11/8/06 10:47:53 AM
Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
By your third year, you will be looking at more complex design issues,
as well as more technical analytical skills. You will be taking part in
advanced laboratory work where you will be undertaking the practical
application of subjects you have been studying. This is also the time
to start looking at specialising by choosing electives.
Finally, the fourth year of an engineering degree often includes
advanced specialist elective subjects and a thesis project, as well
as advanced core subjects relevant to your chosen discipline. These
subjects will most likely include management, nancial skills and other
topics that endeavour to prepare you for the professional workplace.
Australian universities offer a wide range of engineering degrees. We
have detailed information on three:
biotechnology
paper technology
sustainable processing.
113
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:113
11/8/06 10:47:54 AM
Engineering
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering
Career prospects: Plant design, plant operation, process research,
process development, chemical manufacture, environmental
management, mineral engineering
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Fermentation Processes
Process Control
Reaction Engineering
Thermodynamics
Systems Modelling and Analysis
Process Modelling and Optimisation
Advanced Transport Phenomena
Unit Operations and Pressure Vessels
Plant and Equipment Design
Process Design and Economics
Process Design and Safety
Chemical Engineering Practice 2
General Education course/s
Year 4
Automation Science
Management and Plant Operation
Environmental Management 1
Design Project
Research Project Theory
Research Project Practice
General Education course/s
114
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:114
11/8/06 10:47:54 AM
Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
This is a four-year course full time (as most are). Students study the
mathematics and science behind chemical engineering to help them
to develop and conduct their own research and design project in a
compulsory honours year.
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Civil Design
Civil Engineering Management
Students in their fourth year will also need to choose from a variety of
elective subjects anything from basic chemistry to an independent
research thesis.
115
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:115
11/8/06 10:47:55 AM
Engineering
Bachelor of Software Engineering
Offered at the University of Queensland, this four-year course provides
the opportunity for students to simultaneously acquire theoretical
knowledge and practical skills. Students will learn computer science
and the design and management of computer systems.
Bachelor of Software Engineering
Career prospects: Programming, systems analysis and design,
computer resource management, systems engineers
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
Thesis Project
116
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:116
11/8/06 10:47:56 AM
Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
Postgraduate degrees
If you complete your degree to a satisfactory level, you may consider
applying for further study. A postgraduate coursework program will
provide advanced education in a specialised discipline. Students
could also opt to complete a postgraduate research program, which
will require the student to devise, write and submit an original thesis.
Either one of these, typically requiring three years full-time study, will
be a signicant step to obtaining a Masters degree or doctorate.
find out
more
www.engineersaustralia.org.
au/education
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Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:117
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Engineering
How do I get that job?
So youre in the last year of your engineering degree? Or maybe you
already have your degree, or youre looking for a change of jobs?
What now?
This section will help you take charge of your career, and includes:
newspapers
careers fairs
Internet
graduate programs
industry journals
recruitment agencies.
Newspapers
All major Australian newspapers list engineering jobs. For example,
in Sydney, the most extensive job listings can be found in the Sydney
Morning Herald, and in Melbourne, The Age.
Jobs are listed daily, however, most job advertisements are published
on Saturdays (and Wednesdays in some publications).
Some jobs will be listed under engineer, but some will be listed
under other headings, such as project manager or plant manager.
Make sure you check the government listings too.
Read articles on trends within the engineering industry. If a trend that
interests you is appearing, research the area and approach companies
in that eld.
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14/8/06 5:22:06 PM
Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
Internet
The Internet is one of the most popular ways for engineering jobs to
be advertised, and there are numerous websites with job placements
listed. Some of the more popular sites for engineering jobs include:
Seek www.seek.com.au
My Career www.mycareer.com.au
CareerOne www.careerone.com.au
Gradlink campus.seek.com.au/gradlink
Monster jobsearch.monster.com.au
Industry journals
Engineering industry journals often contain job ads. Engineers
Australia, for example, has a jobs listing. The magazine also publishes
trends, remuneration survey results, and offers advice to job seekers
on a regular basis.
find out
more
www.engaust.com.au/
magazines
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Engineering
at the time, they can keep your details on le and you could get an
interview before any job gets listed.
Networking by taking part in conferences, seminars, breakfast
meetings, and special interest groups run by associations and other
organisations is an excellent way to meet engineers from companies
that might be hiring.
Staying in touch with fellow graduates is also another way to hear
about job opportunities before they make it to the classieds.
If there are some companies you would especially like to work with, then
it might be worthwhile cold calling them and speaking with the human
resources manager or one of the engineering managers. You could
get lucky and nd that you are calling them at a time when they are
thinking about hiring, but before they have advertised. Or even if they
are not looking to hire someone, you can nd out a little more about
the company and the people you would be working with. Always look
to see if you can send your rsum in to the person you are speaking
with, but dont be pushy. Remember that the person you are talking to
is taking time out from what is probably a busy schedule to speak with
you. Be professional, courteous and make a good impression.
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11/8/06 10:47:59 AM
Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
Careers fairs
All of the major Australian universities host careers fairs where
potential employers are represented and meet students to discuss job
vacancies and career paths. Individual engineering departments also
run events where students can meet potential employers face to face.
For further information, contact the universities directly, or keep an
eye on www.careerfaqs.com.au for news of careers fairs coming up.
Individual universities also run careers services that can give you key
contacts and advice.
Graduate programs
Some companies offer a structured program for graduates to
further develop their engineering skills. Graduates may be offered a
rotational program to gain experience in many different roles within an
organisation. They may be assigned a mentor within the organisation
who helps in their development. And graduates will take part in a
range of training courses and other learning programs that add to their
university training and prepare them for work in their chosen eld.
Information on graduate programs can be obtained from a number of
sources including: newspapers, the Internet (career sites, jobs sites,
and the companies themselves), universities, and industry bodies
such as Engineers Australia.
find out
more
To find and research
potential employers,
make sure to check
www.graduateopportunities.
com.au
Recruitment agencies
Recruitment agencies specialise in nding candidates for
vacant positions. They work on behalf of employers to place job
advertisements in newspapers, on the Internet and other places;
interview candidates; create a shortlist of likely candidates; check
references; and recommend people for jobs.
There are two main types of recruitment agencies: the generalist
recruitment rm which recruits for a wide range of industries and
positions, and the specialist recruitment agency which specialises in
recruiting for specic industries.
Some of the major recruitment agencies that specialise in engineering
jobs in Australia include:
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Engineering
Adecco www.adecco.com.au
Hays www.hays.com.au
Take a copy of your rsum with you, and make sure that it is
up to date.
Once you have made contact with a recruitment agency, agree on how
often you will get in touch with the consultant perhaps every two
or three weeks to check if there are any appropriate positions on the
books. This is a good way to ensure that they keep you in mind when
jobs become available.
122
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11/8/06 10:48:00 AM
Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
be personable
engineering consulting
aerospace
procurement
manufacturing/industrial
telecommunications
logistics
materials handling.
123
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14/8/06 5:22:08 PM
Engineering
q&a
What advice would you like to offer to engineers looking for
work?
Make sure that your rsum fully reflects your skills and experiences.
At the interview you need to present yourself professionally while
being personable. How you fit in culturally in the environment is
almost as important as your technical ability.
It is also very important to prepare thoroughly for the interview. Find
out everything you can about the company and do your research. See
what you can find out about the industry that the company operates
in as well.
The position description in the job advertisement gives you a lot of
clues. Make sure that you read the advertisement carefully and get a
very good understanding of what the job is about.
q&a
What process do you follow when recruiting engineers?
Once the advertisement has been placed and the rsums have
started to come in, I will phone some of the most likely candidates
and conduct some pre-screening to narrow down the list.
124
Engineering_100806.indd Sec1:124
11/8/06 10:48:02 AM
Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
From the shortened list, I will then interview at our offices. This
process usually takes somewhere between 30 minutes and an hour.
After I have done this I will have a good idea of the most suitable
candidates and I will create a short list and then forward this on to
the employer.
I will also stay in touch with the candidates on a weekly basis to check
in with them and to see how things are going, and to let them know
how things might be progressing at my end.
q&a
What fields of engineering do you cover?
We cover all the engineering disciplines, from civil and structural to
mechanical engineers and from electrical to chemical engineers.
125
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Engineering
What are the hot jobs at the moment?
Currently it is structural engineers. We cant get enough of them. In
fact, if I had a structural engineer in here now I could probably line
him or her up with half a dozen job interviews right away. Im also
looking for people with contaminated land experience. There are a
lot of environmental engineers around at the moment, and that area
might be a little oversubscribed. I think the biomedical field is an
emerging market. Its not there yet, but it is on its way.
126
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Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
MYTH
engineers are boffins
who work alone in
little cubicles
fact
The main tools you have for landing a job include your rsum,
covering letter and any response to selection criteria, along with the
interview. In order to stand out from the crowd, you need to ensure
that each of these elements stands out on its own.
Show that you really want the job, and be confident in your
skills (but not arrogant). I want to know that I can work
with you for the long term. I want someone who is reliable,
professional, eager to work hard, and who can contribute to
the success of the company. The people who really stand out
during the interview stage are those with whom I can connect.
Listening skills and good communication abilities really help.
David, Engineering manager
127
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Engineering
Create an outstanding application
This section will look at what you can do to create an outstanding
application, with all these elements:
the rsum
The rsum
Your rsum is a summary of your qualications, work history,
achievements, education and other skills. It is a vital tool in securing
a job, and needs to show that you are capable of meeting the
requirements of the advertised job.
Karen Smith
123 George St
Excellent
financial management, budgeting and reporting skills able to bring a project
cent improvem
lted in a 23 perto completion on (or under) budget
exchanger resu
The new heat
000 per year
oximately $30
truction and
cons
gn,
desi
savings of appr
Very
skilled
time
management
able
to
complete projects on time.
onsible for the
budget)
that was resp
on time and on
neer in the team
nt (completed
Project engi
aging equipme
has allowed for
g of new pack
production and
in
CAREERwith
HISTORY
ase
commissionin
incre
an
needed to cope
n.
g equipment was
productio
Engineer:
April 2003 present
panys total
The packagin
the comProject
32 per cent of
Acme Products Pty Ltd
an increase of
2001
uary
Febr
1999
Responsibilities
ineer: February
Ltd
Graduate Eng
Hopkinsons Pty
Conducting project assessments, financial analysis, cost justifications, writing proposals, conducting
gn team
ber of the desi
post-implementation audits,
project
management
and supervision of projects up to $1 million.
mem
a key
analyses. Was
Responsibilities
and efficiency
nt inspections
h mixer.
Achievements
pme
equi
ing
of a new batc
Conduct
the construction
for
ble
onsi
Managed
the
installation
and
commissioning
of
a
new
distillation column (the project was
that was resp
t (resulting
completed on time and under
budget)
n unit of the plan
the polymerisatio
Achievements
exchangers in
of several heat The new distillation
cy
column
resulted
in
a
34
per
cent
improvement
in efficiency which has led to
).
cien
year
effi
per
Improved the
ately $74 000
savings of approximately $270 000 per year
gs of approxim
in total cost savin
Project engineer responsible for the design, construction and commissioning of a new reactor
(completed on time and on
budget)
(Chemical)
of Engineering
BachelorThe
Wales for a new product launch and had to be operational by the end of August
was
thneeded
New Sou
of reactor
Tertiary
University2004
so
that
the
marketing
department
could launch the product for the Christmas rush. The
9
d in 199
Graduateproduct
is now responsibleHSC
per4cent of the companys total revenue.
ool for 22199
Girls High Sch
North Sydney
ary
Process Engineer,
Engineer: February 2001 April 2003
gy
Second
noloProject
Techthen
tre
illation Column
& Reliability CenPak-U-Lite Pty Ltd
Courses Dist
Power Quality
Other/Training
Integral Energy
Responsibilities
Online course
ect (Advanced);
MS-Proj
Conducting project feasibility assessments, financial analysis, cost justifications, project
s
t Skill
supervision of projects up to $150 000.
Managemenand
Projectmanagement
Program
tainable Solutions
Engineering Sus
Your degree,
training courses
and other relevant
qualifications. You
can also include
key association
membership
information
A brief
statement of
your career
goals
This is the
main focus of
your rsum
and includes
information
regarding your
employers, job
descriptions, skills,
experience and
achievements
SKI LLS
CO MP UTE R
d, Excel, Java
MS-Project, Wor
ME MB ERS
HIP S
ineers Australia
Member of Eng
REF ERE ES
est
Your referees
References supp
128
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Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
Dont use fancy paper for your rsum. Just use a good
quality white paper and print only on one side.
129
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Engineering
The cover letter
Your cover letter is a summary of your skills and experience, and
it should grab the readers attention and convince them of your
suitability for the job.
Another way to look at the cover letter is that it is a sales letter. You
might only have a few seconds to convince the reader to keep reading.
So keep it brief, to the point, and capture your readers interest.
As an example, a basic cover letter can look like this:
Jane Smith
123 Johns Rd
Cremorne NSW 2090
Tel: 02 9953 1111 (business hours)
Tel: 02 9969 2222 (after hours)
Mobile: 0411 123 456
Email j.smith@email.com
Date
Employers
name and
contact details
Your
contact
details
6 July 2006
Mr John Jones
Senior Consultant
ABC Recruitment
456 George St Sydney NSW 2000
Dear Mr Jones
Position
Brief statement
of why you want
to work for this
organisation
Concise statement
of why you are suited
to this job, linked to
the key requirements
of the position
Closing statement
that requests an
interview or action
from employer
Jane Smith
130
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11/8/06 10:48:09 AM
Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
All good sales letters are written with a desired outcome. In the case
of a cover letter for a job application, your desired outcome is to get
the reader to look at your rsum and give you a job interview. Your
cover letter, no matter how good, wont get you a job, but it can get
you an interview.
When responding to an advertised job make sure you list your
most relevant skills and experience. You can also mention your
qualications, as well as other things you can bring to the position.
But make sure you address the employers needs by tailoring your
cover letter to address the key issues listed in the advertisement.
If your cover letter is not in response to an advertisement, then you
need to explain in the rst paragraph why you are writing to the
addressee.
Some recruiters have said that they dont look at cover letters,
and others have said that it helps them to sort through the pile of
applications they receive. Either way, the consensus is that you will
get more interviews if you use a cover letter with your applications.
131
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Engineering
Response to selection criteria
Employers use selection criteria when they want to assess potential
candidates on more than a cover letter and rsum. They provide
more detail than a rsum and allow the recruiter to compare
candidates on a xed set of critera. They provide a standard that
allows the recruiter to compare potential employees in areas that are
critical to the job function.
Selection criteria are widely used in the public service, which has
a series of recruitment procedures that require all employment
decisions to be carefully documented. Potential employees must
clearly demonstrate that they have the skills and experience as set out
in the selection criteria before they are granted an interview. When
you respond to a job advertisement that asks for selection criteria to
be addressed, you need to prepare a separate document to send with
your rsum and cover letter.
It is important that the criteria get addressed. I recently
received 37 applications and only five of those addressed the
selection criteria properly.
Melissa Johnson, Ergon Energy
Respond to each criterion individually and make sure that you give
examples, where appropriate, that illustrate your skills, experience
and accomplishments. Dont just say that you meet the criteria,
provide examples of work you have done and the results. Be specic.
Here is an example of actual selection criteria for a government
position on the Queensland Government jobs website. The bolded
criterion is addressed in a sample response below.
132
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Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
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Engineering
Equal Employment Opportunity
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) is about ensuring that the
workplace is free of any forms of illegal discrimination. It can also
relate to the policies and practices that ensure that employees
overcome any previous forms of illegal discrimination. The aim is to
provide a workplace that is free of discrimination based on gender,
ethic, racial or religious backgrounds, physical disabilities, or other
illegal discrimination.
You can usually get copies of relevant EEO and OH&S policies from the
organisation. Make sure you read them and are able to discuss similar
policies at your previous workplaces and how you observed them. Be
sure to provide examples.
134
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Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
find out
more
See a list of sample
questions in Appendix 6.
135
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Engineering
Take a copy of your rsum with you to the interview. Even though
the interviewer should have a copy, it pays to have a spare copy just
in case.
Give yourself extra time to get to the interview. You can use the time
to nd the location for the interview and to settle any last minute
nerves and check your appearance in a mirror. Theres nothing worse
than getting caught up in trafc and having to run to the interview.
First impressions count. A good rule of thumb is that if you arent 15
minutes early, youre late.
Maintain good eye contact during the interview, and try to start and
nish on a good note. But if you dont know an answer to a question,
say so, and try to ask a question that claries the issue. Interviewers
will appreciate your honesty and interest.
136
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Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
137
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Engineering
What can I do right now?
If you are interested in a career in engineering, and are still at school,
then look to gain as much work experience as you can in areas
that will help you develop skills and experience that are related to
engineering. Because of the large range of courses that are offered in
engineering, it is important that you look at the options available to
you and understand the differences between the courses.
If you are currently at university, then it is important to think about
what type of company you would like to work for. Are you interested
in joining a large organisation with a graduate recruitment program?
Or would you prefer a smaller company where you might be exposed
to a wider range of experiences but in a less structured way? It is
important to think about your elective choices as well as your thesis
specialisation, as they can have a signicant impact on the initial
direction your career takes once you leave university.
Between the third and fourth years of most engineering degrees
students are required to do work experience during the summer
holidays. It is a good idea to get your experience with a company that
ts in with your career goals. A lot of engineering graduates end up
taking a job with the company where they did their work experience.
Key strategies you can undertake to help you advance your career
include:
research
networking
publications
memberships.
Research
If you have chosen a specialisation, then nd out as much as you
can about the industry in which you would like to work. Bookmark
websites of interest and check them regularly. Research the top
companies in the eld. Look at their websites and keep an eye out
for vacancies, graduate or student programs that might be published
there. Compile a list of your favourite companies along with any
information you have gathered about those companies and the work
that they do.
138
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11/8/06 10:48:15 AM
Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
Networking
Talk to people about your interests, and broaden your contact list of
engineers and other people in the industry. When someone you know
mentions a lead, make sure you follow up on it. Many of the best jobs
are never advertised and the bigger your network, the more chance
you have of hearing about them. Join the Engineering Students
society at your university and attend functions and lectures by
engineers. Be brave and go up to talk to the speaker afterwards.
Publications
Read the newspapers and watch out for special supplements that
might have an engineering focus. Subscribe to engineering-specic
e-newsletters and magazines and read up on the latest developments
and trends in the profession.
Memberships
You can join Engineers Australia and APESMA as a student member
for free. Both organisations offer invaluable career advice, news and
contacts in the industry.
139
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Engineering
140
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B uz z words
Buzz words
AI
artificial intelligence
ACEA
ADFA
APESMA
BA
BEng
BSc
CAD
CEO
chartered
combined degree
core subject
CP Eng
CPE
Doctorate
See PhD
double degree
EEO
elective
Engineers Australia
EPA
HECS
HR
human resources
HSC
IEAust
IMEA
IPWEA
ISO
LAN
MBA
MIE Australia
OH&S
OIC
officer in charge
141
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Engineering
PhD
resources boom
SPC
telco
a telecommunications company
USyd
University of Sydney
UQ
University of Queensland
UNSW
UTS
142
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Appe n dixe s
Appendix 1
Comparative starting salaries of various
professions
Bachelor degree
Agriculture
Architecture
Building
Urb & reg planning
Humanities
Languages
Vis/perf arts
Social sciences
Psychology
Social work
Business studies
Accounting
Economics
Education
Education post/other
Aeronautical eng
Chemical eng
Civil engineering
Electrical eng
Elect/Comp eng
Mechanical eng
Mining engineering
Engineering, other
Surveying
Dentistry
Health, other
Nursing, initial
Nursing, post-initial
Pharmacy
Medicine
Rehabilitation
Law
Law, other
Computer science
Life sciences
Mathematics
Chemistry
Physics
Geology
Veterinary science
In full-time
employment (%)
Seeking full-time
employment, not
working (%)
Seeking full-time
employment,
working part-time
or casual (%)
Median starting
salary ($000)
80.3
86.7
91.0
91.0
70.7
74.9
60.3
67.2
70.5
80.2
81.1
86.9
86.1
77.9
84.3
89.1
83.1
95.7
87.3
78.3
89.5
98.8
86.9
95.4
95.0
81.9
96.2
94.0
98.7
98.3
90.0
88.4
84.6
73.7
71.3
72.6
84.7
78.9
87.4
94.0
6.7
6.5
4.5
3.0
11.1
8.3
13.2
11.2
10.8
7.6
6.9
6.7
7.3
3.8
3.6
5.8
9.6
3.0
8.6
11.7
4.8
1.2
7.7
2.0
0.8
4.3
1.0
1.3
0.9
0.6
3.1
6.2
6.1
13.6
9.9
14.5
5.1
9.0
4.2
3.6
13.0
6.7
4.5
6.0
18.2
16.8
26.5
21.5
18.7
12.2
12.1
6.4
6.6
18.3
12.0
5.1
7.3
1.3
4.0
10.0
5.8
0.0
5.4
2.6
4.1
13.8
2.8
4.6
0.4
1.1
6.8
5.4
9.3
12.7
18.9
12.9
10.2
12.0
8.4
2.4
37.0
31.5
35.0
41.0
35.0
40.0
32.0
38.3
38.5
40.0
37.0
35.5
41.0
43.0
39.5
45.0
45.7
43.0
45.0
43.0
44.0
63.0
44.0
40.0
65.0
40.0
38.0
38.0
30.0
48.0
41.2
41.0
38.0
39.9
38.0
42.0
38.0
40.0
42.0
37.0
143
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Engineering
Appendix 2
Universities that offer engineering courses,
by geographic area
ACT
Australian Defence Force Academy
Aeronautical
Electrical
Civil
Mechanical
www.defence.gov.au/adfa
www.unsw.adfa.edu.au
Mechatronic Systems
Telecommunication Systems
Digital Systems
Electronic Systems
Environmental Systems
Photonic Systems
Manufacturing and
Management Systems
www.anu.edu.au
University of Canberra
Software
www.canberra.edu.au
144
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Appe n dixe s
Aerospace
Mining
Bioinformatics
Naval Architecture
Chemical
Petroleum
Civil
Photonic
Computer
Electrical
Environmental
Renewable Energy
Industrial Chemistry
Software
Manufacturing Management
Mechanical
Mechatronic
Telecommunications
www.unsw.edu.au
University of Sydney
Aeronautical
Electrical
Mechanical
Computer
Mechanical (Biomedical)
Software
Mechatronics
Telecommunications
Chemical
e-Commerce
Civil
www.eng.usyd.edu.au
Civil
Innovation
Mechanical
Computer Systems
Construction
Software
Electrical
Telecommunications
www.eng.uts.edu.au
145
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Engineering
University of Newcastle
Chemical
Surveying
Civil
Computer
Environmental
Electrical
Mechanical
Software
Mechatronics
Telecommunications
www.newcastle.edu.au
University of Wollongong
Civil
Mechanical
Environmental
Mechatronics
Materials
Mining
www.uow.edu.au
Civil
Environmental
Computer
Electrical
Telecommunications
www.uws.edu.au
Northern Territory
Charles Darwin University
Previously Northern Territory University
Civil
Aerospace
Mechatronics
Mechanical
Naval Architecture
www.cdu.edu.au
146
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Appe n dixe s
Queensland
Central Queensland University
Civil
Computer Systems
Mechanical
Engineering Technology
Electrical
www.cqu.edu.au
Grifth University
Civil
Electronic
Coastal
Engineering Technology
www.gu.edu.au
Chemical
Civil
Environmental
Computer Systems
Mechanical
www.eng.jcu.edu.au
Infomechatronics
Computer Systems
Medical
Telecommunications
Civil
Aerospace Avionics
Software
Mechanical
Chemical
Mechatronic
Minerals Process
Civil
Mining
Environmental
Computer Systems
Materials
Electrical
Mechanical
Software
www.bee.qut.edu.au
University of Queensland
www.eng.uq.edu.au
147
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Engineering
University of Southern Queensland
Agricultural
Civil
Computer Systems
Environmental
Software
Mechanical
Mechatronic
www.usq.edu.au
South Australia
University of South Australia
Civil
Telecommunications
Computer Systems
Mechanical and
Manufacturing
Electronics and
Microengineering
www.unisa.edu.au
Flinders University
Computer
Software
www.infoeng.inders.edu.au
University of Adelaide
Aerospace
Automotive
Mechanical
Chemical
Mechatronic
Petroleum
Software
Computer Systems
Telecommunications
www.adelaide.edu.au
148
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Appe n dixe s
Tasmania
Australian Maritime College
Naval Architecture
Ocean
Marine
www.amc.edu.au
University of Tasmania
Civil
Mechanical
Electrical Power
Computer Systems
Electronics and
Communications
Mechatronics
www.uq.edu.au
Victoria
La Trobe University
Civil
Electronic
Computer Network
Computer Technology
Computer Systems
Electronics Technology
Software
www.latrobe.edu.au
Deakin University
Computer Systems
Mechatronics
Electronics
Robotics
Mechanical
www.deakin.edu.au
Monash University
Chemical
Mechanical
Civil
Mechatronics
Environmental
Aerospace
Telecommunications
Biomedical
Materials
www.eng.monash.edu.au
149
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Engineering
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Aerospace
Chemical
Mechanical
Electrical
Manufacturing
Computer
Civil
www.rmit.edu.au
Civil
Product Design
Mechanical
Mining
www.swin.edu.au
University of Ballarat
Civil
Mechanical
www.ballarat.edu.au
University of Melbourne
Biomedical
Geomatic
Chemical
Mechanical
Biomolecular
Manufacturing
Civil
Electrical
Environmental
Computer Science
www.eng.unimelb.edu.au
Victoria University
Architectural
Building
Microelectronic Systems
Civil
Telecommunication
Mechanical
Software
Robotic
Photonics
Computer
www.vu.edu.au
150
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Appe n dixe s
Western Australia
University of Western Australia
Civil
Mining Systems
Environmental
Information Technology
Materials
Petroleum
Mechanical
Process
Mechatronics
Software
www.uwa.edu.au
Murdoch University
Software
Renewable Energy
Computer Systems
www.murdoch.edu.au
Communication Systems
Electronic Systems
www.ecu.edu.au
Mining Geology
Mechanical
Petroleum
Chemical
Civil
www.curtin.edu.au
151
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Engineering
Appendix 3
Sample job advertisements
Commissioning Engineer
security
Challenging projects Up to $85K package
Great culture, great opportunities
Our client is a leading provider of integrated security solutions for a very diverse
group of clients.
To be considered for the position you will have:
> Minimum 2 years experience in the electronic security industry
> Strong technical knowledge of CCTV and Access Control Systems
> Degree or diploma in Electrical, Electronic, Science, IT engineering
> 2 BC Security Licence
The successful applicant will be required to manage projects/installations with
minimal supervision for commercial projects; he/she will also have the ability to
complete an assigned job from start to finish, which includes cabling, programming
and final inspection.
Remuneration levels are set to attract the very best candidates.
Please contact Nathaniel Pipkin at: Level 4, 22 Milne Street, Cheshireville
Ph: (xx) xxxx xxxx
Drafter/Contracts
Engineer
Knowledge and competency on AutoCAD
Experience in client dealings and sub vendor relationships
Some knowledge of spare parts administration
This job entails drawing work on AutoCAD, liaising with customers re: design
layouts and deliveries of OEM equipment and spare parts. Liaising with sub
vendors re manufacture and supply of whole machines as well as spare
parts to ensure conformance with delivery schedules. Creation of operating
manuals and occasional site work.
Critical Experience: AutoCAD Drafting. Degree or Diploma in Mechanical
Engineering. Track record of experience in minerals processing equipment or
a related field.
Contact: Steven Kamal (xx) xxxx xxxx
152
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Appe n dixe s
Appendix 4
Sample rsum
Karen Smith
123 George St
Sydney NSW 2000
Phone: 02 1234 5678
Mobile: 0411 123 456
Email: Karen.smith@domainname.com.au
PROF I L E
I am a highly skilled project engineer looking to increase my responsibilities and take on larger
scale projects in a continuous production environment. My skills and experience include:
Excellent financial management, budgeting and reporting skills able to bring a project
to completion on (or under) budget
C ARE E R H I ST O RY
Project Engineer: April 2003 present
Acme Products Pty Ltd
Responsibilities
Conducting project assessments, financial analysis, cost justifications, writing proposals, conducting
post-implementation audits, project management and supervision of projects up to $1 million.
Achievements
Managed the installation and commissioning of a new distillation column (the project was
completed on time and under budget)
The new distillation column resulted in a 34 per cent improvement in efficiency which has led to
savings of approximately $270 000 per year
Project engineer responsible for the design, construction and commissioning of a new reactor
(completed on time and on budget)
The reactor was needed for a new product launch and had to be operational by the end of August
2004 so that the marketing department could launch the product for the Christmas rush. The
product is now responsible for 22 per cent of the companys total revenue.
Process Engineer, then Project Engineer: February 2001 April 2003
Pak-U-Lite Pty Ltd
Responsibilities
Conducting project feasibility assessments, financial analysis, cost justifications, project
management and supervision of projects up to $150 000.
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Engineering
Achievements
Managed the installation and commissioning of a new heat exchanger (the project was
completed on time and under budget)
The new heat exchanger resulted in a 23 per cent improvement in efficiency which has led to
savings of approximately $30 000 per year
Project engineer in the team that was responsible for the design, construction and
commissioning of new packaging equipment (completed on time and on budget)
The packaging equipment was needed to cope with an increase in production and has allowed for
an increase of 32 per cent of the companys total production.
Graduate Engineer: February 1999 February 2001
Hopkinsons Pty Ltd
Responsibilities
Conducting equipment inspections and efficiency analyses. Was a key member of the design team
that was responsible for the construction of a new batch mixer.
Achievements
Improved the efficiency of several heat exchangers in the polymerisation unit of the plant (resulting
in total cost savings of approximately $74 000 per year).
E D U C AT I O N
Tertiary
Secondary
154
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Appe n dixe s
Appendix 5
Sample cover letter
Jane Smith
123 Johns Rd
Cremorne NSW 2090
Tel: 02 9953 1111 (business hours)
Tel: 02 9969 2222 (after hours)
Mobile: 0411 123 456
Email j.smith@email.com
6 July 2006
Mr John Jones
Senior Consultant
ABC Recruitment
456 George St Sydney NSW 2000
Dear Mr Jones
Re: Project Engineer, Chemical Company
I am writing to you in response to your advertisement for this position in last
Saturdays Sydney Morning Herald. I would like to apply for the role because I
believe that my experience and skills are a very close match to those required by
the employer.
My current role at ABC Chemicals has a similar scope, however I wish to move to a
larger organisation in order to make better use of the skills I have been developing in
the four years in my current position, as well as my recently completed MBA.
I have extensive experience in project engineering, as well as a solid grounding
in process engineering that has given me the ability to make better-informed
decisions as a project engineer. In my current role, I have been responsible for the
management of projects with a budget up to $1million, and have managed a new
reactor design, construction and installation. One of my biggest achievements was
a major automation project that resulted in greater plant efficiencies and an increase
of 30 per cent in production for 2005.
I have extensive experience with all major project management software, and am a
committed team player who manages my priorities and takes responsibility for every
aspect of my work. I am a skilled communicator and I work very well under pressure
in time-critical environments. Most importantly, I am a highly professional engineer
with the skills and experience the advertised role requires and a strong commitment
to achieving excellent results for my employer.
Yours sincerely
Jane Smith
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Engineering
Appendix 6
Possible interview questions
156
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Engineering
at The University of Sydney
Our broad range of specialisations, subject choices,
combined degree options and the Flexible First Year
programme, mean we offer one of the most exible
programmes in Australia.
Our strong industry links, both in Australia and
abroad, often begin with research collaborations
and result in attractive scholarship opportunities for
our students.
You will have the opportunity to do part of your
studies overseas to broaden your academic horizons
and enrich your university experience.
You will enjoy a great student experience with
diverse clubs and societies, sport associations, bars
and cafs.
We have the perfect location, close to public
transport, the city centre and only walking distance
from the hip social scenes of Newtown and Glebe.
www.eng.usyd.edu.au
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YOUD BE SURPRISED
WHERE WE CAN TAKE YOU!
Aerospace. Defence. Electronic Systems. Naval.
Securing our way of life. Its the job that matters.
Find out more at www.adi-limited.com/careers
www.thalesgroup.com
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