What's your job about?

As a consultant, my job is to provide professional advice to help our clients and those involved in our projects achieve excellent outcomes. We provide knowledge, advice, and also products which benefit our clients and the market worldwide. As an engineer, my job is to provide advice to the client and others involved in the project and think of solutions for the problems that occur on-site, advising on all the different options that can be pursued to solve these issues. As an Electrical Engineer, my role is to produce designs and provide advice and construction monitoring which relate to the electrical trade (lighting, small power, electrical infrastructure), checking on-site that installations meet design criteria, are code compliant, and are safe for use.

What's your background?

I was born in Christchurch, however moved to Auckland at a young age and have grown up here. I studied at the University of Auckland, completing my BEng (Hons) in Computer Systems Engineering in 2022. I grew up surrounded by technology and have always had a keen interest in both electronics and problem-solving. This, combined with enjoying conversations with others and meeting new people, made me feel that finishing university and pursuing a role in electrical engineering at Beca as a consultant was right for me.

Could someone with a different background do your job?

Definitely. For my job in particular (Building Services Electrical Engineer), as long as you have the right attitude and willingness to learn and perform, you will do well. There are a few other grads with non-electrical backgrounds (Computer Systems Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering backgrounds), so the role is definitely not limited to solely electrical engineers.

What's the coolest thing about your job?

Definitely the opportunities which present themselves and the people around me. While I've been employed with Beca, I've been involved with a range of projects and activities located all around New Zealand and also in the islands. I think one of the more memorable experiences for me would be helping out our client with an opportunity where I was able to explore Britomart and the extensive tunnel systems they have—getting lost in them, going into a random area, and seeing other colleagues who were also lost. We had a bit of a laugh together before finding our way. The people that I have met while working at Beca have been great. It is the people and culture which make Beca who we are, along with what we deliver.

What are the limitations of your job?

Possibilities are limitless working with Beca! As an engineer, you are limited to providing advice relevant to your trade; however, working for Beca, the possibilities truly are limitless. I've heard many stories from senior employees around the company of people moving teams if there are other areas that interest them. With such a big range of sectors available within the company, there are always opportunities available for you to explore.

3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student…

• Don't be afraid to be yourself.
• Make use of all the opportunities that are present (i.e., networking and career development events). These are people who will be in your network for life—you never know when you may bump into them again (it will likely be sooner than you think).
• Just go for it! Get yourself out there and don't be shy. As they say, you miss 100% of the shots that you don't take.