Career FAQs Engineering PDF

Australia wide
Do you like to solve problems? Are you technically minded?

Are you good at science and mathematics? Then maybe you
should consider a career in engineering.
Peter Chaly
Engineering
Engineering uses mathematics and science to solve a wide array

of technical problems. You are given opportunities to design and
create everything from buildings and bridges to computers and
aeroplanes. As an engineer, the world is in your hands.
Engineering
Engineering
Engineering
Engineering
If you think you have the potential to become an engineer,

Career FAQs Engineering will give you practical guidance from
people in the eld and important information about the skills
and experience needed to gain employment in this industry.
Discover how you can get involved in the maintenance, testing
and quality management of existing products and technologies,
and the design and creation of new ones.
Other titles:
Accounting
Allied Health
Human Resources
Information Technology
Investment Banking
Landscaping
& Horticulture
Marketing
Medicine
Nursing
Foreword by Don Fry AO

Owner and Chairman, AIMTEK Australia Pty Ltd
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 the University of Queenslands School of Engineering.
Engineering
Building & Construction
realjobs realpeople realexperiences
Teaching
Travel & Tourism
and more
www.careerfaqs.com.au
Something like this would have been great in my time.

From the science and maths to the nuts and bolts, this
book belongs in the toolbox of every aspiring engineer.
Lorimer King, Construction engineer
Australia wide
Published by Career FAQs
PeterChaly
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Engineering
By Peter Chaly
Australia
Published by Career FAQs Pty Ltd
Engineering_100806.indd i
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Copyright Career FAQs Pty Ltd

First published in 2006
This book is copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study,
research, criticism or review, as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part
of this publication may be reproduced by any process or by any means, electronic,
photocopied, recorded or otherwise without prior written permission of the
copyright owner. Inquiries for reproduction should be addressed to the publisher.
Published by
Career FAQs Pty Ltd
Suite 76, The Hub
8997 Jones Street
Ultimo NSW 2007
+61 2 9282 9383
National Library of Australia
Cataloguing-in-Publication entry:
Chaly, Peter
Engineering: Australia.
ISBN 978 1 921106 0 4
1. Engineering Vocational guidance Australia.
2. Engineers Employment Australia.
I. Title. (Series: Career FAQs).
620.002394
Publisher: Sue Stevens
Author: Peter Chaly
Managing editor: Emma Grahame
Editor: Independent Editorial Pty Ltd
Publishing coordinator: Louisa Veidelis
Publishing assistants: Darryn King and Alison Edwards
Cover and internal design: Terri Marzullo, H2M Creative Services
Illustrations: Tim Hutchinson
Desktop publisher: Terri Marzullo, H2M Creative Services
Proofreading: Kerrie Eyers, General Counsel
Printed by Paragon Printers Australasia
Advertising sales enquiries: Stefan Harland
Career FAQs acknowledges the following copyright owners for permission to
reproduce their work.
Graduate Careers Council of Australia, www.graduatecareers.com.au
Every effort has been made to contact copyright owners and obtain permission.
However, should an infringement have occurred, Career FAQs apologises for the
omission and requests that the copyright owner contact the publisher.
Disclaimer
The opinions and statements made by people who contributed to this book from
the engineering profession are their own and are not those of Career FAQs. The
publishers do not claim to represent the entire extent of the engineering profession
and career choices. The aim has always been to provide a broad overview of the
possibilities available. As such Career FAQs Engineering does not purport to be a
true and accurate record of the engineering profession, relying on the voices of those
working in the industry to tell their stories. Inaccuracies may arise as a result of the
nature of this book. Users should follow the links to actual websites of organisations
to ascertain current engineering practice.
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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.
I was fortunate to have worked in a workshop environment from an

early age and my tertiary education was by correspondence.
May all who accept the challenge of becoming an engineer learn the
basics well, take every opportunity to be creative and practical and
help their fellow man.
iii
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Engineering
iv
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Contents
Foreword
iii
About Career FAQs
ix
The big picture

Why engineering?
What do engineers do?
What makes a good engineer?
Whats happening right now?
Current size of the profession
Women in engineering
What are the job opportunities?
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
How much can I earn?
15
Who are the main employers?
18
The private sector
18
Corporates
19
Consultancies
19
Government
20
Other
20
What are employers looking for?

Meet some employers
21
21
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Engineering
Pat Lockley Tenix
22
Charmaine Dunstan Trafx Group
24
Michelle Nicholls Arup
25
Melissa Johnson Ergon Energy
28
Dawn Dean Brown Consulting
30
Warren Sharpe Roads and Recreation Services
31
What support organisations exist?

Engineers Australia
33
33
Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers

Australia
34
Association of Consulting Engineers Australia
35
Specialist engineering groups
35
Insider info
What jobs could I do?
41
What do real people say about their jobs?
42
Jenny* Graduate civil engineer
43
David Lockie Civil engineer
46
Yok Chung RAAF engineering ofcer
49
Brad Fuge Senior geotechnical engineer
52
Cath Waters Environmental engineer
55
Andrew Goelst General manager, design and construction
57
John Fascio Project manager
61
David Hobbs Senior rehabilitation engineer
64
Venessa OConnell Hydrographic surveyor
67
Euston Ling Senior consultant
69
Paul Sechi Senior project planner
72
Colin Shum Senior radio planner
75
Sally* Project manager
78
Rupert Scheiner Senior designer
81
Peter Fielder Managing director
84
Terry Fagan Manager, network investment
86
Pat Lockley General manager, design and engineering
90
Chris Watson General manager, local government
92
Ian Newnham Principal engineer
95
vi
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Stefania Narum Senior subsea engineer
97
Bruce Choy General manager, group market risk
99
Dominic Dowling PhD student
102
Ready, set, go for it!

What qualications do I need?
109
University courses
111
What can I expect to learn?
112
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering
113
Bachelor of Civil Engineering
115
Bachelor of Software Engineering
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
Tapping the hidden job market
119
Careers fairs
121
Graduate programs
121
Recruitment agencies
121
What are recruiters looking for?

Clare Garrett Ambit Engineering Recruitment
123
123
Edward Allnut Hays Engineering
124
Richard Osborne Kelly Engineering Resources
125
Stand out from the crowd

Create an outstanding application
The rsum
Tips: Rsum writing
The cover letter
Tips: The cover letter
Response to selection criteria
127
128
128
129
130
131
132
Occupational Health and Safety
133
Equal Employment Opportunity
134
vii
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Engineering
Tips: Selection criteria
How can I stand out at the interview?
134
135
Preparing for the interview
135
Making an impact at the interview
136
Top ten DOs and DONTs
137
What can I do right now?
138
Research
138
Networking
139
Publications
139
Memberships
139
Buzz words
141
Appendix 1
143
Comparative starting salaries of various professions

Appendix 2
144
Universities that offer engineering courses,

by geographic area
Appendix 3
152
Sample job advertisements

Appendix 4
153
Sample rsum
Appendix 5
155
Sample cover letter

Appendix 6
156
Possible interview questions
viii
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About Career FAQs

Whether you are just starting out, changing jobs, moving up the
ladder or returning to work after a break, Career FAQs books give the
inside story on just about any job you can imagine
Dont end up in someone elses life.
A career choice is really a life choice.
Will Santow, Managing Director, Career FAQs
What makes our books different?

Career FAQs is
Australias leading
careers publisher,
with a dynamic
new approach to
making career
choices.
In each book, employees, employers,

recruiters and industry experts tell their
stories so you can really tell if this is the
right career for you. Youll nd out what is
happening right now in your chosen area,
get the inside info on the qualications
you need and where to get them, and nd
out what current employees really love
about their jobs.
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
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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
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How to use this book

All Career FAQs books are carefully structured to help you nd the
information you need quickly and easily.
Youll nd three main sections.
The big picture provides an overview of the industry, including
employment opportunities and income snapshots. Youll nd
information about the main employers and support organisations, as
well as interviews with employers about what they look for.
Insider info contains interviews that recount the personal
experiences of people who are currently working in the job, profession
or industry. It allows you to discover what it is really like to work at
various levels of seniority.
Ready, set, go for it! tells you how to get the appropriate training and
experience for the job and what to do to get your dream job. Youll nd
out how to create your application and how to stand out at interviews.
These are the icons we use in our books to help you navigate. Some
may not appear in every book.
cv
detour
find out
more
is a snapshot of each interviewees career

pathway it shows some of the stepping stones
along the career path that led to their current
position
directs you to another Career FAQs title that might

interest you
tells you where to nd out more about a

particular topic or organisation
fyi
fyi
glossary
provides interesting additional information, which

might come in handy!
provides a brief denition of a word, term or

acronym that appears in bold in the text
Many words, phrases,

abbreviations and
acronyms are defined in
buzz words at the back of
this book.
xi
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Engineering
in
brief
explodes a popular myth about the industry or

profession
fact
MYTH
sums up a specic job, including salary,

qualications, number of hours worked, lifework
balance and exibility, as told by our interviewee
myweek gives you a day-by-day overview of the typical

tasks involved in this job and how they interact
with life in general
myday
gives you an outline of a day in the job
highlights career options that are interesting

or unconventional
an industry newcomer who is already making an

impact and has a big future ahead
xii
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The big picture

Why engineering?
Engineers are problem solvers who are always looking to improve
the way things work. They invent, they create, they maintain and
they improve. From the latest high-tech materials, to space shuttle
launches, to bridges and cars, engineers are behind the scenes of
most areas of modern life. If you are good at maths and science, like
to solve problems, and are technically minded, then engineering might
be the profession for you.
An engineering degree will take you a minimum of four years to
complete and you will need to choose an engineering discipline
before you start your rst year of study. There are many different
types of engineering. The main types are electrical, chemical,
mechanical, civil, aeronautical, agricultural, biomedical,
environmental, materials, and mining.
fyi
The word engineer comes
from the Latin word
ingeniare, which means to
invent, create or devise.
Some engineers are involved with the maintenance, testing and

quality improvement of existing technologies. Others are involved
with the design and creation of new products and technologies.
Engineering is a very challenging, but also very rewarding, career.
While it is common for engineers to start their careers in a technical
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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.
What do engineers do?

Engineers use mathematics and science to solve a wide array of technical
problems. For example, engineers help to design and create everything
from buildings and bridges, to aeroplanes, plastics and computers.
We asked engineers interviewed for this book what their main task
for their particular job involves. Heres what some engineers do in
their work.
strategic planning
develop waterways, sewerage works, water reticulation networks,

road works and residential works
work on large construction projects
assess product systems
analyse waste systems to minimise impact on the environment
maintain equipment
manage new plant installations
coordinate labour and resources
work on product design
conduct eld investigations and tests
develop engineering policy
conduct reviews of projects and programs
provide engineering consultancy about the operation, maintenance

and development of large bulk handling and continuous mining
equipment
develop industrial sites into residential sites
11/8/06 10:46:35 AM
T h e big pic ture
consult on oil and gas projects
develop products that help people with disabilities
manage employees and contractors
manage data networks
It is not uncommon to nd engineers working in management

positions or in the world of high nance. Engineers are highly sought
after as investment bankers. We interviewed an engineer who has a
senior management position in the banking industry. In this left-eld
role, he looks after the risk management framework and protects the
revenue of the organisation from adverse movements in interest rates
and commodity prices.
Engineers may well be valued in elds such as investment banking
because of the nature of engineering theory and practice. Engineering
really is a way of thinking, of looking at a problem and nding a solution
or a conclusion, according to David Hobbs, who graduated with a
Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering and Bachelor of Science in 2000.
detour
Interested in the world of
high finance? Check out
Career FAQs Investment
Banking and some of the
other business, commerce
and finance titles.
What makes a good engineer?

Most engineers share a natural aptitude for mathematics and science,
and are interested in understanding how things work, as well as how
to design, build and improve existing machines, devices and systems.
Its really a way of thinking that you need. You need to be
logical, 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.
Yok Chung, Engineer, Royal Australian Air Force
Edward Allnut, a recruitment consultant with Hays, says that an

important asset is the ability to communicate with everyone from
senior executives to shop oor personnel.
You need to be practical minded and curious. You need to
know why things are the way they are. It also helps if you are
physically aware, that is, you have an understanding of the
physical world, and can think in three dimensions.
fyi
Hays is Australias largest
group of specialised
recruitment consultancies,
with 120 branches in
Australia and New Zealand.
Edward Allnut, Recruitment consultant, Hays
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
From our interviews, its clear that a good engineer:
is fascinated with science and engineering
wants to know how things work
is methodical and thorough in their work
is skilled in maths and sciences
is naturally inquisitive
has an analytical approach
approaches problems in a structured way
11/8/06 10:46:37 AM
T h e big pic ture
has an open mind
enjoys building things
pays attention to detail
can be a team player
has leadership potential
is proactive
is active in his or her professional and wider community
has good communication skills.
Whats happening right now?

The engineering profession in Australia is suffering from a lack of
qualied engineers.
An article in the Sydney Morning Herald on 5 January 2006, Alarm
over shortage of engineers, reported that Australias supply of homegrown professional engineers has stagnated. The article referred
to data collected by a team at Monash University that included
evidence of a decline of the number of students starting university
courses since 1997. In 2004, there were only 10 727 students starting
engineering courses. In 1997, the gure was 11 500.
This decline is substantial given that Australia has been experiencing
an economic boom during the period that saw a rising demand for
engineers to build infrastructure.
fyi
Engineering is out of this
world! Australian-born NASA
astronaut Andy Thomas
received a degree in
mechanical engineering from
the University of Adelaide.
The Monash University research showed the shortage of engineers

and other university-trained professionals was just as serious as the
Federal Government claim of a shortage of tradespeople.
The shortage of engineers will become more acute because over
the next few years, domestic completions are unlikely to rise,
given the slight fall in commencements in recent years.
Dr Bob Birrell, Director, Centre for Population and Urban Research, Monash University.
The shortage of engineers across the country means that qualied

engineers are in a very strong negotiating position, and many
employers who offer graduate programs are unable to ll all the
available places. This shortage is not limited to any particular eld
of engineering and means that many graduates are able to negotiate
better starting salaries and packages.
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
Edward Allnut from Hays agrees: Process engineering, civil

engineering and construction are the hot areas right now. But there is
a massive skills shortage across the engineering profession and it is
hard to nd good graduates in most disciplines.
Current size of the profession

It is estimated that there are over 100,000 engineers in Australia.
Engineers Australia, the largest professional body for engineers
in Australia, has over 79,000 members throughout the country.
Approximately half of those members are under 35 years old.
The distribution of engineers around Australia is shown in the pie
chart below.
ACT
WA
VIC
NSW
TAS
NT
SA
QLD
Engineers in Australia, by state and territory

Source: Engineers Australia Salary and Benets Survey 2004
11/8/06 10:46:38 AM
T h e big pic ture
It is clear that the majority of engineering jobs are in NSW, Victoria

and Queensland, with fewer than one third of engineers working in the
other states and territories.
Another way to nd out the current size of the profession is to look
at the current most popular engineering disciplines and what the
employment prospects are like for each. The following table shows the
results of a graduate employment survey conducted in 2005 to nd
out the employment status of 2003 and 2004 graduate engineers from
Australian universities.
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
Employment status of engineering disciplines all graduates, 200304.

Source: APESMA 2005 Graduate Engineering Employment Survey Report.
Of the total graduates, 82 per cent were employed in disciplines

they studied. An additional 12.2 per cent were employed in nonengineering roles. Only 5 per cent of graduates were not working but
looking for engineering work.
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.
I was one of only two female civil engineers who graduated in

my year. There were more in the year below mine. When I was
at uni there was a very blokey culture. Almost all my lecturers
were male I had one female lecturer in my first year, and
after that all my lecturers were male.
Sally*, Project manager
Charmaine Dunstan, a director of a transport and trafc engineering

company in Victoria, has had a different experience. She said, Being a
woman hasnt made any difference for me as an engineer.
11/8/06 10:46:40 AM
T h e big pic ture
In order to encourage more women to study engineering, and to

support them once they have begun, a number of scholarships are
offered each year specically for women. Check university websites
for details of these scholarships.
Engineers Australia runs a special interest group specically for
women in engineering and APESMA (the Association of Professional
Engineers, Scientists and Managers, Australia) runs a professional
womens network.
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
What are the job opportunities?

The job outlook for engineers across Australia is very positive, and
graduates are in high demand. The percentage of graduate engineers
who have successfully obtained employment has recently increased,
according to a survey conducted by APESMA.
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.
Aerospace engineers analyse, design and construct aeroplanes,

helicopters, rockets, spacecraft and other aircraft. They study, and
become specialists in, aerodynamics, propulsion systems, navigation,
guidance and control systems for aircraft, and are also concerned
with maintenance and safety of aircraft. In broad terms, aerospace
engineers deal with the movement of bodies through uids or gases,
research and develop new materials and come up with new designs to
improve the speed and safety of aircraft.
Aerospace engineers typically work for aircraft manufacturers,
commercial airlines, research companies and departments of defence.
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
11/8/06 10:46:41 AM
T h e big pic ture
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.
Subspecialties of electrical engineering include: control, electronics,

telecommunications, mechatronics, software, systems, and power
generation engineering.
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
11/8/06 10:46:42 AM
T h e big pic ture
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
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
I have also been involved with a water treatment plant in

Vietnam and have done some community work in the Philippines.
Our company sponsors 60 children in the Philippines and we also
help with education and health care for 150 children there.
The agricultural and irrigation project was very rewarding. For a
cost of around two thousand dollars, we installed some pumps and
pipelines and the yield from the rice harvest was tripled in just
one year. There are two hundred people in that village and the
small outlay had a very big impact on the community. Its the sort
of teamwork and engineering work that makes it all worthwhile.
Andrew Goelst, Engineer, design and construction
Colin Shum, an electrical engineer from Sydney, also found working

overseas valuable in building a range of skills.
find out
more
Engineers Australia
www.engineersaustralia.
org.au
APESMA
www.apesma.asn.au/
students/employment.asp
I travelled around Asia and worked in Singapore, Taiwan and

Hong Kong. It was great because, at the time, the technology
there was more advanced than what we had in Australia and
it helped me to develop my technical skills. It was great to be
in another culture, not just travelling but being a part of the
culture. I found that very enriching.
Colin Shum, Electrical engineer
Engineers Australia, which has over 5000 members working in over

100 countries, has established overseas chapters in Hong Kong,
Malaysia, Singapore and the UK to assist members. The chapters
help engineers working in those countries to share their experiences
through a variety of activities and resources.
14
11/8/06 10:46:44 AM
T h e big pic ture
How much can I earn?

Engineering salaries are not as high as you might expect. While it
is possible to earn a very good living as an engineer, and starting
salaries for graduates are at the higher end of the scale, on average,
engineers salaries do not increase with years of experience as quickly
as in some other elds.
We asked people currently employed what salaries are possible
for engineers at different stages of their careers. This table shows
incomes, ages and how long engineers have been in the profession
and in their current jobs.
Income (approx)
Years in job
Years in
profession
Graduate civil engineer
$44 000
Civil engineer
$60 000$80 000
28
RAAF engineering officer
$70 000$80 000
29
Senior geotechnical
engineer
$80 000$100 000
<1
29
Environmental engineer
$90 000+
30
General manager, design

and construction
$70 000$100 000
10
31
Project manager
$80 000120 000
32
Senior rehabilitation
engineer
$55 000$60 000
5
10
Age
Position title
23
27
32
Director
$150 000+
32
Hydrographic surveyor
$40 000$100 000
34
Senior consultant
$80 000$110 000
14
34
Senior project planner
$100 000$125 000
13
34
General manager, group

market risk
$200 000$300 000
11
35
Senior radio planner
$80 000+
12
37
Project manager
$60/hr (@32 hrs/wk)
16
39
Senior sub sea engineer
$100 000$200 000
15
39
Senior designer
$90 000$120 000
17
44
Managing director
$250 000+
17
20
50
Manager, network
investment
$150 000$200 000
32
52

and engineering
$150 000$250 000
30
58
General manager, local

government
$180 000$240 000
40
60
Principal engineer
Up to $110 000
11
40
Career FAQs income snapshot, 200506

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.
According to APESMAs 2005 graduate engineering employment

survey report, a graduate can expect to earn approximately $43 662
a year, although some elds of engineering can expect to earn more.
The average starting salary for mining engineers commencing work
in 2004 or 2005 was $53 541. Compare the graduate incomes of
engineers with other graduate salaries in Appendix 1.
The Michael Page Engineering salary survey from 2005 and 2006
shows the salary ranges engineers can expect. The surveys are
divided to cover corporate jobs on the one hand and mining and
resources on the other.
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
Production team leader
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
FMCG and Retail, Corporate Services and Industrial Manufacturing salary

table 2006
Source: Michael Page International salary survey, 2006.
Notes: Figures indicated are cash component plus superannuation including other benets
* Small to medium companies are dened as having a turnover of less than $100m.
Large companies are dened as having a turnover of more than $100m.
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
11/8/06 10:46:46 AM
T h e big pic ture
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
Senior design engineer
100110
105120
100110
105120
110110
105120
Design engineer
5580
6085
5580
6085
5580
6085
Graduate engineer
4550
4555
4550
4555
4550
4555
Design and consulting
Project management and construction

Project director
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
Snr project engineer
110130
120140
110130
120140
110130
120140
Project engineer
70100
80110
7090
90100
70100
80110
Project controls manager
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
Mining and Resources salary table 2006

Source: Michael Page International salary survey, 2006.
Figures indicated are cash component plus superannuation including other benets
* Small to medium companies are dened as having a turnover of less than $100m.
Large companies are dened as having a turnover of more than $100m.
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
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.
Private sector 79%

Local government 9%
Semi-government 7%
(statutory authorities)
State government 4%
Commonwealth government 1%
According to Engineers Australias most recent salary and benets

survey, the majority of engineers (79 per cent) are employed in the
private sector or private consulting rms. The balance (21 per cent) are
employed by public organisations.
The private sector

The private sector is the largest employer of engineers in Australia
and job opportunities exist for all the main engineering disciplines.
The private sector is currently experiencing shortages in most elds
of engineering, however, this is especially noticeable in the elds of
civil/structural and process engineering.
The APESMA survey divides the private sector into two groups.
The rst is made up of small companies (47 per cent that employ
between one and 50 employees), and the second is made up of large
organisations (44 per cent that employ over 101 employees). This
18
11/8/06 10:46:48 AM
T h e big pic ture
sector can also be divided into corporates and consultancies, as many

engineers work as consultants rather than for one company.
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
Exxon Mobil Australia
Siemens
Arup
Ford Motor Company
Tatura
Australian Defence Force
Kodak
Telstra
BAE Systems Australia
KPMG
Thiess
BHP Billiton
Leighton Contractors
Toshiba
Boral
Masterfoods
Transurban
Bovis Lend Lease
Melbourne Water
Unilever
CFC
National Foods
Visy
Coates
Nokia
WMC Resources
CSL
Norske Skog
Woodside
CUB
Oracle Systems
Worley ABB Joint Venture
Dow Chemical
Orica Pty Ltd
Worsley Alumina
DuPont
Paperlinx
Elgas
Raytheon Australia
The websites of many of these and other corporations give additional

information about their core businesses and the work that engineers
do for them.
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
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 Transport and Regional Resources
Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts
Department of Defence
Department of the Environment and Heritage
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry
Department of Industry, Tourism and Resources.
Typical jobs for engineers in the government sector might include

working at a water treatment plant, designing public infrastructure or
working in the military.
Local Government is also a major employer of engineers, particularly civil
engineers. When you are a local government or public works engineer
you work closely with the community employed by your local council.
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.
As mentioned previously, engineers are also highly valued in the world

of investment and nance. It is not unusual to nd engineers working
as investment bankers as the skills that they learn about problem
solving and working out systems to nd the best solution can readily
be applied in the world of nance. From this perspective, the study of
engineering theory does not limit job opportunities to any particular
eld of engineering, but may be the catalyst for some very interesting
career trajectories.
20
11/8/06 10:46:49 AM
T h e big pic ture
What are employers looking for?

Employers are generally looking for someone who will add something
to the organisation. This could be by improving the efciency of a
piece of equipment, designing a new product that will increase sales,
or managing a project to completion. It is also very important that the
employee ts in with the culture of the organisation.
Depending on the level of job, most engineering employers are
looking for a balance of:
a record of solid academic performance
written and verbal communication skills
teamwork skills
strong analytical abilities
leadership ability
creativity and innovative thinking.

I look at past achievements. It could be that the person was
a Queens scout, or they have won a Duke of Edinburgh award,
or they have some big sporting achievement, like being state
champion. I look at academic records and consistency in previous
employment has the person been at the same company for a
while, or have they switched jobs a lot? I look for consistency
in academic records and for character traits. Its important to
have a balance between intellect and emotional intelligence, and
with that some social skills. It also helps if he or she can write a
letter and has good English skills.
Peter Fielder, Managing director, Fielder Engineering
Meet some employers

We spoke to people who employ engineers or who are involved in the
employment process.
Pat Lockley, Tenix
Charmaine Dunstan, Trafx Group
Michelle Nicholls, Arup
Melissa Johnson, Ergon Energy
Dawn Dean, Brown Consulting
Warren Sharpe, Roads and Recreation Services
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.
How are the programs structured?

The corporate graduate program is advertised in the middle of the year.
It is a three-year program that has three 12-month rotations. We get
between 1000 and 1500 applications every year. These are screened
by a recruitment agency and we get a shortlist of 50 people. We
then interview those people and select eight people who get offered
positions with the company. Those eight people go into the graduate
program and join the other 16 people from the previous two years. So
at any one time we will have 24 people in our graduate program.
Our business units are eager for the graduates and we then put them
into a position for 12 months. After that year is up, the employee is
then moved into a new position, often in a different part of Australia,
and that process is repeated at the end of that year as well. We
encourage them to work outside their comfort zones, and not to stay
in just one discipline. For example, an engineer might get experience
in marketing or finance in his or her second year, and it provides
a wider view of the business. The graduate is assigned to a senior
person in the company and is mentored along the way.
What are you looking for in the graduates you interview?

We are looking for people who show leadership potential. We are also
looking for team players. It isnt always about taking charge. You need
to know when to make decisions, but also when to participate as a
team member. It is important to be able to form relationships with
people and to work with those people.
22
11/8/06 10:46:50 AM
T h e big pic ture
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.
How much can a graduate engineer expect to earn at Tenix?

Graduates can expect a starting salary in the high 30s and above,
depending on their starting skills.
What career advice would you give to a young engineer just

starting out?
It is important to develop your rsum carefully. Ensure that it
succinctly describes all your attributes, not just academic ones. We
are looking for people who will be good members of the company. It
is important to sell your attributes. You need to be a salesperson with
your rsum.
It is important to look at all the sources for jobs, and to look on a
continuous basis. Jobs will be advertised with careers advisers at
universities, in newspapers, and on websites, including the companys
own website. It also helps to contact companies directly, and often
there will be a job available, or becoming available, that hasnt been
advertised on the website.
It also helps if you can be flexible about where you want to work.
Approximately 90 per cent of our engineering positions are in South
Australia or Victoria, so it helps if you are prepared to relocate.
What are the hot jobs for engineers at the moment?

For us right now, we are looking for more aerospace, mechanical,
electronics and software engineers. And at a more senior level we are
also looking for systems engineers.
What is the work culture like in your organisation?

Individually we are proud of what we do, and increasingly we are
sharing what we do throughout the organisation, essential when
people are in short supply. We are a privately owned company and
the owners sense of integrity, teamwork and tenacity has cascaded
throughout the company.
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!
What tips would you like to give to young engineers?

Dont be afraid to talk to senior people about your ideas. A lot of
people will stick to their own age groups, but dont be shy, get out
there and question the senior person.
I would also suggest that you take all your life experiences and
use them in your career. You might have been a checkout chap or
checkout chick at the local supermarket during school or uni. It all
helps. At the checkout you might have been learning how to deal with
difficult customers. These experiences are opportunities to develop
attributes for your working life.
Charmaine Dunstan Trafx Group

Charmaine Dunstan is a director of Trafx Group, a trafc engineering
and transport planning consultancy based in Melbourne. The company
works with the private sector, local and state government bodies
and develops solutions for transport-related projects. The company
employs civil, trafc and transport engineers.
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.
What do you recommend people do to stand out in a job

interview?
Its important to have good communications skills, and it helps to
have a genuine interest in the field you are applying for. Its not always
the first class honours person who is the best for the job. In your
application make sure you have checked the spelling and grammar,
send the application to the right person, and get the gender right. I
received an application the other day addressed to a Mr Dunstan.
If I am employing a recent graduate then I also look at how the person
did in the last couple of years in his or her degree. I dont mind if
someone failed some subjects early on in their degree, but in the last
two years of a degree it is important to show some commitment and
24
11/8/06 10:46:51 AM
T h e big pic ture
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
How do you advertise your jobs?

We dont use the newspapers. We mostly use the Internet and unis.
The noticeboards at unis are good for graduates. We also have a
scholarship at Monash University for second and third year students
and we give the students work experience and if that works out
then we might offer them a job when they graduate. It is hard to find
graduates at the moment. We advertised four graduate positions and
have so far only filled two of them.
What is the work culture like in your company?

It is a young and friendly culture. We all sit down and have lunch
together and its very interactive. Everyone works hard as well.
Michelle Nicholls Arup

Michelle is senior human resources adviser at Arup, a global company
that specialises in design, engineering, planning and consulting. It
has over 7000 employees in more than 30 countries. Its main areas of
focus are buildings, infrastructure and consulting.
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.
How large is your graduate program?

We recruit between 30 and 35 graduate engineers every year. We
get these people from our trips to unis and from our website. The
program is very flexible and the graduate engineers are free to choose
whether they are rotated through positions or not. We believe that its
important for them to choose because some people are very focused
and know where they want to work, whereas other people like the
broad range of experience that rotation offers them.
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.
What is the work culture like at Arup?

The company is privately owned and can be traced back to when Ove
Arup came to Australia to work on the Sydney Opera House. Ove
Arup passed away in 1988 at the age of 92, but his presence can still
be felt throughout the organisation. In fact, there is a speech that he
gave that we have featured on our website that continues to influence
the organisation.
We are very interested in finding the right person for the job and
then giving that person the best opportunities available. We give
individuals a lot of control over their career, rather than forcing them
down a particular path.
How is lifework balance addressed at the company?

We make sure that it is everyones focus. It is really important that
the term is more than just empty words; people need to put it into
practice. That message comes from the top, and it is made clear that
you can go home at 5 oclock or 5.30 if you want to. We have time in
lieu and there is overtime as well. It has required a change in thinking,
but I think we do it well.
26
11/8/06 10:46:52 AM
T h e big pic ture
What qualities are you looking for in an engineer?

Passion. Its very important to be passionate about engineering.
Academic results are a factor, but we are very interested in people
who are a good fit with the company. We have a very cooperative
environment; it is open plan and the senior managers sit right next to
everyone else. We are looking for people who are multiskilled and who
will work well with other people. We have a set of competencies that
we look at, and that is linked to the performance appraisal system.
Overall we look at knowledge, commitment, customer-client
relationships, behavioural and technical skills, as well as passion and
qualifications.
Do you offer summer placements?

We offer a range of summer placement jobs depending on the
program that the student is doing some are with us for three
months and others for six months. These students are important to us
because they are our future. We get a lot of applications and we take
as many as we can, as some of these people end up employed by us
when they graduate. Close to 100 per cent of students who do their
student work with us reapply when they graduate. We also take on
high school students for work experience.
What mentoring do you offer your graduates?

We have a mentoring program for graduates and we nominate
a mentor for each new person that arrives. It is really up to the
individual though as it is essential that the two people get along. If it
doesnt work out, then the graduate can nominate someone else.
How do you manage career paths at Arup?

We leave a lot of that up to the individual because we recognise that
people are different and they progress at different rates. We do not have
unreasonable expectations of graduates and recognise that they are
still learning. Some people will progress quickly, while others will be
slow and steady. It is important to treat each person as an individual.
How do you advertise your graduate positions?

We use our website and we go to the unis. For senior positions we
also use the mainstream press.
What are the advantages of working for Arup?

There are tremendous opportunities here. You get to work on the
biggest and best projects, you can travel, and there is a great diversity
of work. The culture is fantastic and you get treated as an equal.
What are the disadvantages of working for Arup?

I honestly cant think of any. I dont know why an engineer wouldnt
want to work here!
27
11/8/06 10:46:53 AM
Engineering
Melissa Johnson Ergon Energy

Melissa Johnson is Learning and Development Coordinator at Ergon
Energy, an Australian-owned electricity supplier that services the
eastern states of Australia. Most of its engineers are either civil or
electrical engineers.
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.
What types of engineers do you employ?

Our graduates are electrical and civil engineers. Our workforce is
approximately 3500 people and we have around 100 engineers.
28
11/8/06 10:46:54 AM
T h e big pic ture
Do you have a graduate program?

Yes we do. It is three-and-a-half years long, and each graduate
is required to move at least once in that time. We are a very
geographically diverse organisation and we like to move our engineers
around when they get here. After the three-and-a-half years, even
though they are permanent employees, we require the graduates to
compete in the internal job market.
Do you have a mentoring program?

We do, but it hasnt worked so well, and we are looking at how we can
improve it. The mentors are mostly baby boomers and the graduates
are generation Y, and have different expectations.
What is the work culture like at Ergon Energy?

I used to work for the state government and when I moved here I
found it very refreshing. We are a relatively new organisation and
we dont have some of the legacy problems that you find in other
organisations. The managers here want to do a good job and I think
we provide a well-rounded experience for the people who work here.
It is a positive culture, and people would drop everything to make sure
that things run smoothly.
What is the companys approach to lifework balance issues?

The managers move around a lot and to some extent it is a case of
do as I say, not as I do, but that is the nature of the job. We have
rostered days off and there is some flexibility in the hours worked, but
it depends on the area.
How do you advertise for your positions?

We were using newspapers but are now moving towards using the
university websites and careers fairs. We dont have a graduate page
on our website but will do soon.
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.
How important is academic achievement?

Academic achievement is important, but equally so is the range of
attributes the individual can bring to the role such as attitude, drive or
commitment. So the academic level achieved is one component of a
mix of aspects we consider when were interviewing.
What type of person suits the work environment at your

organisation?
We usually find that the graduates interested in joining us are those
who enjoy working in small teams where theyre able to work on a
broad range of different projects across their particular group be
it the urban development, structures, water and environment, roads
or infrastructure group. So they would have access to many skill
development opportunities in this environment.

Were a progressive and growing firm with an environment where
our people can grow both professionally and personally. Being a
medium-sized firm with teams averaging around 810 people, were
able to provide the opportunities on an individual basis, not only for
graduates but for all employees, for them to progress as far as they
want to go.
What should people consider before applying for a job with

your organisation?
Its important for graduates to have had a look at our website to
get an understanding of the type of projects we work on and the
opportunities we have available to a young engineer, to make sure
that were the sort of company theyd like to work for.
What would be a typical career path for a graduate engineer

if he or she joined your company?
Graduates can participate in our Professional Development Program,
which has been accredited by Engineers Australia, to achieve
30
11/8/06 10:46:55 AM
T h e big pic ture
Chartered Engineer status, and if they want to further their career

development there are a number of avenues open to them such
as through additional formal qualifications, transferring to other
business units or offices, and mentoring.
Yes, we offer paid vacation employment, typically to students

completing the third year of their engineering degrees. This has
benefits for both students and Brown Consulting. Students can put
course knowledge and skills into practice while they gain practical
work experience within an established consulting firm. And it provides
us with access to new ideas and the latest knowledge, as well as the
chance to evaluate a students potential for possible opportunities
once they complete their degree.
Warren Sharpe Roads and Recreation Services
MYTH
engineers just play
sport and drink a lot
of beer at uni
fact
Do you offer summer/vacation work for engineers?
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.
Warren is group manager with the Roads and Recreation Services

at Eurobodalla Shire Council. As well as coordinating engineering
projects in the Eurobodalla community, the Roads and Recreations
Services is particularly committed to educating and training young
people about local government.
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.
What sort of work do your engineers do?

They will use a whole range of engineering skills: design, construction,
contact management, asset management we work on everything:
from bridges and recreation through to water, sewer and waste.
How do you advertise positions?

Positions are usually advertised in the Sydney papers, sometimes
through the local government directory, and sometimes in the regional
papers as well. Theyre also advertised on our website.
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.
Do you have a training program for new employees?

Weve got probably one of the most comprehensive training programs
that exists as recognised by the National Employer of the Year
Award in 2005. There are traineeships for field construction staff
and apprenticeships for trade qualifications. We also have a range of
training options for existing workers from labourers right through to
senior managers.
What are some of the highpoints of working with the Roads

and Recreations Services?
Theyre wide and many. I guess the thing in a community such as
ours is that we are building things and making peoples lives better.
You can physically see the things we get to do. We are the frontline
of government and when you do something in this area, you make
the community a better place to live in. Thats probably the most
satisfying aspect.
We also like to give school students the opportunity to get exposed
to local government, so we bring 50 of those into our construction
environment each year. The fact that weve been able to increase
our traineesips from two to 14 in recent years also gives me a buzz
because I know this has allowed those with great potential but limited
experience a chance to succeed in local government.
Are there any disadvantages?

Like all positions, you are subject to the political environment that is
local government. You do have to come to terms with that, but that has
its positives as well. Certainly the advantages far exceed the negatives.
What career paths do you offer engineers? For example, is

there room for trainees to climb to senior positions?
Im probably a good example of that. I started as an engineer straight
out of university, and Ive had eight or nine different positions in
local government now, and am now senior engineering manager in
the roads and recreation area. There are certainly opportunities to
advance if thats what you wish to do.
32
11/8/06 10:46:57 AM
T h e big pic ture
Are qualifications important?

In terms of engineering skills, we are looking to support trainee
engineers. We have, in the past, put trainee engineers through both
degree and associate diploma level courses. Its not necessarily the
case that you have to be qualified, but you have to have the ability
and the aptitude to become qualified.
We offer full traineeships in construction/park labouring activities,
and a range of frontline management and higher-level certificate
courses the graduates of which can often acquire middle
management engineering positions without necessarily being a
qualified engineer. We would also support and help these people to
become engineers in the future.
This comprehensive approach means there are opportunities for
people to succeed and move up, which is also providing us with the
people we will need five and 10 years down the track.
There are many opportunities within the 673 councils Australia-wide
with some 168 000 people employed in all.
What support organisations exist?

There are several organisations in Australia specically for engineers.
The organisations represent the interests of engineers, and some
organise regular training and networking opportunities, as well as
cater to special interest groups that focus on specic issues. The
organisations provide information and support for students and
professional engineers.
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
11/8/06 10:46:57 AM
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:
The Centre for Engineering Leadership and Management
Engineering Heritage Australia
Engineering Technologists
Women in Engineering
Young Engineers Australia.
The institution owns Engineers Media, which publishes the monthly

magazine, Engineers Australia. It also owns Engineering Education
Australia which organises and runs a number of short courses
throughout the country.
Engineers Australia has local divisions in each of the countrys
states and territories, and membership is open to all members of the
engineering team, as well as to students.
Association of Professional Engineers,

Scientists and Managers Australia
The Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers
Australia (APESMA) is a nonprot organisation that represents
employees who are engineers, scientists, architects, IT professionals,
veterinarians, surveyors and managers, as well as professionals from
a number of other disciplines.
APESMA has over 42,000 members from public and private enterprise
across Australia. Its members range from students and graduates,
through to senior managers and executives, and the self-employed.
APESMA also runs a professional womens network.
APESMA offers a wide range of services to its members including
industrial, career, nancial, information and lifestyle services.
APESMA also conducts an extensive annual salary survey that is very
popular amongst engineers.
34
11/8/06 10:46:58 AM
T h e big pic ture
Association of Consulting Engineers

Australia
The Association of Consulting Engineers Australia (ACEA) was formed
specically for Australian consulting engineering organisations. The
association represents companies, from small to large, across the
country. It also caters to the self-employed.
There are over 300 member organisations in ACEA, which represents
over 75 per cent of all engineering consulting rms in Australia that
have 20 or more employees. ACEA looks after the business interests
of its members and endeavours to promote its members services, as
well as provide a number of support services.
Institute of Public Works Engineering

Australia
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
The Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia (IPWEA) is the

peak professional body for practitioners working in local government
and public works engineering. These engineers and technical staff are
often employed by local councils, or work with consultants, suppliers
and contractors. All work closely with the community.
The IPWEA provides technical publications and professional
development programs to enhance the knowledge and meet the
needs of its 2000 members and the wider public works industry. It
runs conferences and online discussion forums as a way for engineers
to meet and exchange ideas.
IPWEA is actively developing strategies to attract and retain people to
a career in local government and public works engineering including
work experience, cadetships and professional development programs.
Student membership is available through the State Divisions of IPWEA.
Specialist engineering groups

There are other support organisations with more specic focuses, like
the Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia (IMEA) which is a
technical society of Engineers Australia. There are a number of other
specialist technical societies that are a part of Engineers Australia, so
it is a good idea to check the EA website for a society that suits your
eld of interest.
35
11/8/06 10:46:58 AM
11/8/06 10:46:59 AM
7/11/05
3:40 PM
Page 1
GPY&R DFT1803
DFT1803_250x176_CFAQs
DONT STUDY FOR YEARS

TO BE AN ENGINEER
ONLY TO BECOME AN ASSISTANT.
As an Engineer in the Navy, Army or Air Force, youll be a fully-practicing engineer from
day one. Youll be given the opportunity to work in a team environment utilising highly
sophisticated technology on some of the most challenging and significant engineering
projects. And because youll be using your intelligence and ingenuity immediately, youll
get a head start to your engineering career. Working in all facets of the engineering role,
you could specialise in fields as diverse as:
Aeronautical Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Weapons Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical/Electronic Engineering
Marine Engineering
Within these fields you may have the opportunity to travel. Plus youll receive excellent
training opportunities to further your skill base and achieve Chartered Professional
Engineer status from Engineers Australia. Youll also receive free healthcare and
subsidised accommodation. If youre a Graduate, or about to graduate, you could start
with a very competitive salary of $52,200p.a. Which means you dont get paid like an
assistant either. Part-time opportunities also exist where youll receive tax-free pay
and gain leadership and management skills.
Want to discover more about a full on career in engineering? Call 13 19 01 or visit
www.defencejobs.gov.au /FAQ/engineer
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
11/8/06 10:47:00 AM
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.
What do real people say about

their jobs?
What do the people who are working as engineers think about
their jobs and careers? In this section you will nd interviews with
engineers from many different elds. Some are recent graduates and
others are seasoned veterans, all willing to share their experiences.
The group involves a mixture of civil, chemical, electrical, mechanical
and other engineers and the job titles of the people interviewed
include:
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
RAAF engineering ofcer
Senior geotechnical engineer
General manager, design and construction
Project manager
Senior rehabilitation engineer
Senior consultant
Project manager
Senior designer
42
11/8/06 10:47:01 AM
In s ide r in fo
Managing director
Manager, network investment
General manager, design and engineering
General manager, local government
Principal engineer
Senior subsea engineer
General manager, group market risk
Jenny* Graduate civil engineer

This is Jennys rst job out of university. She is a civil engineer and
works on some fundamental design aspects for design projects for
her company. The company specialises in civil engineering design
and construction, mostly in the areas of commercial and residential
construction.
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 is your job?

I am a graduate civil engineer. It is an entry-level position, but
because the company has a good training program it means that I am
continuing my development as I progress through the company.
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
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.
Why did you want to become an engineer?

I like the idea of building things, and making something real from an
idea. I was good at maths at school and I think there was a part of
me that always wanted to show everyone what a woman can do. And
engineering has been a very male-dominated field for a long time, so
there might have been something like that motivating me as well.
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.
It would if I didnt have to spend so much time driving. I dont really

have anything to compare it with because this is my first full-time job.
But I dont have to work really long hours, and I almost never have
to do any work at the weekend. Its just the driving that is getting me
down at the moment. But Im sure I can get around that.
What tips would give to someone just starting out?

I was lucky because I got my job with the company where I did my
work experience. But I would say that its really important to find a
company with a graduate engineering program. I feel like Im on a
career path, not just in a job.
What did you have to learn the hard way?

That you have to put in the effort and expect to make progress one
step at a time. I always want everything to happen now, and am
impatient, but things take time and you have to put in the work and
slowly, over time, you get given more responsibility and can progress
your career. Also, sometimes I can speak before Ive thought things
through properly and that can lead to misunderstandings. So Ive also
learnt to think things through before I open my mouth.
What professional development have you done?

Ive been thinking about doing an MBA, but its a big undertaking
and Im not sure how much it would help. It also costs quite a lot and
I dont know if it would be worth it. Other than that, Ive only been
working as an engineer for a year, but Ive done a few internal courses.
44
11/8/06 10:47:02 AM
In s ide r in fo
in
What have you learnt about engineering in the workforce that

you didnt learn at university?
That its not all about the numbers; there are lots of other considerations
when youre working on a project. You have people with conflicting
interests sometimes, or differences of opinion and you have to take
them into consideration. There are also compromises to technical
solutions because of other factors, even just building approvals.
brief
$$$
quals
44K
BEng (Civil), Monash
hrs/wk
40
lifework
good, except for

all the travel
flexibility
Im able to take
holidays when
I want to
myweek
Project meeting look at work

for the week
Meet with boss go over last
weeks progress
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
Catch up with friends drinks

and dinner
Go to club
Horse riding
45
11/8/06 10:47:03 AM
Engineering
cv
graduate engineer
>> civil engineer
David Lockie Civil engineer

David works for Arup on a wide variety of infrastructure and
development projects. Arup is a global company that specialises in
design, engineering, planning and consulting.
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.
What are the best aspects of your job?

I get a wide variety of projects to work on. Im not pigeon-holed into
one type of project. I have worked on Suncorp Metway Stadium and
then worked on a small shopping centre as well.

The hours that I have to work sometimes can be tough. Im usually
pretty good with my hours, but sometimes, when projects have tight
timeframes, then things can get very tight. Ill have to put in the
occasional weekend, or a big week, in order to catch up with all the
work. But I usually work a 40-hour week.
46
11/8/06 10:47:04 AM
In s ide r in fo
What is your lifework balance like?

Its pretty good. I make an effort to spend only 40 hours a week here
if I can. A lot of the other people here are spending around 50 hours
at work. I have recreational activities that I like to do, and I just got
married so Im spending more time at home at the moment. A lot
of organisations talk about being lifework friendly, but really its
up to the individual to ensure that they dont work long hours. The
organisation can only support that. Its hard to enforce it.

We have an open plan environment in the office and only two people
have offices. We have a very flat organisational structure and people
are very friendly. Its easy to ask people for help. The downside is
that there isnt a very clearly defined career path. Its really up to the
individual to pursue that. The company has good values and that has
a good effect on the way the place is run.
How did you get your job?

I applied for a scholarship and went through the interview process. I
didnt get the scholarship, but I ended up getting offered a job here. I
saw the advertisement on a noticeboard at uni.
What have you had to learn the hard way?

Ive had to do some relearning, or delearning of things that I learnt at
uni. When youre at uni you learn the theoretical way to do things, but
the realities of life as an engineer are a bit different. Instead of having
to do a lot of calculations, you can just look up some charts and tables,
use some rules of thumb and get the answer to your problem. There
are commercial pressures that mean that its important to get the job
done and not waste too much time looking for the perfect solution.
What advice would you give to people starting an

engineering degree?
I think its important to do some other subjects as well as your
engineering subjects. Do some courses from other departments like
English, social, political or financial subjects. I did all engineering
subjects at uni, but I wish I had taken advantage of my time there to
do some other things as well.
What advice would you give to people just starting their

engineering career?
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.
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
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.
What plans do you have for your future?

I want to reduce the days that I work. Over the next few years I would
like to work four days a week and then get it down to three days a
week. Im interested in creating a software business and marketing
those solutions. Id also like to travel as well. Its all about quality of
life. I would like financial independence and I enjoy engineering, but I
think there are other things that I could be doing that use those skills
that I have gained as an engineer.
Civil engineer
$$$
I have done a lot of short courses, both engineering-related and

personal courses.
quals
6080K
BEng
hrs/wk
40 usually
lifework
quite a lot I can

work from home
flexibility
pretty good, I
work on it
What flexibility do you have with your job?

I have quite a lot of flexibility. When Im on site its really up to me how
I spend my time. I also used to work from home one day a week. Its
easy to do if you have a report to write or are programming.
myweek
Visit construction site
Respond to technical queries
Write progress report
Meet with Chief Information Officer

re: control software
Bible study after work
Complete daily diary with what

happened on site
Write hydraulics report on water
levels high water marks and
50year events
Day off camping with my wife
Compile report for submission to

council.
Continue hydraulics report
Camping
Continue report for submission

to council
48
11/8/06 10:47:06 AM
In s ide r in fo
Yok Chung RAAF engineering ofcer

Yok has been with the military for 10 years, but has decided that it is
time to leave. He currently works with the Air Force on communication
issues. He is involved with assessing process ows, data networks
and improving performance and streamlining processes.
cv
officer cadet >>
flying officer, Australian

defence air traffic system
project engineer >> flying
officer, base radio officer >>
flight lieutenant, officer in
q&a
charge, ground electronic

services >> flight lieutenant,
What is your job?
OIC communications >>
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
What are the best aspects of your current job?

I like being able to investigate and research communications, processes
and procedures. The information systems that I am involved with enable
the Air Force to meet its operational requirements. I get to look into
different areas to see how they function and streamline those processes.

The worst aspects of the job involve the red tape. You can send your
recommendations up the chain of command and sometimes it feels as
though you havent been heard.

I was interested in computers and electronics, and engineering was a
logical progression for me.
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
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.

Learning what makes people tick. I have learnt that you cant judge a
book by its cover when it comes to people. Especially when the pages
of the book are changing every day. I have misjudged people and
underestimated people and have been shocked and hurt by them in the
past. I have now refocused my priorities onto people who impact my life.

It has been way out of balance. I have made a conscious decision to
finish my Masters degree and was stressing at work. I decided to
change jobs and my stress levels have come back down. I am getting
married and am having fun planning for the wedding, and am getting
some balance back into my life.
What do you wish you had learnt earlier on?

It is really important to know what you want to get out of life. Ive
decided that I want my engineering career to ultimately contribute
to the good of the community and that has been the driving force
behind a lot of the decisions that I have made. I think its important to
develop yourself and then to pass on what you have learnt to those
who are interested.
glossary
CP Eng means:
Chartered Professional
Engineer
What professional development have you undertaken?

After I did my engineering degree I took on a Master of Engineering
Science, also through ADFA, and have taken a project management
focus. I am working on getting accredited as a CP Eng and am
planning on getting accredited through the Australian Institute of
Project Management as well.

It is a very good network to be in, and apart from the issues regarding
getting ideas knocked back, there is a very good sense of camaraderie
here. You can always rely on other defence force members to help
you out.
What flexibility do you have in your job?

There is a mixture of flexibility and inflexibility with this job. I can
come and go as I want to, within reason. I can come to work early
and leave early if I want to. But then there are short attachments and
deployments, and you have to go where you are sent. You get posted
every two to three years. With me, I have been in Canberra, then
Richmond, the Middle East and then Canberra again. If you like to travel
and dont have a lot of attachments to a place then it can be good.
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.
What advice would you like to give young engineers just

starting out?
There is a quote I like about how the only constant in life is change,
and I think that is good advice for people. If you have that philosophy,
you are never disappointed.
in
brief
$$$
quals
7080K
BEng, ADFA
hrs/wk
40
lifework
has been way

out of balance
flexibility
flexible and inflexible,

as expected
with military life
myweek
Review project proposals
Meetings in Sydney
Look at better ways to manage
information systems
Work on preliminary concept design

documents
Review documentation from an air
force comm perspective
Conflict resolution workshop to

resolve issues between different
parties in the organisation
Work on preliminary concept

design documents
Barbecue with friends
Review documentation and

comment
Play tennis
See a movie
51
11/8/06 10:47:08 AM
Engineering
cv
graduate
geotechnical engineer >>

project engineer >> senior
geotechnical engineer
Brad Fuge Senior geotechnical engineer

Brad was the recipient of a Young Professional Engineer of the Year
Award (for Western Australia) in 2004 for his role in a geotechnical
investigation and design project. He has been working as an engineer
for seven years and has travelled and worked in Indonesia, but
currently works for Worley Parsons in Perth. He started work in his
rst engineering job just four days after seeing the job advertisement
and just two days after the interview!
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.

I like the investigation side of the work that I do. For example, I like
the drilling of holes to assess the ground where a building is going to
stand. I get a great deal of satisfaction from designing something and
then having it built.

Being away for an extended period of time. There are times when I am
away from home for six-week stretches. I used to spend three months
of the year away from home, but its not that much anymore.

We work hard when we need to, but people know how to relax as well.
The people here are good to work with and we get along well.

I was good at maths at school, and engineering just seemed like a
good idea.
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
11/8/06 10:47:09 AM
In s ide r in fo

Ive been lucky, Ive worked with some good people and they have
stopped me before Ive had to learn too many hard lessons! But there
have been a lot of things that Ive found out by experience in the
workforce that I wouldnt have otherwise. Mostly those things have
been about the scope of the work that we do as engineers and about
the different directions your career can take. You can get stuck in a
technical, number-crunching job, or you can move into other areas
such as management. Ive learnt that you need to take control of
that direction.
What career advice would you give to a young engineer?

Get chartered. It takes some time, but is worth it.
Dont be afraid to do some different things. Look at your options and
try things out in your first five years. It can take a little while to find
out which way you want to go.
glossary
Chartered means:
certified by Engineers
Australia, to a certain
standard of competency
and experience.
Travel, and get some international experience. I worked in Indonesia

and learnt a lot there.
What was it like working in Indonesia?

It was very interesting to see the differences in work ethics and
expectations. The cost of labour is a lot less in Indonesia and that
changes the working environment. Because the cost of labour is so much
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.

I got chartered, which took some time, and Im halfway through my MBA.
The MBA is a serious commitment in terms of both time and money.
Has engineering met your expectations?

Yes it has. I never really went out of my way to become an engineer in
the first place. I pretty much fell into it from school and then from uni
into work. Im happy with my career and I enjoy my work.
in
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
I want to be doing more project management and I would also like to

move into a leadership role.
$$$
brief
quals
80100K
BEng, BComm, UWA
hrs/wk
50
lifework
very work- and studyfocused for now
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
Write proposal for project

Project meeting hand over
responsibilities
Write scope of works

Risk workshop:
Write up results of risk workshop
Identify risks for project
Respond to request for information

from client
Brainstorm possible risks

Develop a set of actions
Work on scoping document project

Beer after work, then go out
Review and edit report
I will work one day on my MBA
Site visit see if the aims of the

project are achievable
Half a day in the office catching up

Do some chores at home
Go out for dinner on Saturday night
54
11/8/06 10:47:10 AM
In s ide r in fo
Cath Waters Environmental engineer

Cath graduated as an environmental engineer and worked as an
environmental consultant for three-and-a-half years . She now
works for a mining and production company, mainly doing project
management, and as well as some project-based work on the
rehabilitation of a mine site.
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.
Whats it like working and living on these sites?

Working out in the middle of nowhere for eight days is difficult. While
the company provides swimming pools, tennis courts, a gym and
activities for us to do while were off duty, you are away from family
and friends and have to live closely with total strangers.
Some people are fine with the 12-hour shifts as they dont need much
sleep, but unfortunately I am not one of them!
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.
I also moved from Melbourne to Townsville for work and due to

working a roster I have struggled to make many friends in Townsville
outside of work. I fly home fairly often for events such as weddings or
birthdays. This is nice but costly.
What are some of the employment sectors for your job?

Private industry, mainly resources. Government. Consulting.
Are there good job opportunities for your profession at the

moment?
There are very good opportunities in my profession thanks to the
resources boom. International opportunities are fairly hard to come by.
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.
What interesting project have you been involved in?

Working on the rehabilitation of a by-product stack has been an
interesting project.
Basically there are these 35-metre-tall landforms with a mesa
formation so they are flat on top like a table. They are currently a highly
acidic waste product we want to change them into self-sustaining
vegetated landforms. We aim to rehabilitate the site so that it complies
to EPA standards and that once the resource has been exhausted the
company is able to relinquish the site back to the government.
We have been working on it for a couple of years, doing mainly
research and planning, and the project is expected to take around
30 years to complete. Its interesting to work on because it has never
been done before in these climatic conditions.
What aspects of the industry interest you in particular, and

where do you see your future?
I love working in the resources industry. I would like a corporatebased role in a resource company working on a myriad of different
projects.
What do wish someone had told you about the industry

before you started on this career path?
How bad it is working 12-hour shifts!
How flexible are your work arrangements?

Work is fairly flexible, if I need to take time off I doubt I would ever be
refused.
How many hours per week do you work?

I do a 96 hour fortnight, so a 48 hour week.
Whats your life motto?

in
Just do it.
Is there anything else that you think young people

considering this career need to know about the industry?
brief
$$$
quals
90K plus super

BEng (Env)
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
11/8/06 10:47:12 AM
In s ide r in fo
Andrew Goelst General manager, design

and construction
Andrew works in design and construction for CBM Design, a company
that specialises in project management, domestic construction and
electrical services. Before this, he worked in a technical position with
a leading consulting company, Pitt & Sherry, and in a client-related
position with the Tasmanian Department of Education.
cv
junior design
engineer >> bridge engineer

>> project manager >>
operations manager >>
general manager, design
and construction
In addition to his work history, Andrews community volunteering

work has helped him to excel in his current position. CBM Design is a
company that prides itself on developing sustainable solutions for the
long-term benet of the planet. When taking on projects, the three key
questions asked are: Is it good for the community? Is it good for the
environment? Does it involve excellence in design?
In the past 10 years, Andrew has worked in East Timor, the Philippines,
Vietnam and Australia.
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.

I like being able to see things happen. There is a tangible outcome for
the work that we do and we can achieve extraordinary results.

There are risks involved with what we do and we have to manage
and calculate those risks. The stress takes its toll and I do have some
sleepless nights considering the insurance industry and the state of
litigation. My job would be perfect without that. But its important to
know that engineering mistakes can result in people dying and you
have to be prepared for that responsibility.

I wanted to have an influence in Third World countries. I wanted to
do something good for those countries and I knew that good water
supply and infrastructure would help. Its the sort of thing that
ultimately makes a country wealthy, and engineering is a way of doing
that. I started reading magazines like Time from a young age and I
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.
What advice would you give to a young engineer just

starting out?
Its important to hone your technical skills. Dont go into management
or project management too early. Develop your technical abilities and
then you will be able to become a very competent manager or project
manager later.
58
11/8/06 10:47:14 AM
In s ide r in fo

You need to have a very keen attention to detail. Check and recheck
your calculations. You need to have a disciplined approach and put in
the hard work up front and it will pay off down the track. Its important
not to cut corners.
What do you wish someone had told you about engineering

before you started?
I wish that Id known the things that are in this book! I only had a vague
notion of what the degree would be. It would have been great to have
someone to talk to, or some career advice. I was halfway through my
degree and I still didnt really know what I would be doing as an engineer.
I now mentor honours projects at university and I am involved with
Young Engineers Australia. I regularly speak at events and I am an
active networker in the industry. So I am able to give some advice to
younger people.
Have you worked overseas?

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 UN. 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.
I have also been involved with a water treatment plant in Vietnam and
have done some community work in the Philippines. Our company
sponsors 60 children in the Philippines and we also help with
education and health care for 150 children there.
The agricultural and irrigation project was very rewarding. For a cost of
around two thousand dollars, we installed some pumps and pipelines
and the yield from the rice harvest was tripled in just one year. There
are 200 people in that village and the small outlay had a very big
impact on the community. Its the sort of teamwork and engineering
work that makes it all worthwhile.
How did you get your job?

It was through a chance connection. I had been doing some
opportunistic networking and it was really a case of being in the
right place at the right time. It was through a mutual friend and the
Managing Director and I had a conversation and we talked about our
hopes, visions and dreams and realised that we had a lot in common
and it went from there. The job wasnt advertised in the newspapers.
When I graduated I applied for 23 positions and got offered two
positions. It was a very good experience to go through the job
interview process and I learnt a lot by doing that. I think its very
important that you find a company where your ideals and ethics match
up well.
in
brief
and construction
$$$
quals
70100K
BEng
hrs/wk
4060
lifework
very rewarding
flexibility
very good
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
Weekly management meeting for

senior managers
Community meeting at the local
primary school
National awards dinner
Professional development day with

electrical engineers and programmers
Work on policies and procedures
Team building
Work on communication issues
Look at strategic business decisions
Management meeting
Company golf day, friends stay over,

youth development work
Meet with lawyers for specialist

contract dispute resolution training
Work on Saturday night because of

glitch with one of our projects
Managing IT business systems in

our organisation
Church, friends for dinner on

Sunday night
60
11/8/06 10:47:15 AM
In s ide r in fo
John Fascio Project manager

John became an engineer because he always wanted to build
things. After working in a larger organisation, John moved to a small
organisation in order to spend more time with his family. Even though
he still works approximately 50 hours a week, he is able to spend at
least 2 hours a day with his wife and child.
cv
graduate engineer
>> project engineer >>

coordinator >> engineering
consultant >> project
manager
The company where John works is a specialist project management

consultancy that provides services to enable the development
of a range of infrastructure projects, including shopping centres,
subdivisions and commercial ofces.
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.

starting out?
Get active in your professional (and wider) community, never
undervalue your skills, and if you dont get something the first time,
try and try again.
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.

I see what I produce, its very tangible. Thats important for me.
The dynamic nature of projects keeps you on your toes its definitely
not boring. Theres high flexibility in work arrangements, and
independence and scope for creative outlets.

Managing stress and fierce competition. It can be hard when we have
deadlines.
fyi
The recession we had to
have was a term used by
then Treasurer Paul Keating
during the economic
downturn in the late 1980s
I grew up in an environment where I was able to watch the

construction of structural steelwork for some of Australias most
iconic landmarks, so I didnt necessarily want to be an engineer; I just
wanted to build things. So choosing to be an engineer was just the
best way to be a part of that process.
As a teenager in the recession we had to have, I looked around
to see what skills people needed, and figured that if we had
another recession, people would still need to use infrastructure.
Unemployment was high at the time and I thought that there would
still be a need for engineers even if times were bad.

That taking it easy today usually means it gets much harder later on.
How has the engineering profession changed in the time you

have been in it?
Over the past five years there has been a higher focus on
sustainability. This movement has been around for a long time (and
practised by some engineers) but now its been widely recognised.

No, there are no regrets for the career path. Remember that just
because you graduated as an engineer doesnt mean you need to
practise as one.

I spend a lot of time working by myself, or directly with clients, so
I need to be self-motivated. Our organisations culture encourages
an entrepreneurial approach to conducting business so would suit
thinkers who are a bit unorthodox.
62
11/8/06 10:47:17 AM
In s ide r in fo

Be patient, pick up the fundamentals of engineering while you can
afford to do it. Have fun.
in

Since Ive changed roles to a small firm I spend at least two hours a
day (during the working week) with my child and family, but still work
50 hours per week.

I have a great deal of flexibility in my job, its one of the main reasons
I wanted to work for a small firm. If Im not out on site I have the
flexibility to work when I want. The focus is always on my performance
and what I produce, not whether I turn up to work five minutes late. I
need this flexibility while starting out with a young family.
brief
Project manager
$$$
quals
80120K
BEng (Civil)
Hons, MIE Aust
hrs/wk
50
lifework
very good able

to spend time
with family
flexibility
a lot
myweek
Write 25page report and redraft
Complete proposal from last week

Submit proposal
Go to conference in afternoon
Prepare presentation
Update report to present to
Council meeting
Deliver presentation
Write tender document for client

Marketing meeting with potential
client
Review Mondays document before
sending out
Submit draft of tender document to

client by end of day
Friday night friends come over,
watch footy
Saturday leave home early, drop

kid off at Grans and go to wedding
and reception that night
Sunday back from wedding, go
shopping for new hiking boots
Sunday night dinner with relatives
63
11/8/06 10:47:18 AM
Engineering
cv
research biomedical
engineer >> research
David Hobbs Senior rehabilitation

engineer
engineer >> rehabilitation

engineer >> senior
rehabilitation engineer
David graduated with a double degree from Flinders University in

2000 (Bachelor of Biomedical Engineering/Bachelor of Science). He is
working on developing products that help people with disabilities, and
in 2002 was awarded a Churchill Fellowship and travelled to the UK,
Canada and the USA to research better ways of applying technology
for people with disabilities. David is a member of Engineers Without
Borders, and has taught prosthetics and orthotics in Cambodia for
three years as part of the Cambodia project. He won the Australian
Young Professional Engineer of the Year award in 2004. David says
that he likes to play with technology which is when he gets to unleash
the geek within!.
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
11/8/06 10:47:18 AM
In s ide r in fo

I am helping to provide a better lifestyle for people with a disability
and that is very satisfying.

There arent too many downsides to this job. But one of them would
be the funding. We have to pitch to government for funding and it can
be difficult to get the funding that we need. It would be great to have
the budget that some private companies have.

I really enjoyed doing physics at school but I was drawn to something
that was also people-oriented. I have always been fascinated with
science and engineering and need to know how things work. My mind
likes to be challenged and engineering does that.

The culture here is great. The people here are all doing what they
do for the right reasons and that makes it a very good place to be.
We all have similar goals and those goals align with the goals of the
organisation.

starting out?
Network as much as you can. Also, as a student, get work experience
relevant to what you want to do later in your career. Even if you have
to volunteer, its worth it.
Ensure you are well rounded, and not just absorbed in your degree. It
is important to have other interests as well. Join a club, do something
else. It adds another dimension to your life.

Its important to remember that you dont know everything. Its usually
all right to tell people and to find out from more experienced people.
Dont pretend to know something when you dont know it.

Its not all about design work. You wont always be designing
the latest and greatest widget. Also, engineering is really a way
of thinking, of looking at a problem and finding a solution or a
conclusion.
One of the realities is that you need to learn how to read a data
sheet properly. Its just one of the practicalities in the real world of
engineering.
Do you have a career plan?

I didnt have one when I finished uni, but I have started to develop
one. I have some two to five year goals and Im starting to schedule
some things.
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
Winning a Churchill Fellowship has definitely been a highlight. I got

to travel to England, Canada and the US and visited 12 centres in
nine weeks looking at how they all approached similar issues to us in
Australia.

Take full advantage of opportunities as they come up. Really seize
them and make the most of them. Know what makes you tick, find
your passion and follow it. Also, make time to relax.
in
Its a bit work-heavy, but Im working on it and would say that I am

halfway towards achieving a good worklife balance.
brief
$$$
quals
5560K
BEng, BSc, Flinders
hrs/wk
4045
lifework
a bit work heavy
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
Check list server for any problems

Address list server issues post
answers
Group meeting project update
Write an article for our newsletter

Assess project for handover to
honours students
Progress report, compile task list
Senior staff meeting

Continue client solution trials
Meeting look at possible projects

to give to our vacation students
over summer
Meeting planning session
Prepare for research and
development review
Meeting Engineers Without

Borders Cambodia project
Prepare teaching modules
biomechanics and prosthetics
Gardening
Send out follow-ups from
my wedding
Movie
Brunch with parents
66
11/8/06 10:47:20 AM
In s ide r in fo
Venessa OConnell Hydrographic surveyor

A hydrographic surveyor with Sydney Port, Venessas role is very much
behind the scenes but, when it comes to scenes, what can compare
to the settings of Botany Bay and Sydney Harbour for a day at work?
cv
service station
attendant >> surveyors

fieldhand >> assistant
engineering surveyor >>
graduate cadastral surveyor
q&a
>> geodetic surveyor >>

hydrographic surveyor
What sort of work does a surveyor do?

Often you ask a student what a surveyor is and theyll say, That guy
by the side of the road with that thing that looks like a camera Not
many people know what a surveyor does.
Were the ones behind the scenes in terms of the engineering careers
out there. We go out there and make all the measurements and plans
but all anybody ever sees is the engineer building the wharf, for
example, even though theyre using all the data we collected (which you
might say was more important!). We provide the information behind the
design, whether its mapmaking or creating a 10-storey building.
Specifically, what do you do in your job as a hydrographic

surveyor?
My main job is to carry out survey work in Botany Bay and Sydney
Harbour. We measure and maintain the declared depth for the
channels and berths so that shipping can take place safely. We also
organise the removal of objects those things that might drop off the
end of a barge.
As well as that, we do land survey so we dont just spend our time
on the boat on any port-related infrastructure. Wed use GPS or landbased survey to do that.
glossary
GPS means:
Global Positioning
System, a satellite
navigation system used
all over the world.
Finally, we monitor the surrounding environmental conditions. We do

seagrass sampling, water sampling and an annual beach survey to
monitor the sand movement.
What qualifications do you have, and were they necessary?

There are a few options to get into this line of work: you can go to
TAFE, go to uni, or you can do both. I actually did a TAFE Associate
Diploma first and then went onto a university surveying degree. Im
also a registered NSW land surveyor which is good training for
developing professional skills.
I gained my hydro experience through the Army Reserves I have
been doing that part-time for about nine years. Most places will train
you straight out of uni or straight out of TAFE, and if you havent
gained a position when youve come straight out to be trained
through, then you have to gain it somewhere else. The skills required
are very similar to land surveying. You can certainly pick it up on site.
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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 do you like least?

When the weather isnt so great. Sometimes itll be pouring rain, but
the water will be nice, flat and calm so we have to be out there on
the boat and in the rain. Its not so nice when its like that.
What interesting project have you worked on?

Sometimes we might find something a bit different or a bit strange.
We actually found an old anchor in Sydney Harbour and we got the
National Maritime Museum out to check it out, and we found a ship
propeller in the harbour too. It was quite exciting to find something
historical like that.
By the sounds of it, you work in a team?

Yes, in a small team. We usually have a minimum of two people on the
boat. Theres only about four or five of us that work here.
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.
What are your ambitions?

Basically, I would just like to make sure that Im challenged and that I
make a difference. At work, but also in my extracurricular activities: Im
on a lot of committees for surveying and the promotion of surveying.
How do you maintain a lifework balance?
in
brief
$$$
hrs/wk
40100K
Assoc Dip Eng
(Surveying), B Surv,
Uni of Newcastle
3550
lifework
9/10
flexibility
9/10
quals
The Army is one thing I still do a lot of that is related to work in a

way, but theres also a lot of it that isnt: personal leadership training
and that sort of thing. Im also into competitive dancing, and Im just
mad about renovating houses!
What sort of entry-level positions does Sydney Port offer?

Usually there are trainee positions. You can gain positions while
studying at TAFE or university a lot of employers like to do that. Its
a good balance: you get hands-on training while gaining the theory at
uni or TAFE. I think it works well that way.
Are there many opportunities for those interested in this area?

There are lots of jobs out there for all surveying at the moment. Good
pay and good jobs and working outside! What a bonus.
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11/8/06 10:47:22 AM
In s ide r in fo
Euston Ling Senior consultant

Euston is a chemical engineer who has specialised in the environment.
He has been in the workforce for over 14 years. His job now has a large
degree of autonomy and he takes responsibility for a wide range of
activities. He analyses waste systems and determines solutions that
will have minimum impact on the environment.
He worked on waste disposal and recycling for the Sydney Olympics,
which was often called the Green Olympics.
cv
environmental
technician >> environmental

engineer >> environmental
engineer/safety officer
>> planning infrastructure
coordinator >> strategy
analyst >> project manager,
waste technology strategy
>> senior consultant
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.
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.
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.
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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 type of person do you think best suits engineering?

It helps if you are naturally inquisitive, if youre the sort of person
who wants to find out the truth. And with my job, it helps to have
an altruistic bent. Youre not going to get rich in my job. You might
be comfortable, but if you want the really big dollars you would do
something else. Engineers need to have an analytical approach, and a
structured way of approaching a problem, although some people are
more lateral in their approach and they can still be excellent engineers.
What tips would give to someone just starting out?

Id say to be persistent. It might take a while to get your first job,
and you have that old problem of employers wanting people with
experience and you need a job to get that experience. I would also
say that you need to be true to your values and true to yourself. Enjoy
what you do. After all, you dont want to waste 50 years of your life
doing something you dont like.
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.
What did you have to learn the hard way?

When I was working in Hong Kong it was with a different company
and they had a very different culture. It was quite adversarial and
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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.

Ive taken practical courses such as programming macros for Microsoft
Excel, and advanced Excel. Im now the resident expert in all things
Excel. That has helped me a lot because I can now work quicker.
I also deliver papers at conferences, which has given me a good
standing in the professional community. Its good to have on your
rsum all the papers youve delivered at conferences.
What have you learnt about engineering in the workforce that

you didnt learn at university?
I have learnt that technical solutions can be very simple, but that
people can cast them in another light. Something might be the best
technical solution, but because of the social context, it might not be
the best overall solution. It helps to see the whole picture. And that
includes people not just the technical aspects of a problem or a
project. That has been a very valuable lesson.
in
brief
Senior consultant
$$$
quals
80110K
BEng (Chemical),
USyd; M Bus &
Tech, UNSW
hrs/wk
38
lifework
excellent
flexibility
very flexible, can

work from home
if I need to
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11/8/06 10:47:23 AM
Engineering
cv
project engineer >>
research and development

engineer >> implementation
engineer >> senior design
engineer >> group manager
>> senior project planner
Paul Sechi Senior project planner

Paul Sechi is a senior project planner with a major telecommunications
company that is a household name in Australia. The company supplies
mobile phones, enterprise services and network infrastructure. Paul is
currently involved with building the 3G mobile phone network and is
focusing on base station antennae.
q&a
What is your job?
glossary
Telco means:
a telecommunications
company.
I am a senior project planner for a telco and I am working on building

the third generation mobile phone network. I work on base station
antennae and the connections from the antennae to the master
switch. The work involves high-level planning and coordination.
What are the best aspects?

I have a lot of autonomy and a lot of my work is varied and that
keeps things interesting. I spend time in the office and also in the
field. I am involved in high-level strategic planning. We look at what
our competition might do and I can be involved with everything
from the big picture right down to the nitty gritty and some serious
engineering. I like the broad scope that I have here. I get to look
at things like where we locate antennae, how to build the site,
construction considerations, power supply, acquisition and building
approvals and even the aesthetics of the design.
What are the worst aspects of your job?

The nature of project work here is that it is very demanding.
Everything needs to be done yesterday and it takes its toll on you
mentally and there never seems to be enough time. Project plans get
shot to pieces and when things come unstuck it can be hard. I guess
the upside to all that is that it is never boring.

My passion is audio and I was interested in designing hi-fi equipment,
but there isnt a lot of scope for that sort of work in Australia, and so I
ended up in telecommunications.
What sort of person is best suited to engineering?

You really need to have an open mind to be an engineer and you need
to be able to challenge what has been done before and look for ways
to do things better. It is important to be able to break new ground.
What tips would you like to give someone who is just

starting out?
Engineering work is not all about the individual; its about teamwork.
People at uni need to realise that they will have to work with all sorts
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In s ide r in fo
of people, and in teams, and its important to be a team player. Also,

because engineering gives you a great set of skills that are easily
transferable to other fields, you can always diversify later on.

The best engineering solution is not always the right solution. The
most efficient system wont get built if there isnt enough money to
build it. The best solution is usually a compromise of some sort. I have
also learnt that it isnt engineers who drive a company, its finance.

I did an MBA and it was probably the best thing I have ever done.
Its not as hard as an engineering degree, but it makes you consider
things from outside the engineering box. I had around 10 years work
experience when I did it and it gave me the opportunity to reflect on
decisions that I made in the past and which could have been better.
It helped me realise that finance drives business and it gave me great
business skills that just arent covered in an undergraduate degree.
What career advice would you like to give to engineers just

starting out?
Get your head down and work hard and you will do well. Keep looking
for a more effective way of doing something. Even when you are
surrounded by chaos, if you know your processes, keep at it and apply
yourself, you will come through. It is also important to take every
opportunity with both hands.
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11/8/06 10:47:26 AM
Engineering
What is your opinion of the trend towards more specialised
engineering degrees?
in
brief
I think that the new degrees are commercially driven by the

universities and are too specialised. Its really important to focus on
the core skills an engineer needs and you can specialise later. I think
its dangerous to get too specialised too early as it can leave you stuck
in an area that might lose popularity. I think people should stick to the
basic engineering degrees of civil, chemical, electrical, aeronautical
and mechanical engineering.
$$$
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
I can work from

home if I need to
If there is a major project running, then it can be horrible. I work

weekends every month, and in a good month I will have worked only
two extra days (from my weekends), but in a heavy month I might
have worked six or seven extra days and that doesnt leave much time
for anything else. Working a 12-hour day is not unusual for me.
myweek
Check weekend activity - anything
broken that needs to be fixed?
Look at what was scheduled what
has and what hasnt been done?
Assess progress for the week so far

Catch up on documentation that needs
to be written
Rolling forecast meeting
Look at special projects list
Meet with joint venture customers
Strategy meeting
Meet with joint venture customers
Review meeting look at work

done and prioritise what needs to
be done next week
Project management meeting

Check with all team members
Pick up any overflow from the week

design and project management
Read the paper, go for a bike ride
Go out with friends Saturday night
Go for a walk on Sunday
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11/8/06 10:47:27 AM
In s ide r in fo
Colin Shum Senior radio planner

Colin is responsible for the location of mobile phone antennas in
Sydney. After starting as a junior engineer, he worked as a contractor
before settling into his job as a radio planner.
cv
junior engineer >>
contractor >> senior radio

planner
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 are the best aspects of your work?

The biggest reward is seeing designs come to fruition. I really enjoy
being part of the process that takes something from an idea, to a
design and then through to completion. It is a very rewarding feeling.
What is the worst aspect of your work?

Dealing with difficult customers is by far the hardest part of this job.
Customers who change their mind a lot, or who are unable to decide
on what they want can be very difficult. It can take a lot of patience
and perseverance to deal with customers like that. It also helps to
have worked on your negotiation skills too.
Why did you choose engineering?

For me it was a choice between accountancy and engineering. I was
good at maths and it took me a while to decide between the two. In
the end I went with engineering because I thought that accountancy
wouldnt give me the same scope or the same range of experiences
and because I thought it wouldnt be exciting enough. The funny
thing is that I didnt really know what engineering was, and I got lucky
because once I got into it I loved it.
Do you have the lifework balance that you would like?

I am very focused on work at the moment, and when we have a big
project work can be very busy. Im definitely skewed more to the work
side of the lifework balance, but thats just how things can be. Its a
part of the job.
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.
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11/8/06 10:47:28 AM
Engineering
What changes have you seen in the profession in the time

you have been a part of it?
I have been an engineer now for just over 12 years, and the biggest
changes I have seen have been in relation to competition. We are
living in much more competitive times and we are also a lot more
budget conscious now. There is much greater financial accountability
now and it is harder to get funding for projects now than it was when
I started out.

I never had a full-time mentor as an engineer and so I had to do a lot
of background reading. I was thrown in at the deep end and had to
fend for myself. It was good in a way because it helped me to develop,
but it was hard at times.
What do you wish you had learnt earlier?

I wish I had learnt to accept other peoples advice earlier. I had a
tendency to think that I was right and I wasnt prepared to accept
enough advice from others.
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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.
What is your companys work culture?
$$$
It is very busy and dynamic. We are a young company and even

though we are busy, it is laid back as well. But we deliver when
there is a deadline.
quals
80K+
BEng (Electrical)
hrs/wk
50
lifework
skewed towards
work
flexibility
extremely flexible, as
long as we produce
results on time
myweek
Weekly design meeting
Project updates with customer

Address problems find causes
or reasons
Meeting look at changes to the

network and any impacts that
they might have
Assess the implications for the
design of the network
Meeting in Chatswood
Work on progress report
Dinner
Movie
Grocery shopping
Watch footy
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Engineering
cv
QA/project controls
officer >> civil design

engineer >> project
engineer >> construction
planner >> systems analyst
>> planner/project engineer
>> procurement manager
>> project manager
Sally* Project manager

Sally was one of only two female civil engineers to graduate in her
year at the University of Sydney. She has had a varied career that has
included being a civil design engineer, a project engineer, a systems
analyst, a quality assurance specialist, a planner and a procurement
manager. She now works on a contract that allows her to work the
hours she wants, when she wants, and ensures that she maintains a
healthy lifework balance.
q&a
What is your job?
I develop project management processes and procedures. I also
troubleshoot overall business processes and relationships in the
organisation.

The best aspects of the job involve the people interaction. I have
the opportunity to deal with people at all levels of management and
throughout the organisation.
I also like the flexibility. I can work whatever hours I want, whenever
I want. I can work on Saturday and have Monday off, or I can work 11
hours a day for three days and have the rest of the week off. Because
I am a contractor and not an employee, things are a bit different for
me. I can take holidays when I want to, although I do need to be
considerate. But Ive been lucky because I have evolved my job. It
fulfils a need in the organisation and isnt just a job description.
What are the worst aspects of the job?

The politics is the worst part of the job. Our organisation answers to
a minister and there is a lot of internal politics in the organisation.
At the top of the organisation chart is the Managing Director, on the
next level down are the General Managers, the level down from that
has Branch Managers. Pretty much everyone from that level upward
is interested in political gain. If we were a private company, the
organisation wouldnt be able to survive. It just wouldnt be able to
cope in the real world. There is a lack of rigour, an lack of will to do
things well and a lack of accountability. Too many decisions are made
by committees and no one takes responsibility for those decisions.
There are people here who get to places who arent necessarily good
at anything except politics.
Why did you become an engineer?

My father was an engineer. He was in mining but my mother decided
that it wasnt the right sort of job for a woman and so I became a civil
engineer. I was good at maths and sciences.
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11/8/06 10:47:30 AM
In s ide r in fo
What was it like being a female engineering student?

At Sydney Uni I was one of only two female civil engineers who
graduated in my year. There were more in the year below mine. When
I was at uni there was a very blokey culture. Almost all my lecturers
were male I had one female lecturer in my first year, and after that all
my lecturers were male.

Unfortunately I have been on the receiving end of discrimination,
both from a gender and an age perspective. It isnt so bad in the office
environment but, for example, I took part in a confined spaces course
recently and the trainer had to remove all the porn slides from his
laptop when he was delivering the training because a woman was
going to be present. I get on well with the people here, but there are
pockets where there is some sexism and it is an entrenched part of
the culture.
Another thing about the culture here is that I have to hound people
to do what theyve been asked to do. It comes back to that issue of
accountability. There is a lack of drive, and a public service mentality.
There are good people here, but once you get a job here you can pretty
much have it for life, and some people dont want to think too hard.
In private organisations Ive worked at there are well developed and
well-honed systems of business practices and project management
skills. And we are years behind those private organisations.

It took me a while to learn to stand up for my own worth. In the past
I trusted that other people would look after my interests, but in the
end I learnt that you have to do that for yourself. Ive never been good
at negotiating salaries and have trusted that a company would do the
right thing by me, but once again, you have to take that responsibility
yourself. An organisation will not necessarily have your best interests
in mind. Its the whole individual versus the employer and its why we
need unions.
I have also left it too late to leave a job. I should have left some of my
previous positions earlier. When I have left it has been to move ahead
and to get a better salary.
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Engineering
in
What advice would you like to give to young women about to

start an engineering degree?
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 can work the

hours that I want
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.
What career advice would you like to offer to young

engineers?
Dont get too specialised too soon. Get a wide range of experience in
your job. Get technical experience and project experience, and any
other experience that will help to give you a better perspective.
myweek
Project review meeting assess

the state of current projects;
look at what needs to be done and
by whom
Off
Site visit
Business processes steering

committee meeting
Off
Meetings with internal service

providers
Draft service level agreements
Present business processes

information session for project
managers
Out of Sydney visiting regional
offices
Work (for three hours only)

Coffee with a friend
Yoga class, dance class
Swim
80
11/8/06 10:47:32 AM
In s ide r in fo
Rupert Scheiner Senior designer

Rupert has been working as an engineer for over 15 years and has
opted to stay in a technical role rather than move into management.
As a designer of medical products, he gets to mix his creative skills
with his technical skills and knows that his work makes a difference to
peoples everyday lives.
cv
design engineer >>
senior design engineer >>

senior designer
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.

I get to be creative in my job, which I love. You need to be creative
when designing a new product and it keeps my mind occupied. I am
always thinking of possible solutions to problems and I find that very
satisfying.

My job is low paid. Im in a technical field and the reality is that
technical engineering jobs are not nearly as well paid as management
jobs. In Australia the technical jobs tend to be seen as lower grade
jobs and are paid accordingly. It is not that way in Europe or the US,
but it is a reality here. If you want more money you need to move into
management or marketing.

My father was a draftsman and I would look at his drawings when he
came home. He developed machinery and as a kid I was fascinated by
the work that he did. It sparked my interest in engineering and pretty
soon I was pulling things apart to see how they worked. When I got a
new toy, or a bike, one of the first things I would do was pull it apart.
What changes have you seen in the profession?

Most of the changes have to do with the use of computers. When I
first graduated in 1989 computers were not fully integrated in the
workplace. We still used drawing boards and sketched by hand. It
took a little while before AutoCAD and other packages became the
standard. And now of course, we use prototyping systems, such as 3D
printers that can create solid objects that we can see and touch. The
3D printer is an invaluable design tool.
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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.
What advice would you give to young engineers just

starting out?
I would say that its probably not a good idea to stay in a technical
field for too long if you want to progress your career and if you want to
make more money. There are plenty of opportunities for engineers in
Australia and engineering is a great stepping-stone to many different
careers. You become very multiskilled and can easily adapt to many
different fields.

Dealing with office politics. Its hard to work in environments that are
dominated by politics and I try to avoid them when I can. But I have
had to learn how to deal with them and it hasnt been easy, especially
when there are divisions within a company and different groups form
and you have to work out who is aligned with which group.
What do you wish you had learnt earlier?

I wish I had learnt management skills at uni, but all we did there was
to cover it in a very cursory fashion.
How did you get your current job?

It was by word of mouth. An old colleague of mine was working here
and he told me about an opening that was coming up and so I kept
tabs on the company and as soon as the opening was announced
I applied.
What motivates you as an engineer?
in
brief
Senior designer
$$$
quals
90120K
BEng (Mech)
hrs/wk
40
lifework
good balance,
I dont take
work home
flexibility
I can take holidays

when I want to
and theres good
variety in my work
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.
What do you hope the future holds for you?

More of the same would be good. I would also like some higher
positions and more income. It is a little limited in Australia considering
what I do, but there is the potential of going to Europe for a while.

Its very healthy. There isnt a lot of politics and its great that way
because there isnt the backstabbing that you get in some companies.
You can say what you like and on the whole everyone works really
well together. Its a youthful organisation (Im one of the oldest people
here!) and theres a good vibe about the place.
82
11/8/06 10:47:33 AM
In s ide r in fo
myweek
Meeting with marketing

Designing on my computer
In the workshop, work on

models
Sketching, coming up with
new ideas
Team meeting so that we all

know what everyone else is
doing
Department meeting to go
through all current projects
Design review meeting with upper

management and marketing, and
regulatory experts. Go through the
designs and make sure that they
satisfy everyone.
Shopping
See uni friends
Play squash
83
11/8/06 10:47:34 AM
Engineering
cv
design engineer
>> construction engineer/

project manager >>
managing director
Peter Fielder Managing director

After only three years in the workforce, Peter decided to start his own
business. He has since completed an MBA, which gave him a very
wide range of skills and broadened his business abilities. He is the
managing director of his company, which specialises in the design and
construction of civil and marine projects.
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.
The best part of the job is the diversity. I am involved from the project
concept right through to the delivery to the client.

The worst aspects are the responsibility. In translating the idea
through to a design outcome, it all rests on my shoulders. There is a
lot of responsibility with an engineering project, and because this is
my company, that responsibility ultimately rests with me.
Why did you choose engineering for a career?

It fitted my way of thinking. I am a very practical person and I like to
come up with solutions to problems. Even as a kid my favourite toys
were Lego and Meccano. Engineering was the best fit for me.

I probably have the right lifework balance, or maybe I work a bit too
much. But I have good holidays to make up for it. I typically work between
40 and 60 hours a week and that depends on our project workload.
What does it take to have a successful engineering career?

It starts with a preference for maths and science. I would also say that
you need to be prepared to take responsibility for your work. You need
an attention to detail and you need to be able to really think things
through, especially as a project manager or design engineer.

How to deal with people, and especially people who dont perform.
Also, you can have a lot of people with different ethics and life
focuses in the one organisation and you need to be able to take those
differences into account.
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.
How much experience did you have before you decided to

start your own business?
I had only been working as an engineer for three years before I
decided to go out on my own. And in retrospect I was very nave at the
time. I was faced with all sorts of challenges, including maintaining
some sort of cash-flow. But at least the overheads were low, so that
helped. I learnt a lot in a short space of time, and I worked hard and
fortunately was able to grow.
What were the biggest things you learnt?

Thats simple: to be honest and true. Be true to yourself and to those
around you. If you cant do something, say so.
in
brief
Managing director
What is the work culture like?
$$$
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
Do you have much flexibility in your role?

Yes, I have a lot of flexibility. Its the outcome of being responsible
for the company. Its about having control and being able to do what
I want, when I want. But at the same time, I also have around 40
different bosses. Each of our clients is like a boss.
250K+
BEng (Civil), MBA
85
11/8/06 10:47:35 AM
Engineering
cv
cadet engineer
>> testing officer >>

graduate engineer >>
testing engineer >>
overhead mains engineer
Terry Fagan Manager, network investment

Terry Fagan has been in the workforce for over 30 years, and works for
one of Australias oldest electricity and gas suppliers. The company meets
the energy requirements of over 1.5 million homes and businesses, and
Terry is involved with managing the companys capital investments.
>> engineer, underground

projects >> engineer,
high voltage test gear
q&a
>> engineer, protective
What is your job?
equipment >> senior
I am responsible for the development of capital investment plans

for the company. I look at the long-term capital requirements for the
company. In the end it comes down to maintaining a reliable supply to
the Sydney area.
engineer, systems planning

branch >> manager,
network investment
What do you like most about your job?

Engineers like to build things. And I get to direct how the power system
gets built. I look at the technical challenges, the design of power
systems and power flows. I am responsible for the maintenance of
equipment and condition monitoring and ensuring efficient investment
outcomes. Its interesting because youre not always after the best
technical solution, but the best overall solution, and thats a challenge.
What do you like least?

Dealing with restructuring, when there is a major change in processes.
And it can be frustrating when things take longer than they need to.
There are regulatory issues that are a challenge too. Another aspect
that is difficult is finding good senior staff.

I didnt really know what engineering involved, like a lot of people
I guess. I was good at maths and science and wasnt interested in
medicine, so engineering seemed a good way to combine those skills.
My grandparents were engineers and, as it turned out, my father was
in electrical supply. I did a cadetship, which entailed six months work
and six months study, which sounded good to me because I could get
paid and study simultaneously.

Yes and no. I am too busy and work long hours, but then I dont take
work home unless I absolutely have to. Its different now to when I
was younger and was on call 24 hours.
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
11/8/06 10:47:36 AM
In s ide r in fo
When I started out we didnt have a choice. We were moved between

jobs regularly. It was a rotation system and you didnt even get
interviewed for your new position, you just got slotted into it. It gave
me good knowledge of a lot of different areas.
I would also suggest having a career plan. Know what you want
and work towards it, and keep a balance of your professional and
social life. It also helps to decide if you want to work in a technical, a
management, or a project management type of role. Stick to it and do
things that help you on that path. A lot of engineers are no longer in
technical jobs after five or six years, a lot of people move into project
management and management jobs at that stage.
What else would you recommend engineers do for their

careers?
Definitely look at a career plan. Even if it isnt a formal plan, know
what you want to do and where you want to go with your career. I
made sure that I avoided being moved into positions that I didnt
want. I also found that when I got too comfortable in a position that it
was probably time for me to move on. I enjoy the challenge.
There is also further study. I would recommend that you do it while
you are still relatively young and might not have some of the other
commitments, such as a family, that might make it harder to do later
on. Get it out of the way early on if you can. I mean, you are always
going to be learning, all through your career, but in terms of formal,
degree type study, do that as early as you can.
You have an MBA. What has that done for you?

It has been very valuable for me. Im not sure how people do an MBA
through correspondence because for me, I found it very valuable to
be in working groups with people from fields outside engineering. I
broadened my horizons a lot. Specifically I would say that the training
I received in economics and in communications, as part of my MBA,
have helped me a great deal in my career.
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.
What sort of flexibility do you have with your current job?

Even though I work long hours, I have fairly nominal working hours. I
can work remotely if I need to. I can work from home if I need to, even
though from an organisational point of view, it might not always be
possible. I need access to filing systems and obviously its harder to
connect with people I might need to work with. We have LAN points
within the organisation so that I can access files from anywhere
within the organisation, but it is harder to do that externally. I have a
Blackberry which makes it possible for me to send and receive my
emails from anywhere.
glossary
LAN means:
local area network, a
computer network limited
to the immediate area.
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
11/8/06 10:47:37 AM
In s ide r in fo
in
What is the work culture like where you work?

Well, Ive worked here for over 30 years and I know a lot of people. And
it means that I can achieve a lot that might not be so easy otherwise. I
am lucky that I have some good connections, its a friendly workplace
with an open door policy and thats great. In my role I need to question
decisions. Thats a part of the job and I encourage that way of thinking.
All strategies need to be robustly considered. I want people to be
able to say that they dont know something, but I dont want to have
to hand feed them. Its a matter of asking the right questions, having
an inquisitive mind and going out and finding out. We have very good
communications and people are very cooperative.
brief
$$$
quals
150200K
BEng (Electrical)
Hons, Syd Tech
Coll; MBA, UTS; M
Bus & Tech, UNSW
hrs/wk
52
lifework
work long hours but

dont have to take
work home too often
flexibility
some flexibility
myweek
Review project development

instructions
Review and prepare Board

papers and authorisation
requests
Project control group meeting
Review of project option

studies
Participate in project option studies

Joint planning meeting with other
network service providers
Meeting with customer enquiring
about connection to system
Preparation of media for

ministerial briefings
Take part in annual corporate
capital budget
Choose tiles and fittings for house

Install ducted vacuum systems
Play computer games, listen to
music
Dinner with family and friends
89
11/8/06 10:47:38 AM
Engineering
cv
graduate engineer
>> lead engineer >>
Pat Lockley General manager, design and

engineering
project engineer >> senior

project engineer >> design
team leader >> manager,
system design and test
Pat has approximately 30 years of experience as an engineer. All of

this time has been spent working in defence. He has travelled and
worked internationally in the US and the UK, and is currently the
general manager of design and engineering at Tenix.
>> engineering manager

>> general manager,
engineering >> manager
design and engineering >>
general manager, design
and engineering
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.
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.
What does Tenix do?

We are quite a diversified company. We have a commercial side and
a defence side to the business. The commercial side is small in terms
of engineers, but has a large technical support staff, and provides
project management and engineering services to the utilities sector.
The defence side develops systems and products for defence and can
include everything from shipbuilding through to software. The defence
side has between 400 and 500 engineers.

career?
I have always worked in defence and I have been fortunate to have
had a lot of diversity in my work. I have also been able to travel
internationally and to gain experience on a global scale in places like
the US and the UK.

One of the best aspects is being part of company-wide decisions. I
can contribute my 30 years of knowledge to decisions that affect the
company on a large scale.
I also have a lot of diversity in my role. I can be reviewing the build of
an armoured personnel carrier one day, a digital database the next,
and a sensor installation on an aircraft on the next day.
90
11/8/06 10:47:39 AM
In s ide r in fo

Im not as close to the coalface as I used to be, and that means that
Im not as hands-on as I used to be. It just means that I have to do my
tinkering at home!
There is a lot of local travel in my role. I travel two days a week on
average, and I could do with less of that. Another downside is the
paperwork that needs to get done.

I have a natural technical inquisitiveness, and a need to know
why things work the way they do. That inquisitiveness led me to
engineering. I was also good at maths and liked getting involved in
planning, all good attributes for an engineer.

Its under control. I would like more time on the life side, but its not
bad. Im happy with it.

I can take holidays generally when I need to because Im not locked into
any particular project. I have to get approval from my boss, but its not
usually a problem. I have overall goals to achieve, and set times for
business reviews, but generally Im free to set my own timetable
in
brief
and engineering
$$$
quals
150250K
BEng (Electrical),
USyd
hrs/wk
55
lifework
under control
flexibility
generally free to set

my own timetable
myweek
CEO meeting status meeting

Coordinate schedules
Review R&D budget with finance

manager, meet with R&D manager to
plan strategy for the year
Work on knowledge management
strategy with the CEO
Travel interstate participate in

a project review, look at technical
performance or progress
Speak with consultants
Meet local engineering manager, look

at staffing issues, tools or processes
used, visit with partner companies
Take part in video conference

for other reviews
Two-hour bike ride with friends

get back by 89 am
Watch son play volleyball,
maintenance and chores, family
time, go to dinner, read weekend
newspapers, go to church
91
11/8/06 10:47:39 AM
Engineering
cv
junior engineer
>> deputy engineer >>
Chris Watson General manager, local

government
engineer >> director,

city services >> general
manager, local government
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.
Do you recruit graduates?

Yes we do. We even have a local council graduate program. A few
general managers got together to focus specifically on recruitment
and to see how we could encourage more graduates to join us. We
promote within the organisation where we can and try to fill from
the bottom up with graduates. We also have been working with the
local TAFE to have a structured program to help develop people. It
is possible to start in the trades with us, and to progress through
to diploma level and then up to a full degree. We had one man who
started with us driving tractor mowers. He is now doing his Masters
degree and is involved with our recycling program and training.
Why did you choose engineering?

I decided to be an engineer when I was at school and in the same
month I finished school the local council advertised for young
engineers. There were two local boys who applied and the council
took both of us.
What are the best aspects of your work?

I was attracted to local government because of the interaction with
the community. Civil engineers like to build things, and by working for
local government you can help to solve peoples problems in a very
direct way. You get to improve infrastructure in your area and its a
personal thing.
92
11/8/06 10:47:40 AM
In s ide r in fo

I love my job and even though there are problems that come up, they
come with the job and I see them more as challenges to be overcome.
There are community demands and expectations and what was
acceptable 20 years ago is unacceptable today. It is a challenge to
keep up with community expectations, and people are more vocal
these days, especially about things relating to the environment. But
that is a good thing. We just need to keep pace.

There is a genuine enthusiasm to get the job done. We have a good
mix of people and the young people in our organisation keep me
pumped to do a good job. We have a good mix of people here. We
have the experienced people who know the business and we have a
lot of enthusiasm, and there is a challenge to be more creative. Overall
I would say it is a very good environment.
What career advice would you give to young engineers?

If you are a young engineer who has just graduated, I would say
that it is important to find what you love to do. Its not just about the
pay packet. That isnt fulfilling enough. You have to love what you
are doing. It also helps to continually be improving your skills. Keep
training and keep developing.

Most of the things Ive learnt I have had to learn on the job. You dont
learn about dealing with politicians at university. You learn that by
doing it. I have had to learn to be flexible and to be open about things.
Ive also had to learn from my mistakes. The challenge is to learn from
them and not to make the same mistake again.
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
What flexibility do you have in your organisation?

You need to be a flexible employer these days to be able to attract and
keep good people. Its important to accommodate peoples life issues.
A lot of young people like to travel these days. Its not uncommon
for someone to want to take six months off for travel. So we can give
people that time off as leave without pay and they can be confident
that they have a job to come back to.
myweek
Meeting with the mayor
Follow up last nights meeting
Meeting with constituents
Prepare for next weeks meeting
Meeting with developers about

applications
Meeting with consultants on

council projects
Meeting with developers
Safety committee meeting

Management review meeting
Meeting with managers
Prepare for tonights council

meeting
My time!
Council meeting
94
11/8/06 10:47:41 AM
In s ide r in fo
Ian Newnham Principal engineer

Ian has been working as an engineer for over 40 years. His current
job role is principal engineer at WBM, an Australian company that
provides independent and totally integrated engineering consulting
services. WBM operates in elds such as the detailed design of
mechanical and electrical equipment, bulk-handling machinery,
provision of failure analysis/troubleshooting services, electric
controls, water and environmental services and naval design.
cv
engineer >>
field engineer >>

mechanical maintenance
superintendent >>
development engineer >>
assistant coal production
superintendent >>
assistant power station
superintendent >> manager
q&a
mine improvement >>

manager mine plant >>
What is your job?
business unit manager >>
I am principal engineer at WBM Pty Ltd (Gippsland). My job is to

provide engineering consultancy associated with the operation,
maintenance, and development of large bulk handling and continuous
mining equipment.
principal engineer

starting out?
Be proactive, start out young and get work experience with as many
engineering firms as you can. This will give you knowledge of the
many different fields of engineering available to you and help build a
network of people who can help build your career.

career?
I have had a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities during my
career with the opportunity to see projects through to completion.
I have also had the opportunity to travel with work both in Australia
and overseas.

Meeting tight deadlines and budgets of clients and sometimes having
work commitments that override home and social activities.
MYTH
corporate travel is
glamorous you get
to travel business
class and stay in
top rate hotels in
exotic locations
I grew up in a rural engineering environment and have been hands on

since I was 10 years old.
How has the engineering profession changed?
fact
Corporate travel can

be very tiring and
demanding, and you
might not get to do
much sightseeing.
Theres far more support available to help make decisions. In

mechanical engineering, there has been some advance in materials
and methods but many of the principles of the 19th and 20th century
still apply.
95
11/8/06 10:47:42 AM
Engineering
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.

It is open and informal, encouraging individual development.

in
Dont hang back, build a network and get involved in professional

bodies such as Young Engineers.
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
$$$
My work environment is very flexible and encourages me to seek the

jobs I enjoy.
myweek
Conduct analyses
Continue research and
design work
Inspect machinery
Talk to client about

requirements
Prepare reports
Mentoring
Supervise young engineers
Work in vegetable garden
after work
Model alternatives
Scouts
Go for run
Go to beach
Visit family
96
11/8/06 10:47:43 AM
In s ide r in fo
Stefania Narum Senior subsea engineer

Stefania has been an engineer for 15 years. She has spent the last ve
years working part time in order to achieve a better lifework balance
and has a young family. She currently works as a subsea engineering
consultant and more specically, she consults on oil and gas projects.
Some of this work involves working on concept studies for oil and
gas eld developments, coming up with designs and conducting cost
estimates.
cv
process surveillance
engineer >> instrumentation

engineer >> subsea
controls engineer >>
subsea project engineer >>
senior subsea engineer
q&a
What is your job?
My current job is Senior Subsea Engineer, working as a consultant on
oil and gas projects.
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).

Its not very creative and the subject matter can be dry (not exactly
interesting party conversation). There are not enough women in the
field which means pressure on me to prove myself in each new team.

I liked science and maths and wanted something that applied
knowledge in a practical way. I also wanted some travel opportunities.

Yes, most of the time, but I am very busy with a young family to raise. It
requires a lot of organisation, a supportive partner and good childcare.
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 else would you recommend engineers do for their

careers?
Improve communication skills.
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
11/8/06 10:47:44 AM
Engineering
before you became an engineer?
in
brief
$$$
quals
hrs/wk
100200K pro rata

BEng
20 on average,
sometimes up to 60
That your choice of professional career defines a major part of your

lifestyle, your social circle and your location.
What sort of flexibility do you have with your current job?

My job is very flexible. I have a great deal of autonomy, and input into
setting the work objectives and methods. Also, as I am part-time, I
have flexibility in doing the work from home and in the office, working
the hours required to meet the objectives.
myweek
Meeting in office
Check on priorities for work that is
scheduled to be done
Not working
Work on spreadsheet and action list

Call suppliers, work on report
Read supplier documentation,
take part in gas field development
concept study
Not working
Cost estimates, drawings for

detailed design
Brainstorm with draftspeople
Not working
School fete, swimming, music

lessons with children
Movies
Dinner with friends
Go for bush walk
98
11/8/06 10:47:45 AM
In s ide r in fo
In any profession, there are people who use their

qualifications and experience to do something different,
exceptional or unconventional. Others may combine their
passion for a cause, a sport or a special interest with
their chosen career.
Bruce Choy General manager, group

market risk
Bruce left engineering to take up a lucrative career in the banking
industry. He has been able to utilise the skills that he developed as
an engineer in the management of market risk to protect the banks
revenue. On a day-to-day basis he is involved with interest rates, foreign
exchange and commodity prices and needs to be able to take a wide
overview, while at the same time drill down to examine ne details.
cv
intern >> PhD
student >> research

associate >> academic
>> quantitative analyst >>
general manager, group
market risk
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.
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.

My chemistry teacher was an inspiration. He was a fun guy and he
had a big impact on me. I didnt want to do science because I wanted
to have a better chance of getting a job when I finished. Engineering
seemed a logical way to make a positive contribution to society. It
gave me a versatile launching platform.
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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.
What tips would you like to give young people just

starting out?
Regarding your choice of degree, thats simple: dont do anything
fancy. There are a lot of boutique degrees out there and a lot of them
will date. It can also be hard when youre interviewing someone
who has one of these fancy degrees. You dont really know what
they are capable of doing. With the more basic degrees, that is, a
civil, mechanical, electrical, aeronautical, chemical or mechanical
engineering degree, you know what the students are being taught.
They can always specialise later on. You end up being much more
versatile that way. The basic degrees cover the core competencies and
the graduates are easier to slide in to jobs. Undergraduate degrees
are too early for such specialisations. Those boutique degrees are
driven by marketing decisions. The universities that offer those
degrees are trying to capture a market by offering something different,
but in the end I think you are better off with one of the basic degrees
and specialising later.

Definitely people management. You dont get the touchy feely stuff at
uni. It just doesnt get covered in an engineering degree. I have found
that hard. Its also hard when you are making the decision about when
to keep someone on and when to let them go.
What is the best thing you did for your career?

Getting international experience.

You can become a technical expert, or move out of a technical field
and into management. And thats how most people progress their
careers, by moving into management.
What is the work culture like?

Its good throughout the company. People are civilised and its not
cutthroat. It has a nice feel to it.
100
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In s ide r in fo
in
What sort of flexibility do you have?

There are restrictions because of the nature of my work. We need
business coverage I need to be on site when the markets open, or
contactable. We have clear rules about delegation of authority for the
execution of deals. In terms of leave, the middle of November to the
middle of January is the preferred time for any longish leave.
I also need to stay around until the work gets done. Its just part of
the job.
brief
General manager, risk
management
$$$
quals
hrs/wk
60
lifework
work long hours, but

dont have to take
work home too often
flexibility
depends on the
opening of the
financial markets

I would like more life in the lifework balance, as there are so many
things to see and do in the world! It is important to get exercise and I
do martial arts training for a regular workout.
200300K
BEng (Chemical),
PhD, USyd
myweek
Conduct interviews
Team dinner to celebrate recent
good customer satisfaction
survey results
Review presentation materials

for UK banking regulations
Analyse proposal for new
business venture
Analyse mathematical risk

models
Write paper on update of
risk policies
Call the treasurer of

Indonesian bank to discuss the
devaluation of the rupiah
Meet with CEO of the bank

for a monthly review
Martial arts training

for exercise
Painting, home renovations
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 >>
trainee engineer, Olympic

Coordination Authority >>
development engineer,
GOAL >> lecturer and tutor,
UTS >> PhD research
student, UTS
Dominic Dowling PhD student

El Salvador was hit by two major earthquakes in 2001, in which
110 000 mud brick houses were turned to rubble. Dominic Dowling, a
development engineer at the time, went to some of the most affected
areas and helped in the distribution of blankets, mattresses and water
carriers but still felt that he could do more.
After a lot of thought and a lot of hard work, Dominic embarked on a
PhD project to make mud brick housing more durable in the event of
an earthquake and most importantly save lives.
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.
So that was how the idea came about?

Yeah, absolutely. I began to wonder how I could work to potentially
solve this problem.
When I returned to Australia I embarked on some simple testing using
the shake-table facility at the University of Technology, Sydney (UTS).
In effect, the project asked far more questions than it answered, but
that led me on to starting my PhD, which I commenced in early 2002.
To begin, I undertook a field research trip where I visited a number
of reconstruction projects, and tried to gauge the attitudes to mud
brick housing of the community members, the government, nongovernmental organisations and the media.
And what was the response of these people, particularly the

government?
I think the government acknowledged that it was a problem, but
considering the immensity of the need, their focus was on the
reconstruction of concrete-block houses. They werent putting any effort
into addressing the issue of mud brick construction. They were more or
less expecting the aid organisations to take on that responsibility.
102
11/8/06 10:47:47 AM
In s ide r in fo
Did the economic factor play a big part in the project?

Yes in developing countries if people can afford to build a nice
house, they probably wont build it out of mud brick, theyll build it
out of concrete block or fired-brick masonry. So what were looking at
are low-cost and low-tech solutions for mud brick housing.
Weve come up with a system that is simple and affordable and uses
locally available material. Thats really the only sustainable means
of addressing this problem. If you look at the number of mud brick
houses in El Salvador were talking about hundreds of thousands of
them theres no way that an organisation can come and supervise
the repair or the strengthening of every single one of them. On a
global scale, the needs are immense. What we endeavour to do is
to give some training and support so people can more or less get on
with it themselves. And for that to work, obviously it needs to be very
cheap and very simple.
So how does your system actually work?

For an existing structure you drill some holes through the wall, then
you put string through those holes, and fill the holes up with mud.
When the mud is dry, you put some bamboo poles vertically on each
face of the wall (on the inside and outside of the house) and tie those
on with the string. Then we run some fencing wire horizontally between
the bamboo poles at the top, middle and bottom of the wall loop it
around and tighten it up. Once that whole system is all together, weve
got an integrated matrix that behaves more or less like a netting.
What weve found in the testing is that it reduces the movement of
the wall in an earthquake. This means that the cracking is delayed.
The idea is that we prevent it from completely falling apart, and give
people time during a big earthquake to get out of their houses.
It also gives them a chance, after the event, to enter the house and collect
their possessions, even if the house has to be demolished and rebuilt.
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.
Tell us a bit about working overseas.

Ive been fortunate that Ive had a number of opportunities to travel and
work in El Salvador. Ive been there five times.
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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.
How did you deal with the language barrier?

Speaking Spanish really enriches the experience. Because Ive
travelled so much and worked so much in Latin America my Spanish is
fairly fluent although its a bit rusty at the moment.
I dont think its essential for people working overseas but I think it
really just adds tremendous amounts to the experience. To be able to
sit down and chat with people about the project and life in general.
Was this project more individual or team-based?

Ive had a tremendous amount of support from staff and fellow
students at UTS. Its such a big project that it wouldnt have been
possible to do it by myself. A lot of people have come on board
because they see the merit of it.
What have been the high points in the years it took to

complete your PhD?
The opportunities for overseas travel, which have been many and varied
from conferences in Canada, the US, Peru and Mexico, through to the
actual field research, which has mostly been done in El Salvador.
The other is that Im solving a very real problem working to save lives.
Were there any low points?

Its hard work. And at the end of the day, its my PhD, so I actually have
to produce something unique. There are no short cuts to doing a PhD.
Unless you follow that email you sometimes get: Send away $99 for
your PhD!
Financially, Im not earning a great amount of money. Ive been
fortunate to be on a scholarship, but certainly I havent been in a
capacity to save a lot of money or set myself up.
Where to from here?

The next step for me is the implementation. The plan is to run a training
program for perhaps a month and give people the confidence and
the capacity to implement this system themselves. I think that once
it gets going theres a good chance itll spread and Im constantly
encouraged by the people who support and believe in the project.
After this interview, Dominic appeared on the ABCs New Inventors

program, and has continued with the large-scale implementation of
his mud brick housing system.
104
11/8/06 10:47:49 AM
CareerFAQs-out 1.3
15/8/06
4:18 PM
Page 1
Dont get trapped

in an ofce
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
20060502 Advert Career FAQs.ind2 2
16/8/06 10:13:52 AM
IPWEA_full pg ad_247 x 171mm_cur1 1
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.

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11/8/06 10:47:50 AM
Engineering
Job title
Qualifications
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), Monash University
Project engineer
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical), University of

Sydney
Civil engineer
Bachelor of Engineering
Bachelor of Engineering, Australian Defence Force

Academy
Bachelor of Engineering, Bachelor of

Communications, University of Western Australia
Bachelor of Engineering (Environmental), Master of

Environmental Engineering (in progress)
General manager, design and construction
Project manager
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) Honours, Member

Institution of Engineers Australia
Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Science,

Flinders University
Associate Diploma in Engineering (Surveying), TAFE;

Bachelor of Surveying, University of Newcastle
Senior consultant
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical), University

of Sydney; Master of Business and Technology,
University of New South Wales
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical), University

of South Queensland; Master of Business
Administration, University of Queensland
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical)
Project manager
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), University of Sydney;

Diploma of Law
Senior designer
Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical)
Managing director
Bachelor of Engineering (Civil); Master of Business

Administration
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) Honours,

Sydney Technical College; Master of Business
Administration, University of Technology Sydney;
Master of Business and Technology, University of
New South Wales
General manager, design and engineering
Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical), University of

Sydney
General manager
Bachelor of Engineering, University of New South

Wales
Principal engineer
Diploma of Mechanical Engineering
General manager, risk management
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)
PhD researcher
Bachelor of Engineering, University of Technology,

Sydney, PhD in progress
Career FAQs qualication snapshot, 200506
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11/8/06 10:47:51 AM
Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
In this section we will look at university engineering courses and what

you can expect to learn in them, at undergraduate and postgraduate
levels. We also look briey at chartered engineer status and why you
might choose to pursue 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
Central Queensland University
University of Sydney
Deakin University
Griffith University
University of Technology,
Sydney
Monash University
James Cook University of

North Queensland
University of Newcastle
University of Wollongong
University of Western Sydney
Royal Melbourne Institute of

Technology
Swinburne University of
Technology
University of Ballarat
University of Melbourne
Queensland University of
Technology
University of Queensland
University of Southern
Queensland
Victoria University
Australian Capital Territory
South Australia
Western Australia
Australian National University
University of South Australia
University of Western Australia
University of Canberra
Flinders University
Murdoch University
Australian Defence Force

Academy
University of Adelaide
Edith Cowan University

Curtin University of Technology
Northern Territory
Tasmania
Charles Darwin University
University of Tasmania
Australian Maritime College
Australian universities with engineering courses
Most engineering degrees are designed to be completed in four years,

although some students spread the degree over a longer period.
Most institutions also offer double degrees, where you can combine
your engineering degree with a qualication from another faculty. For
example, you could combine your engineering degree with a science
degree and nish both in less time than it would take you to do each
degree separately. Depending on the institution, an engineering
degree can be completed as a dual degree with other degrees such
as: Arts, Science Economics, Commerce, Biotechnology, IT, Business
Management and others.
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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.
Where the rst year includes a lot of subjects common to all

engineering degrees, the second year will see you branching off into
coursework that is tailored specically to your chosen discipline. You
will also be building on the fundamentals from rst year and will be
continuing your study of subjects such as mathematics and physics.
112
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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:
Chemical engineering at the University of New South Wales
Civil engineering at the University of Queensland
Software engineering at the University of Queensland.

A Bachelor of Chemical Engineering is designed to equip students
with the knowledge and skills to work in any process industry. This
may include food processing, chemicals and pharmaceuticals, oil and
gas, and minerals.
Some chemical engineering courses may lead graduates into
jobs in sustainable and renewable energies, biotechnology and
nanotechnology. For example, the degree program at Monash
University in Melbourne has streams in:
biotechnology
materials and nanotechnology
paper technology
sustainable processing.
The course at the University of NSW is an example of a Bachelor of

Chemical Engineering. A breakdown of the subjects in each year
gives a good idea of the sorts of things that you will study before
you graduate.
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Engineering
Career prospects: Plant design, plant operation, process research,
process development, chemical manufacture, environmental
management, mineral engineering
Year 1
Introduction to the Chemical Industry

Introduction to Chemical Engineering
Fundamentals of Chemistry 1A
Fundamentals of Chemistry 1B
Mathematics 1A
Mathematics 1B
Engineering Drawing and Solid Modelling
Engineering Physics 1 or
Fundamentals of Physics
Communications and Business Skills or
Concepts in Engineering Physics
Year 2
Instrumental Analysis Theory

Instrumental Analysis Practical
Introduction to Numeric Methods
Material and Energy Balances
Fluid Flow
Heat Transfer
Chemical Engineering Practice 1
Introduction to Process Chemistry 1
Introduction to Process Chemistry 2
Mass Transfer
Electrical Engineering 1C
Mathematics 2A
Mathematics 2B
Applied Statistics
General Education
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
Example of a Bachelor of Chemical Engineering course

Source: University of NSW website www.unsw.edu.au
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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.

Another example of a typical, fundamental engineering course is the
Civil Engineering degree from the University of Queensland.
Civil Engineering remains one of the largest employment sectors for
engineers. A recent APESMA study examined employment status
across different engineering disciplines and found that environmental,
civil/structural and electrical engineers had the highest employment
rates for work in their chosen disciplines.
Students develop the skills necessary for design, construction and
project maintenance.
Career prospects: Road projects, consultancy firms, quality testing,
military, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, water engineering
Year 1
Introduction to Professional Engineering

Applied Mechanics
Physics and Engineering of Materials
Calculus and Linear Algebra I
Multivariate Calculus and Ordinary Differential Equations
Year 2
Environmental Issues, Monitoring and Assessment

Structural Mechanics
Traffic Flow Theory and Analysis
Calculus and Linear Algebra II
Analysis of Engineering and Scientific Data
Catchment Hydrology
Fundamentals of Soil Mechanics
Introduction to Structural Design
Reinforced Concrete Structures and Concrete Technology
Year 3
Fluid Mechanics for Civil Engineers

Geotechnical Engineering
Structural Analysis
Catchment Hydraulics: Open Channel Flow and Design
Structural Design
Transportation Systems Engineering
Year 4
Civil Design
Civil Engineering Management
Example of a Bachelor of Civil Engineering course

Source: University of Queensland website: www.uq.edu.au
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.
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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.
Career prospects: Programming, systems analysis and design,
computer resource management, systems engineers
Year 1
Introduction to Electrical Engineering

Introduction to Professional Engineering
Introduction to Software Engineering I
Calculus and Linear Algebra I
Introduction to Computer Systems
Multivariate Calculus and Ordinary Differential Equations
Programming in the Large
Discrete Mathematics
Year 2
Network and Operating Systems Principles

Calculus and Linear Algebra II
Introduction to Information Systems Algorithms
and Data Structures
Software Engineering Studio
Team Project I
Year 3
The Software Process

Software Specification
Team Project II
Year 4
Thesis Project
Example of a Bachelor of Software Engineering course

Source: University of Queensland website: www.uq.edu.au
As well as their major thesis project, students in their fourth year

will need to choose from a variety of electives that includes system
modelling, research methods and project management.
Some universities now offer more specialised engineering degrees,
where other universities offer a series of fundamental degrees with the
opportunity to choose specialisations within that degree. The choices can
be confusing but if you have a very good idea about the eld you want to
work in, then you might want to choose to specialise straight away.
However, it is worth considering that if demand drops off for engineers
in that eld by the time you graduate, you could nd it harder to nd
work with a more narrowly focused degree. By specialising, you are
narrowing down the areas in which you can work, whereas with one
of the more fundamental degrees, you can choose to specialise at
a later date and it is easier to move between elds. It is important to
look at the pros and cons of each and to make an informed decision.
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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.
Chartered Engineer status

After you have acquired your qualications, it is possible to aim
for Chartered Engineer status. Chartered status represents a
standard of competency and experience to employers, associates
and peers. It is managed by Engineers Australia and by having
Chartered status you can demonstrate that you meet a certain
standard of professional performance.
Not all engineers are interested in obtaining Chartered status,
and it is your choice, although some employers and clients highly
recommend it. In some organisations it can affect your chances
for promotion and your remuneration. Currently, there are
approximately 27,000 engineers in Australia who have Chartered
status. If you are interested in obtaining Chartered status,
contact Engineers Australia and join one of its Professional
Development Programs (PDP).
find out
more
www.engineersaustralia.org.
au/education
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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:
Where to look for engineering jobs
How to write an attention grabbing cover letter
Writing a great rsum
Planning and managing your career
Interview skills how to stand out at the interview.
How are people recruited?

There are many ways to nd an engineering job. A lot of people tend
to focus only on job listings in newspapers and on websites, but there
are many jobs that are never advertised. This section will outline
the avenues available for the job seeker, and will show you where to
look for the best engineering jobs and how to tap into the hidden job
market. You can uncover job opportunities through:
newspapers
careers fairs
Internet
graduate programs
industry journals
recruitment agencies.
tapping the hidden job market
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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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
Fisita for automotive engineers (international site, but has some

Australian jobs listed) www.sita.com
Jobsearch Australian government job database

www.jobsearch.gov.au
Public Service Gazette Australian Public Service employment

opportunities www.psgazetteonline.gov.au
National Engineering Employment Database (NEED) Engineers

Australias job database www.engineercareer.com.au
Engineering Jobs Australia www.engineeringjobs.net.au
Expat Engineering Job Network www.expatengineer.net
Byron Employment www.employment.byron.com.au
It is also worthwhile looking at individual employer sites, as many of

them will have a careers page that will include the latest engineering
job vacancies. Bookmark organisations where you would be interested
in working, and check their websites regularly for job vacancies.
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
Tapping the hidden job market

When you apply for a job that has been advertised, it pays to research
the companys competitors too. It will help you in the interview, but
even if you dont get the job you can approach the competitors and
make yourself known to them. Even if they dont have a job vacancy
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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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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
Kelly Engineering Resources www.kellyservices.com.au
Ambit Engineering Recruitment www.ambitengineering.com.au
Technical Careers and Contracts www.tad.com.au
AAAI Group www.aaai.com.au
Hays www.hays.com.au
Tanner Menzies www.tannermenzies.com.au
Australian Corporate Recruitment www.acrworld.com
You can contact a recruitment agency when you see an advertisement

that has been placed by the agency, but it is also worthwhile
contacting a few specialist agencies, even if they dont currently
have any jobs on their books that suit you. When you register with
an agency, you will probably be called in for an interview so that the
recruiter can get to know you better and gain some insight into your
experience and career goals.
By getting in early you can nd out about new job vacancies before
they are advertised and may be called in for an interview before other
candidates.
When meeting with a recruitment consultant, it is important to
remember a few key points.
Treat the meeting as you would a job interview with a

possible employer.
Take a copy of your rsum with you, and make sure that it is
up to date.
Prepare as for an interview with an employer think about possible

questions that the recruiter could ask you and prepare your answers.
Dress in a professional manner and be on time, courteous

and professional.
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.
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What are recruiters looking for?

Recruiters are in a unique position to offer advice to people looking
for work as they spend most of their time reading applications,
interviewing potential employees, and speaking to engineering
managers, HR managers and others about their requirements.
The employers and recruiters we spoke to suggested that
interviewees should:
do their homework on the company
be professional, well presented and prepared
be personable
have a good understanding of the job that has been advertised
demonstrate knowledge and an ability to do the job.
The recruiters we interviewed spoke about the employment process

and the ingredients for success.
Claire Garrett, Ambit Engineering Recruitment
Edward Allnut, Hays Engineering
Richard Osborne, Kelly Engineering Resources.
Clare Garrett Ambit Engineering Recruitment

As a recruitment consultant working specically with engineers,
Clare has a wide range of experience in all aspects of the recruitment
process and has a very good understanding of what makes a
successful candidate.
Ambit Engineering Recruitment is part of the Ambit group and
specialises in recruitment in the following elds:
oil and gas
engineering consulting
aerospace
procurement
manufacturing/industrial
telecommunications
logistics
materials handling.
construction and infrastructure
The company recruits on a permanent and contract basis, covers

all engineering disciplines and has ofces in Sydney, Melbourne,
Brisbane and Perth.
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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.
What are some of the extra things you can do?

Make sure that you understand the lingo that is used in the industry.
The jargon might seem like a small thing, but it can make a big
difference.
It is also important to know where you want to go with your career.
Where do you see yourself progressing? What type of job are you
looking for? And how do you see your career path developing?
Edward Allnut Hays Engineering

Edward is responsible for placing engineers in positions in the private
and public sector. He specialises in engineering, has a wide range of
experience and spends a lot of his time interviewing engineers and
reading rsums and applications for jobs.
Hays Engineering is part of the Hays group, which is one of Australias
largest recruitment agencies. Hays Engineering specialises in
recruiting engineers in many different disciplines, from electrical,
civil, and structural, through to mechanical engineering and others.
The company has ofces in Parramatta, Sydney, Townsville, Brisbane,
Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth.
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.
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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.
What advice do you have for engineers in an interview

situation?
It is important to find something substantial that you have done
whether it is engineering-related or not. Talk about something where
you have excelled and distinguished yourself.
If you are a recent graduate then talk about student competitions
you might have won, or how you successfully worked in a team to
accomplish something. Even if you were working a holiday job, you
might have had to deal with suppliers or difficult customers. Use any
of that, because it shows the interviewer something about how you
handle yourself.
What are some of the hot engineering jobs at the moment?

Process engineering, civil engineering and construction are the hot areas
right now. But there is a massive skills shortage across the engineering
profession and it is hard to find good graduates in most disciplines.
Richard Osborne Kelly Engineering Resources

Richard is a recruitment consultant at Kelly Engineering Resources,
a business unit of Kelly Services which specialises in recruitment of
ofce, contact centre, IT&T, banking, nance, accounting, scientic
and engineering staff for permanent and contract positions. The
company covers all of the major engineering disciplines, and the
recruitment professionals who work there are mostly qualied
engineers, or individuals who have relevant experience in industry.
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.
What trends are you seeing in the industry?

There is a real shortage of engineers in Australia at the moment. Its
getting to the point where we are looking for engineers from overseas
for jobs here.
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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.
What process do you follow when you work?

We will take a job order for a client and then we will look through
our database for anyone who might fit the specification. Then we will
cast out for people through all the major job boards. We use Seek,
MyCareer and CareerOne as well as some others.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out?

Choose your field very carefully. Just because an area is popular now
doesnt mean that it will be when you graduate. Do your research
and watch the trends. Look at emerging markets. Right now we need
structural engineers. But that might not always be the case. There are
also some areas that you just need to keep away from. For example,
there isnt a great need for aerospace engineers in Sydney. Also, a lot
of manufacturing is moving offshore.
What attributes make a good engineer?

You need to be keen. You need to have a genuine interest in the field.
Whatever course you are doing, dont just do it because your mates
are doing it. Find what you love and do that. You need to have a fire in
your belly about your field, and youll be doing it for a long time, so it
might as well be something that you are passionate about.
What career advice would you give to young engineers?

You need to be strategic about your career these days. Look at where
you want to go with your career. Join Engineers Australia, maybe
take part in the graduate program there. Look at the employers who
have programs through EA and see if you can work at one of those
companies. Look at continuing education. Maybe look at doing an MBA.
Which candidates really stand out in the interview?

Its the people who have that sparkle in their eye. Its not just about
talking the talk, you need something more than that to really stand
out. You need to be informed about the industry and the field in which
you work. You need to look professional and it helps if you know what
you want to do with your life.
What are some of the harder questions you ask candidates?

I will ask people why they have moved around between jobs if they
havent had a good track record, and I will look at odd decisions that
candidates might have made.
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I also tend to ask people behavioural-type questions and get them

to tell me how they have reacted in certain situations in the past. I
believe that prior reactions predict future outcomes.
I also ask people hypothetical questions and that can sometimes
throw people. It really helps if the candidate has thought through
some of these things before he or she meets for an interview.
Stand out from the crowd
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.
While engineers need to

be able to work on their
own, they also need to
be able to work with
team members, and be
able to communicate
their ideas to clients,
managers and possibly
the public as well.
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
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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 cover letter
response to selection criteria.
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
Your name and

contact details
Sydney NSW 2000

Phone: 02 1234 5678
Mobile: 0411 123 456
Email: Karen.smith@domainname.com.au
PRO FILE
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:
project was
exchanger (the
g of a new heat
Achievements
commissionin Ability to multitask and to run large-scale projects
installation and
Managed the
led to
r budget)
cy which has
time and unde
cien
on
effi
d
in
plete
ent
com
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
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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
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ool for 22199
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Process Engineer,
Engineer: February 2001 April 2003
gy
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noloProject
Techthen
tre
illation Column
& Reliability CenPak-U-Lite Pty Ltd
Courses Dist
Power Quality
Other/Training
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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
EDU CAT ION
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
lied upon requ
Your referees
References supp
You can see a full-sized version of this rsum in Appendix 4.
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Potential employers will assess you on the strength of your rsum,

and it is important that you make the most of this tool. The most
common format for rsums is the chronological format where
the rsum lists your employment history (usually) in reverse
chronological order.
Include your referees current job titles, employers and contact details
and make sure you warn them!
If you are a recent graduate and dont have a substantial history
of engineering work experience, list all of your part-time or other
work experience. Even if it is not engineering-related, the skills and
experience you have gathered can give a prospective employer an
idea about how you could t into their organisation.
Tips: Rsum writing
Ensure your rsum is easy to read use a clear layout

and a simple font in size 12.
Keep the format simple and consistent check your

paragraph indents, and font sizes and use them
throughout your rsum.
Dont use fancy paper for your rsum. Just use a good
quality white paper and print only on one side.
Include your results and achievements in previous

positions, with specic measurable detail where possible.
Tailor your rsum use keywords from the job

advertisement and make it relevant to the companys
core business.
Use active language like improved, streamlined, saved,

managed, created, designed, and implemented.
Use your name and the word rsum in the le name so

that your document will be easily identiable.
Dont use a funny email address, such as robtheyob@

yahoo.com, as this looks unprofessional.
Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and then get

someone else to check it too.
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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
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
Sign your letter
You can see a full-sized version of this cover letter in Appendix 5
130
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sample resumes and cover letters from Career FAQs
11/8/06 10:48:09 AM
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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.
Tips: The cover letter
Avoid gimmicks. It is one thing to have your cover

letter stand out from the pack, but its another thing
to resort to cheap gimmicks in order to do so. DONT
include a photograph with your cover letter, or perfume
your letter, or write it on brightly coloured paper.
Use correct spelling and grammar. Use your computers

spellcheck function (and make sure it is set for
Australian English). Re-read the letter. If in doubt, look
up the word in a standard dictionary.
Show your potential employer how well you can

address their problems and meet their needs.
Make sure your cover letter is specic to the

requirements listed in the job advertisement.
Keep your cover letter concise. A long cover letter will

almost certainly NOT be read.
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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.
1. Sound knowledge of civil engineering principles and methodologies relating to the

planning, design, construction and maintenance of transport infrastructure
2. Demonstrated ability in project managing design and construction activities for
transport infrastructure projects
3. Demonstrated effectiveness in organising, coordinating and leading project teams
4. Demonstrated ability to consult and negotiate with and communicate effectively
with staff, external groups and individuals and express ideas clearly and concisely
in both written and oral form
5. Demonstrated ability to analyse complex situations and make clear decisions and
creative judgements on actions to be taken
Source: Queensland Government jobs website www.jobs.qld.gov.au
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The STAR system is one of the more common ways of responding to

selection criteria and requires you to address each criterion in the
following way:
Situation detail a specic situation from your experience that relates
to the criterion
Task outline the specic tasks that you were responsible for
Action state the action or actions that you took to achieve the
desired result
Result detail the results you achieved for the particular situation.
Here is an example of the STAR response for the selection criterion 3
shown above.
3. Demonstrated effectiveness in organising, coordinating and leading project teams

I have worked in teams ranging in size from three to 30, and have had extensive
experience in choosing team members, coordinating and leading project teams.
In my current position I was the project team leader responsible for the design
and construction of the MacArthur Bridge in Brisbane. Once I was assigned the
role of team leader, I selected the team members from our organisation and
assigned each member his or her role on the project. I managed the project from
initial concept through to completion. I ran regular project meetings to update all
parties on the progress of the project and coordinated the interaction between
key team members, including those from our organisation as well as external
contractors, the clients organisation and other parties. I managed the budget and
negotiated prices with external parties, and was able to ensure that the project
was completed a month ahead of schedule and under budget.
Apart from engineering-related issues, some selection criteria will

include such things as:
OH&S Occupational Health and Safety
EEO Equal Employment Opportunity

Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) relates to the health and
safety of a workplace and the practices of employees and employers.
OH&S requirements relate to the protection of the health and safety
of people in the workplace, putting in place procedures that must be
followed by all people in that workplace.
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Engineering
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.
Tips: Selection criteria
Read the selection criteria and the rest of the

job advertisement carefully and identify the key
information required for each one.
Research the requirements of the position speak to

people, use the Internet and other sources.
Get any other relevant information from the employer,

such as an information kit relating to the position.
Make sure that you present your skills and experience

in a way that meets the listed criteria.
Provide specic examples of work you have done that

illustrate your points.
Address each selection criterion separately.
Use positive language.
Give yourself adequate time to complete your responses.
Ensure you spend enough time on the standard

criteria. This might include your responses to EEO and
OH&S policies.
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11/8/06 10:48:12 AM
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How can I stand out at the interview?

The candidates who stand out during interviews are professional,
knowledgeable, experienced and have a great attitude. They give the
impression that they would be rewarding to work with, and they all
have something that helps interviewers remember them. That extra
something could be an amusing, but relevant anecdote that you tell.
Or it could be an achievement or an approach to a problem that you
describe that really stands out in the interviewers minds.
This section will help you make an impact and stand out from the
crowd by giving you that little something extra that can make all the
difference.

Interviews are a key element in landing a job, and in order to stand out
at an interview, it is vital that you prepare well. Research the company
and review the companys products and services, locations, any recent
changes in business structure and operations (mergers, acquisitions,
new product lines and similar information), and its competitors. A
lot of this information can be obtained from the companys website.
Other sources for information include libraries, company reports,
newspapers and magazines (for example, Sydney Morning Herald,
Age, Australian Financial Review, BRW).
When we interview for graduate positions, were looking to gain
a good understanding of the experience the candidate has (be it
engineering work experience or life experience) and any special
skills and attributes they would bring to the company. We
might also want to know what motivates them and where they
see themselves in five years time. There are no right or wrong
answers, were just looking at how their unique qualities would
fit within our organisation to make sure that the successful
candidate and Brown Consulting will be able to build a good
working relationship together.
find out
more
See a list of sample
questions in Appendix 6.
Dawn Dean, Brown Consulting
It is also a good idea to go over some possible questions that you

could be asked. It is much easier to prepare your answers ahead of
time, when you dont have to deal with the nerves and time pressures
of an interview situation.
135
11/8/06 10:48:13 AM
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.

When introduced to the interviewers make sure that you smile, make
eye contact and offer a rm handshake. Then let the interviewer lead
the discussion. Listen carefully and respond to his or her questions.
You should be professional at all times, even if the interviewer isnt.
But make sure that you ask questions too. The interview is your
chance to nd out more about the company, the people who work
there, and the opportunities offered. By asking intelligent and relevant
questions, you are showing the interviewer that you understand the
nature of the job and have some knowledge about the company. The
act of asking questions of the interviewer can also help the discussion
by engaging the interviewer in a way that other applicants havent and
can open up the process to be more free owing and natural. Asking
insightful questions is an excellent way to stand out from the crowd.
These days, I can usually pick the person I want in five minutes.
Despite all the questions I might ask, it is usually that simple.
The person who stands out during the interview stage does so
from the moment you meet them. It starts with the handshake,
a smile on the persons face and an enthusiasm that he or she
will have. There is a commitment that you pick up on and that
can make all the difference. It also helps if the person knows
something about your organisation and how you work. It also
helps to ask good questions about the organisation. I like it
when someone asks me about our plans for the future.
Chris Watson, General manager, Rockdale Council, Sydney
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
11/8/06 10:48:14 AM
Re ady, s e t,
go for it!
Top ten DOs

1
Maintain a positive and condent attitude.
Make sure you are well dressed.
Listen carefully to questions and instructions.
Highlight what benets you can bring to the company.
Use your own real experiences to answer questions.
Show passion and enthusiasm for the position.
Make sure you promote your strengths and sell yourself.
Let the employer know you have a clear career plan.
Have an understanding of the job and what will be

expected of you.
10 Have a list of prepared questions to ask about the

company and the position.
Top ten DONTs

1
Dont arrive late to the interview.
Dont mutter or use too many umms and ahhs.
Never leave your mobile phone or other electronic

devices on.
Dont exaggerate your previous experiences or skills.
Never arrive unprepared, with no knowledge of the company.
Avoid talking about negative experiences you have had.
Make sure you dont seem bored or uninterested.
Avoid answering questions with vague or confusing answers.
Dont be unprofessional or impolite.
10 Try not to dget or show how nervous you are.
137
11/8/06 10:48:14 AM
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
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
11/8/06 10:48:16 AM
Engineering
140
11/8/06 10:48:16 AM
B uz z words
Buzz words
AI
artificial intelligence
ACEA
Association of Consulting Engineers Australia
ADFA
Australian Defence Force Academy
APESMA
Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists

and Managers, Australia
BA
Bachelor of Arts degree
BEng
Bachelor of Engineering degree
BSc
Bachelor of Science degree
CAD
computer aided drafting
CEO
Chief Executive Officer
chartered
certified by Engineers Australia, to a certain

standard of competency and experience
combined degree
where two degrees are combined, for example,

BEng/BSc
core subject
a subject that is fundamental to the degree (i.e. a

compulsory, non-elective subject)
CP Eng
Chartered Professional Engineer
CPE
continuing professional education
Doctorate
See PhD
double degree
where two faculties allow you to combine studies

for the award of two degrees, for example, BEng/
BSc
EEO
elective
A subject you can choose (i.e. non-core subject)
Engineers Australia
the largest professional body for engineers in

Australia
EPA
Environmental Protection Authority
HECS
Higher Education Contribution Scheme
HR
human resources
HSC
Higher School Certificate
IEAust
The Institution of Engineers Australia, now known as

Engineers Australia
IMEA
Institute of Materials Engineering Australasia
IPWEA
Institute of Public Works Engineering Australia
ISO
International Organisation for Standardisation
LAN
local area network
MBA
Master of Business Administration
MIE Australia
Member of the Institution of Engineers Australia
OH&S
OIC
officer in charge
141
11/8/06 10:48:17 AM
Engineering
PhD
Doctor of Philosophy, the highest level of university

degree
resources boom
increased global demand for resources, including

Australias iron ore and coal, having the effect
of greatly increasing the earnings of our mining
companies
SPC
statistical process control
telco
a telecommunications company
USyd
UQ
UNSW
Unoversity of New South Wales
UTS
University of Technology, Sydney
142
11/8/06 10:48:18 AM
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
Bachelor degree graduates: employment and starting salaries (%), 2005

Reproduced with the kind permission of Graduate Careers Australia,
www.graduatecareers.edu.au
143
11/8/06 10:48:18 AM
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
Australian National University
Mechatronic Systems
Telecommunication Systems
Materials and Mechanical

Systems
Digital Systems
Electronic Systems
Environmental Systems
Photonic Systems
Manufacturing and
Management Systems
Sustainable Energy Systems
www.anu.edu.au
University of Canberra
Software
Software Engineering/Business Informatics
www.canberra.edu.au
144
11/8/06 10:48:20 AM
Appe n dixe s
New South Wales

Aerospace
Mining
Bioinformatics
Naval Architecture
Chemical
Petroleum
Civil
Photonic
Computer
Electrical
Photovoltaics and Solar

Energy
Environmental
Renewable Energy
Industrial Chemistry
Software
Manufacturing Management
Mechanical
Surveying and Spatial

Information Systems
Mechatronic
Telecommunications
www.unsw.edu.au
Aeronautical
Electrical
Mechanical
Computer
Mechanical (Biomedical)
Software
Mechatronics
Telecommunications
Chemical
e-Commerce
Civil
www.eng.usyd.edu.au
University of Technology, Sydney
Civil
Innovation
Civil and Environmental
Mechanical
Computer Systems
Mechanical and Mechatronic
Construction
Software
Electrical
Telecommunications
www.eng.uts.edu.au
145
11/8/06 10:48:20 AM
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
University of Western Sydney
Civil
Environmental
Computer
Mechatronics and Robotics
Electrical
Telecommunications
www.uws.edu.au
Northern Territory
Charles Darwin University
Previously Northern Territory University
Civil
Aerospace
Electrical and Electronics
Mechatronics
Mechanical
Naval Architecture
www.cdu.edu.au
146
11/8/06 10:48:21 AM
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
James Cook University of North Queensland
Chemical
Electrical and Electronic
Civil
Environmental
Computer Systems
Mechanical
www.eng.jcu.edu.au
Queensland University of Technology
Electrical and Computer
Infomechatronics
Computer Systems
Medical
Telecommunications
Civil
Aerospace Avionics
Software

Management
Mechanical
Chemical
Mechatronic
Chemical and Metallurgy
Minerals Process
Civil
Mining
Environmental
Computer Systems
Materials
Electrical
Mechanical
Software
Mechanical and Space
www.bee.qut.edu.au
www.eng.uq.edu.au
147
11/8/06 10:48:22 AM
Engineering
University of Southern Queensland
Agricultural
Civil
Computer Systems
Environmental
Software
Electrical, Electronic and

Computer
Mechanical
Mechatronic
www.usq.edu.au
South Australia
University of South Australia
Civil
Telecommunications
Computer Systems
Mechanical and
Manufacturing
Electrical and Mechatronic
Electronics and
Microengineering
www.unisa.edu.au
Flinders University
Biomedical with BSc
Computer
Software
www.infoeng.inders.edu.au
University of Adelaide
Aerospace
Automotive
Mechanical
Chemical
Mechatronic
Civil and Structural
Petroleum
Software
Computer Systems
Telecommunications
www.adelaide.edu.au
148
11/8/06 10:48:23 AM
Appe n dixe s
Tasmania
Australian Maritime College
Marine and Offshore

Systems
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

Systems
Environmental
Aerospace
Telecommunications
Biomedical
Industrial Engineering and

Engineering Management
Materials
www.eng.monash.edu.au
149
11/8/06 10:48:23 AM
Engineering
Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology
Aerospace
Chemical
Mechanical
Electrical
Manufacturing
Computer
Civil
www.rmit.edu.au
Swinburne University of Technology
Civil
Product Design
Mechanical
Robotics and Mechatronics
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
11/8/06 10:48:24 AM
Appe n dixe s
Western Australia
University of Western Australia
Applied Ocean Science
Mineral Processing Systems
Civil
Mining Systems
Environmental
Offshore and Naval

Architecture
Information Technology
Oil and Gas
Materials
Petroleum
Mechanical
Process
Mechatronics
Software
www.uwa.edu.au
Murdoch University
Software
Industrial Computer Systems
Instrumentation and Control
Renewable Energy
Computer Systems
www.murdoch.edu.au
Edith Cowan University
Communication Systems
Electronic Systems
www.ecu.edu.au
Curtin University of Technology
Mining Geology
Mechanical
Petroleum
Chemical
Civil
www.curtin.edu.au
151
11/8/06 10:48:25 AM
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
11/8/06 10:48:26 AM
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:
Ability to multitask and to run large-scale projects
Excellent financial management, budgeting and reporting skills able to bring a project
to completion on (or under) budget
Very skilled time management able to complete projects on time.
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
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.

153
11/8/06 10:48:26 AM
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
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
Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)

Graduated in 1999
Secondary
North Sydney Girls High School HSC 1994
Other/Training Courses Distillation Column Technology

Integral Energy Power Quality & Reliability Centre
MS-Project (Advanced); Online course
Project Management Skills
Engineering Sustainable Solutions Program
C OM PU T E R SKI L L S
MS-Project, Word, Excel, Java
M E M BE RSH I PS
Member of Engineers Australia
RE F E RE E S
References supplied upon request
154
11/8/06 10:48:27 AM
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

155
11/8/06 10:48:28 AM
Engineering
Appendix 6
Possible interview questions
What were your best subjects at university?
What did you like most (and least) about university?
Could you have performed better at university?
Why do you want this job?
Why did you choose this type of work?
What do you think this job entails?
Why do you want to work for our company?
What other jobs are you applying for?
What are your strengths?
What are your weaknesses?
Where do you want to be in ve years time?
Are you a leader or a follower?
Why should we give you this job?
Why did you leave your last job?
What can you do for our company?
What would you do if you disagreed with your boss on a major

decision?
Describe the best (and worst) boss you have had
What do you want from a company that employs you?
How long would you want to stay in this job?
How do you respond to pressure?
What have been your biggest successes (and failures)?
156
11/8/06 10:48:29 AM
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.
Aerospace, Mechanical &

Mechatronic Engineering
Chemical & Biomolecular
Engineering
Civil Engineering
Electrical & Information Engineering
www.eng.usyd.edu.au
84310_SEK0092F_250x176
16/12/05
5:08 PM
Page 1
Want to make todays dreams

tomorrows technology?
Enrol in the UWS Bachelor of
Engineering degree and you can:
4Experience many facets of
Engineering before selecting
your area of specialisation
4Graduate with professional

accreditation from
Engineers Australia
4Specialise in Civil, Computer,

Electrical, Environmental,
Robotics and Mechatronics,
Telecommunication or
Satellite and Space
Communications Engineering
For more information, contact

our Course Information Centre
on Freecall 1800 897 669
4Choose from full time

and reduced load exible
study options
4Participate in industry based
projects and placements
locally and internationally
4Study Honours in your
nal year
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
The world is safer with Thales
www.thalesgroup.com
84310_SEK0092E_250x176
16/12/05
12:40 PM
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The big picture

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The private sector

What are employers looking for?

Charmaine Dunstan Trafx Group

Michelle Nicholls Arup

Melissa Johnson Ergon Energy

Dawn Dean Brown Consulting

Warren Sharpe Roads and Recreation Services

What support organisations exist?

Association of Professional Engineers, Scientists and Managers

Specialist engineering groups

What do real people say about their jobs?

Jenny* Graduate civil engineer

David Lockie Civil engineer

Yok Chung RAAF engineering ofcer

Brad Fuge Senior geotechnical engineer

Cath Waters Environmental engineer

Andrew Goelst General manager, design and construction

John Fascio Project manager

David Hobbs Senior rehabilitation engineer

Venessa OConnell Hydrographic surveyor

Euston Ling Senior consultant

Paul Sechi Senior project planner

Colin Shum Senior radio planner

Sally* Project manager

Rupert Scheiner Senior designer

Peter Fielder Managing director

Terry Fagan Manager, network investment

Pat Lockley General manager, design and engineering

Chris Watson General manager, local government

Ian Newnham Principal engineer

Stefania Narum Senior subsea engineer

Bruce Choy General manager, group market risk

Dominic Dowling PhD student

Ready, set, go for it!

What can I expect to learn?

Bachelor of Chemical Engineering

Bachelor of Civil Engineering

Bachelor of Software Engineering

Tapping the hidden job market

What are recruiters looking for?

Edward Allnut Hays Engineering

Richard Osborne Kelly Engineering Resources

Stand out from the crowd

Occupational Health and Safety