What's your job about?
I work for BCD Group which is a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy as a civil engineer in which I am responsible for civil design and client communication on residential, commercial/industrial and community projects. On a day-to-day basis I do calculations surrounding potable water supply, stormwater, wastewater and pavements, and the associated reporting and specifications that go alongside these. I am also responsible for modelling landforms and 3-waters, and producing a drawing set that can be used for the construction of the civil design elements of a project. Civil engineering has cross-over with almost all other engineering disciplines and requires a lot of co-ordination with others, both co-workers and external consultants, to develop a good design.
My typical day starts off with a bit of a catch up with workmates in the kitchen, making breakfast and drinking coffee. I’ll then address any important emails before jumping into design work. I also provide technical support to graduates coming through the company. As I have multiple jobs that I am managing, I have a few hours blocked out every week for client communication and checking in on the progress of any jobs that are under my supervision.
What's your background?
I was born and bred in Hamilton and moved to Wellington to study Architecture when I was 18. I took a break after the first year as I wasn’t 100% sure Architecture was for me. I worked as a swim teacher during this time and even moved to Canada for 6 months to teach at a summer camp. In 2019 I returned to New Zealand and signed up to start studying again in 2020. I got an internship with BCD in the structural draughting team at the end of 2021 and got offered a full-time position in the civil team at the start of 2022, and now I’m coming up to 2 years in my current role.
I think my parents have had a huge influence on me and how I tackle the problems I encounter. My parents own and run their own successful business. Neither of them went to university, they both just taught themselves everything they needed to know along the way. I remember growing up, and always seeing my dad working incredibly hard and having a go at everything that was thrown his way. I think this rubbed off on me a bit, I am never one to shy away from a challenge or an opportunity.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
For sure. I think if you came into it with the right mindset and good energy then you would be able to learn everything you would need to know from your peers, and mentors. You’ve got to come into it curious and asking why. If you never understand why you are doing something, you will never be able to find alternative solutions where the typical solution doesn’t work. You will also never be able to impart that knowledge to others. I think energy is another important thing to bring into the job. You can train calculations, software, and other practical skills, but you can’t train a good attitude.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
I really enjoy stepping outside of my area of expertise and learning about what other disciplines do (for example surveying or fire engineering). The more I learn about other areas, the better I am at seeing a project as a whole product rather than just my civil design elements. This allows me to pick up on things that might require co-ordination or further analysis which results in a much better outcome for the client. There is a huge range of experience levels in the company, I just get up and go have a chat with someone.
What are the limitations of your job?
Personally, I hit the ground running and never really stopped. Just when you start to get comfortable, you get a more challenging project that will push you back outside of your comfort zone. Sometimes, that can get overwhelming, and for me – a ‘yes’ girl, it was important to acknowledge when I was at my limit and communicate that back to my mentors so that I could get the help that I needed.
There are some long hours sometimes when you are in the grind of it. People work overtime for their own benefits though, there really is no company pressure to do this.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student: