What's your job about?
Stantec provides engineering services to private and public clients including water, transportation, buildings, and community development, and my area of responsibility is in the structural engineering space. My work ensures structures maintain their strength and functionality and involves coordinating with architects, engineers, fabricators, and suppliers to solve any problems that may arise.
My typical day at work would be to get in early, read my emails and write a plan for the day. Depending on my schedule, I usually grab a coffee with my mates too. Currently, I’m working on the detailed design of Cartwright Road, Auckland, where I’ve designed a long retaining wall and wingwall connected to a concrete box culvert. I have just sent the calculation package to my reviewer who is a Principal Structural Engineer, for him to review my work. Later this afternoon, I will be heading off to Akarana to carry out a site inspection. Obviously, my day varies, but I’m out and about quite a lot, but this is what is expected of you when you’re a structural engineer.
I think this depends on who the teenager is, but for the majority of the teenagers reading this – they might not. An interesting detail about my job is that for any structure out there – say from a tall building, bridges or even theme park, they wouldn’t be as they are without structural engineers. We’re the backbone to any structure in the world. If we fail the rest fails.
What's your background?
I was born in Fiji but moved to Tuvalu for a few years (my parents are both from Tuvalu). Then I went to Australia when I was about 5-6 years old. I went to a kindergarten at Nightcliff in Darwin. This was because my mother was studying in Australia at that time. After she completed her studies, we returned home (Tuvalu).
I think one of the most important stages of my life was when I left my parents to attend school in Fiji. This was when I was 11 years old. My grandmother raised all of us kids, and I was out of touch with home. This was the hardest moment for me. It was fine for the first few weeks, but as soon as I picked up the phone to call home, this was when it was $1/min international calls, very expensive because the net was still developing. As soon as my grandmother says “Talofa” (hello), I would burst into tears. Days, months, and years pass and then you adapt. It's amazing how the mind and the body grow.
Moving on, to university was a big step. I thought I would not have to study too hard but man I was so wrong! What made it better was that I made a few friends, brothers and sisters, also from the Pacific Islands, and this made it more fun and easier. You still had to study hard, but this time I had some company.
Now I’m married and I have two children – who can be annoying but beautiful! I think University is way easier than having a family. Having a family is when life gets tough, but as I mentioned before your mind and body adapt and we get wiser. I have been experiencing life with the whanau (extended family and community), and I’m looking forward to when my kids are grown up and independent.
I got my current job after graduating, and most importantly through my friend Alex Gillon. Moving countries is hard, and Alex made it easier to join Stantec. Initially, I came to NZ for my wife to give birth to our second child and he had a few health issues, so we decided to stay here. I already had 3-4 years of construction background back home, but I switched to consultancy to spend more time with my whanau. I have been with Stantec for about a year now and I can say I have learnt a lot from my seniors.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
I think the most important skill is good communication. I personally think some are born with this, but others, like myself, have to learn this skill. But as with anything, you can master it over time. Be patient and keep working on it every single day. You also need to be good at technical work, and it helps to be good at maths and physics too.
Self-discipline is a very important characteristic as well.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The thing I love the most about my job is the people. The people you work and communicate with to solve problems. The job is tiring some days, but I keep on pushing and I try to get more rest. Sometimes it might not be the job, it’s just that you did not get enough sleep the night before!
The task I enjoy the most is problem solving, especially when you have to discuss this with your seniors and can learn from them. I have not been in the business too long, but when the project is delivered, and you see your design coming to life, that’s when you know you’re doing the right thing.
What are the limitations of your job?
At this stage of my career, I do bare some responsibilities but not as much compared to my seniors. I do not have to work on the weekends. I do go on walks though - and take some exercise which helps to maintain focus. Some clients are demanding, and some are more relaxed. It varies, but you still have to balance work with your personal life. I think the biggest limitation in my job is having limited time on site. When you do go on site make sure you see how things are put together and the site constraints. Make sure you ask a lot of questions.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...