My day differs depending on whether I’m headed to the office or working from home (hooray for flexibility!). If I’m in the office, I’ll usually start my day by greeting my co-workers around me and chatting for a minute or two. This puts a nice smile on my face and gets me ready for the day.
I’ll then plug my laptop in and start reading my emails. There are usually a few emails waiting for me at the start of the day, as my role requires me to connect with multiple teams and people from all over the world, in the UK, Australia and Hong Kong.
My emails are followed by a quick drink of Milo - courtesy of the drink machine from our picturesque Singapore office pantry before I start some heavy-duty work with a fresh mind. This work might involve writing reports and reviewing comments from various specialists involved in the projects I’m currently working on. The specific work I do varies daily, depending on the project I’m working on, and my role in that project.
Lunch is usually with my Environment and Social (E&S) team, or with my fellow graduates. The location of our office means we are spoilt for choice, as Bugis is well known for having a plethora of affordable and international cuisine options. Like most other Singaporeans, I think one of our team’s greater passions is food, and we’re always caught in a luncheon analysis paralysis.
My afternoon’s work is similar to my morning. Writing reports, addressing comments, and attending and preparing for client meetings often takes the bulk of my time. Occasionally, I might help to draft proposals for upcoming bids, or conduct research for a particular project. Sometimes I join calls later in the afternoon with our team in the UK, who are just starting their day.
Once I’ve finished for the day, it’s time for some exercise. I've been trying to hit the gym more often after work, often clocking two to three days at the gym on weekdays.
Covid-19 has stopped most work travel since I’ve been part of the team. However, since border restrictions have eased, my team has been exploring resuming international travel within the confines of the ever-changing Covid-19 regulations. Recently I’ve had the opportunity to travel to an international project site in Manila, the Philippines. It was an eye-opening, memorable first site visit.
Aside from my daily technical work, I’ve had the chance to be involved in several external activities. I organised and hosted a global environmental forum with three other graduates from Hong Kong, Australia, and UAE in November 2021. This year, I've volunteered to be the graduate representative for the environmental practice in East Asia, which is an exciting and welcome challenge.
Since joining the team, I’ve stepped out of my comfort zone, and I have received some positive feedback from my colleagues. My life at Mott MacDonald has been engaging and interesting, and I am genuinely glad to have met so many amazing role models and friends through my work.
