Heya,
I had similar experience to the two gentlemen below. I had just started doing my Post-graduate studies in Masters of Engineering Management (UTS) and one semester in my current position was advertised.
The option of 9-day fortnight, new areas to learn, working with community, Pittwater Council's support towards employee training and ability to work with (under) experienced engineers lured me into my current position.
One year onwards, still completing my Masters (one semester to go) and planning to do another one, participated in the Ultimate Challenge (that has opened a few other avenues for learning and communication) and learnt a lot.
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Anuj Sharma
Pittwater Council
Asset Management Engineer
Warriewood NSW
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Original Message:
Sent: 08-07-2013 21:10
From: Samuel Curran
Subject: How did you get into Public Works?
Hi all,
I was only thinking about this the other day as Engineers Australia are doing their annual 'Discover Engineering' presentation in our area where they have practicising engineers and engineering students speak to interested high school students about the benefits of being an engineer and what engineers do. These are very beneficial presentations as i remember being a high school student (not really that long ago) and my view of what engineers did was very different to the type of work i do now
similar to Kim i somewhat fell into local government. I had just started studying a bachelor of civil engineering by distance education through USQ not really sure which direction i wanted to go in. my job came up in the local paper and i jumped at it and i am still working in the same role today. when i first got this position my understanding of the public works engineers role was still a bit off but now 4 years later i have a very good appreciation and admiration for the role.
I think the best things about the public works engineering profession is the job satisfaction and the variety, also the opportunity to get outside the office is a big selling point. i feel the public works engineers role is suited towards individuals who like new challenges (as opposed to same tasks every day), those who enjoy problem solving and also those who want the satisfaction of being the person behind the scenes who provides the essential services to get everyone where they need to go/provide a safe water supply/get rid of their waste/etc...
Ta, Sam
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Samuel Curran
Engineering Assistant
Rous County Council
Lismore NSW
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Original Message:
Sent: 07-07-2013 20:50
From: Kim Sedgwick
Subject: How did you get into Public Works?
Hi everyone,
Just wanting to hear from different people about how they got into the public works industry. Was it through being told about it at high school? University? Parents working in the industry?
Personally, I fell into public works by pure luck and love the variety that it provides. We need to further promote the industry to university students and at careers days, so I would like to gauge how people have become involved, areas we should target and the best way to do it.
Cheers
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Kim Sedgwick
Chair, YOUNG IPWEA Australasia
Operations Manager (Systems)
ARRB Group
Vermont South VIC
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