Learning how to become an engineer at Marine & Civil Maintenance

What motivated you to apply for the ESIPS program?

I applied to the ESIPS program as it was a great opportunity to complete the academic requirements of my Bachelor of Engineering Honours (Civil) and Bachelor of Arts (Philosophy) degree, as well as gain tangible industry experience. After completing a two-year internship within the rail industry at John Holland and a summer internship program with the renewable energy team at Arup in Hong Kong, I was initially attracted to Marine & Civil Maintenance’s (MCM) contribution to sustainability within the remedial construction industry.

What was your experience with the program?

The program has been intense but rewarding. I found the amount of responsibility assigned to me at MCM to be much higher than in my previous positions, allowing me to oversee projects to a level that would be expected of more senior engineers in other firms. Going outside my comfort zone has allowed me to accelerate my experience and industry knowledge through multiple factors beyond my anticipation.  

Some notable highlights were working on implementing MCM’s patented GreenTech Shield Technology for rehabilitating reinforced concrete structures, as well as liaising with heritage architects at the City of Sydney to remediate some of Sydney’s most prominent landmarks. The main project I was responsible for was onboarding and managing a multimillion-dollar heritage seawall remediation in Elizabeth Bay, which was no light task, but it was fulfilling to see it unfold successfully.

What were the biggest challenges, and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenges have always been due to time-related pressures associated with project delivery. Maximising my output efficiency whilst maintaining the high standard of quality I expect from my work has been a delicate balancing act. Becoming more aware of the expertise of individuals in the team and the resources I have available to me has helped significantly. Identifying problems early, asking for clarification and delegating effectively prevent problems from developing down the project pipeline.

What skills did you develop during your program?

As my role is predominantly project management based, I have learnt a lot about managing time, cost and resources. Managing project deliverables and stakeholder expectations has furthered my understanding of planning, communication, estimating and logistics. Furthermore, undertaking my thesis research project on an electrochemical project, despite my civil engineering background, has led to a vast expansion in my technical knowledge of that niche. I have to thank the technical team for committing so much of their time and effort to my education and support.

How has the ESIPS program influenced your career goals or plans?

The ESIPS program has strongly influenced my passion for sustainability, primarily through my research in electrochemical chloride extraction. I hope to be able to contribute to a better future through my career as an engineer, both for people and the planet.

Do you have any advice for other students wanting to take part in the ESIPS program? 

I would highly recommend applying for the program for the rigorous personal and professional development that it offers. It will challenge you in ways that conventional academia is unable to.  

My best piece of advice for those who want to take part in the program would be to not underestimate your ability. Coming into the industry is accompanied by a healthy measure of imposter syndrome, but the most important lesson of tertiary education is not what to learn but how to learn. Focus on the details, and the picture will paint itself.