How has your career developed since joining Mott MacDonald as a graduate?
Since joining at the beginning of 2019, my industry experience, my discipline-specific technical abilities and my communication skillsets have all developed enormously. Like others coming straight from university, my understanding of the technical discipline and industry that I was about to delve into felt vague and unclear.
What are your favourite projects that you have worked on?
By joining such a well-established company, I have been fortunate to work on a number of different projects, all varying in technical and commercial complexities. My favourite project that I have been heavily involved with since its beginning is the Adelaide Festival Square public realm project. The project has been particularly interesting to me due to the number of high-profile stakeholders involved. Involvement in this project has helped me to develop some extremely valuable skills at a young age that I may have struggled to develop elsewhere.
What is the best thing about working at Mott MacDonald?
The best thing for me is the people. The depth of knowledge and experience that you can draw on and learn from, from colleagues of all levels is incredibly valuable. Further to this, there is a strong enthusiasm from all staff who I’ve had the pleasure of working with to help, teach and share experiences wherever they can.
What do you think makes Mott MacDonald unique?
Being an employee owned company with strong foundations means that we can focus on what we believe is important for our clients, our colleagues and the communities that we work and live in. It allows us to pursue projects which are aligned with our values and provide social and environmental outcomes.
What support have you had whilst being with Mott MacDonald?
As a graduate there are many support channels available to you. In particular, there is a 4-year, early career professionals program that assists in developing your professional skillsets and industry confidence. Further to this program, there are regular, companywide technical sessions, business/management workshops and general health and wellbeing webinars.
What advice would you give to current students applying to Mott MacDonald?
Try to broadcast your character and values as much as your experience and skillsets within your application. This can be a key differentiator to your application as good people with aligned values are an essential part of delivering technical excellence to all projects across the business.
Why did you choose to join Mott MacDonald?
Mott MacDonald was at the top of my preference list for several reasons which are not achieved by many other competing companies. These reasons in no particular order include an international presence, the apparent company culture, length of history, values and past projects.
What is the best thing about your job/role?
The best thing about my role is being able to leave my own little stamp on society and getting to see/experience the finished products of my design. Travelling past something in the community which you helped take from concept design all the way through to construction is a pretty great feeling.
How would you describe the culture of Mott MacDonald?
The best part about the culture is that everyone is extremely driven and passionate about their respective field. Passion is a very important part to delivering high quality projects for our clients and outcomes for the community. Furthermore, this passion is coupled with a keenness to share experiences and expertise and ongoing development.
What opportunities have opened up for you since joining Mott MacDonald?
Since beginning my journey, plenty of opportunities in many forms have presented themselves to me. Opportunities to explore new disciplines and different styles of projects, opportunities to undertake secondments interstate and overseas, and even ECP (Early Career Professional) leadership opportunities across the region in disciplines such as environment, digital delivery and sustainability.
What projects are you currently working on?
Currently I’m invested primarily in the Adelaide Festival Square redevelopment project working as a Structural Engineer. In addition to Festival Square, I have been fortunate enough to also work on a number of other high-profile Adelaide projects such as the Adelaide Oval Hotel and Her Majesty’s Theatre.
When you’re not in the office, where can you be found?
When not in the office, I try to spend a good amount of time in the gym and playing as much sport as possible. More often than not though, you’ll instead likely find me at one of the popular local wine or cocktail bars!
What would your perfect day consist of?
Ideally my perfect day would be spent overseas, somewhere exotic, and culturally rich with great food and drink. In addition to that, and actually the most important part, is that the day is spent with my closest friends and family.
Anything else that you would like to cover, or think would be of interest to students looking to apply for a grad or internship with Mott MacDonald?
Try to get involved in as many industry-related events as possible – especially ones which Mott MacDonald colleagues would likely attend. Never underestimate the opportunities that can arise from networking, meeting people and simply getting your name out there.
