Maddison Forde
Graduate Civil Engineer – Auckland
Tell us about yourself
I work as a Graduate Civil Engineer in the Ground Engineering and Tunnelling team, based in the Auckland office. I started working for AECOM as a summer intern at the end of 2013 and was offered a graduate position once I finished studying. I started full time as a graduate in February 2015. My main interest is geotechnical engineering and I am keen to get more involved in tunnelling projects.
What were your expectations versus reality?
I felt extremely nervous for my first day of work. I had previously worked as a summer intern in the Auckland office but I felt like there would be a lot more pressure on a graduate. I was worried I would be given menial tasks to complete or the opposite…that I would be given something I couldn’t handle. This wasn’t the case at all. I quickly realised that everyone was there to help me, I felt comfortable asking questions and they all made me feel like I was part of their team. I really like how the focus for graduates is on teaching and training, learning on the job and growing your skill base. Almost immediately I felt like a valued member of the team, I was given real projects to work on but also given the support I needed to succeed.
Tell us about a cool project and what you got to do on it
The NDG Auckland Centre project is the coolest project I have worked on so far. This is a 49 storey retail and hotel complex, with a 5 storey basement that will be built in the middle of the Auckland CBD. My role on the project involves both technical design and project management components. I have been involved in the design of the basement retaining wall, which includes developing retaining options and assessing the effects of basement construction on the surrounding environment. The most interesting part of the project is dealing with the complexities of building a basement when your site is surrounded by other building foundations, buried utilities, and other major construction projects.
What did you think of our graduate training and connections program?
All graduates take part in the Growing Professional Skills (GPS) training programme which aims to support your progression through the company. The best part about the programme is meeting with graduates from around the country at training days throughout the year. For example, through the training programme I have been able to network with graduates in the Christchurch and Hamilton offices who I can now get in touch with if I need help with something I am working on. Senior people within the business also present at the training days, this creates an opportunity to network with them too.
I have found the best way to make connections is through getting out of your desk and talking to people. It is really easy to send an email, but you don’t get the same connection as actually having a conversation with someone. I have found you get a much better response and make a stronger connection if you go and physically see people. By doing this I have made connections with many people outside of my direct business line and I can communicate to others more effectively. This has also enabled me to work on a variety of projects that are outside of my business line, which has given me exposure to many kinds of engineering.
Can you tell us about some of the people who have helped to develop your skills?
I can genuinely say that everyone in my team has helped me in some way; I learn something new every single day just from having conversations with people so it is really hard to name individual people. All of the graduates help each other out; we share our experiences together and learn from each other’s achievements or mistakes.
In terms of fitting in to the business and learning how to work in a consultancy, Kate Taylor and Annette Griffin have helped by answering all of my silly questions and given my guidance on how to tackle issues. In terms of developing my technical abilities and competency as an engineer Graham Blakeley has helped immensely. He has helped me with how to present results to clients, report writing and given me a better understanding of the practicalities/constructability of designs.