Graduate Opportunities

University attended: Queensland University of Technology (QUT).

Ashleigh works as a project engineer for WRM Water & Environment, a small consulting firm specialising in water resource engineering and environmental water management. Ashleigh is also completing a Master of Engineering (Research) part time at QUT.

You commenced your position as a mid-year entrant. How did the timing of your job search influence your application process?

I was looking for a graduate position starting around June and didn’t fit with most graduate programs in the industry. I found that many of the larger companies weren’t interested in employing me until the following January. It was frustrating not to be considered purely based on timing. I didn’t want to wait to start working, so instead I looked towards smaller more specialised companies that didn’t run set graduate programs. WRM was recommended to me as a very small but respected specialist company.

What are the benefits of working in a very small, highly-specialised working environment?

The biggest advantage is that I’ve gained experience and developed a focused knowledge and skill set very quickly. I’ve been given challenging and interesting jobs and I feel I make a valuable contribution to the company. It also means I’m exposed more to the processes involved in business management and development.

Describe some of the projects you work on as a project engineer.

My role is defined only by the projects I’m given. I’ve worked on water quality and quantity management plans for developments, hydraulic and hydrologic assessments, flood studies and mine water balancing. Working at a small company also means a variety of ‘random’ projects that require more problem solving and investigation than usual.

You undertook a number of student roles at QUT, including tutoring and acting as a student ambassador. How did these influence your career development?

As a student ambassador I promoted QUT and its programs to prospective and current students. I also tutored a number of civil engineering subjects. Both roles enabled me to develop my social interaction and public speaking skills as well as providing networking opportunities. I found them enjoyable and rewarding for the contribution I provided to students and university.

What’s the best career advice you have received?

It’s important to remember you are more to a potential employer than just your university grades; make sure you’re offering more than just technical knowledge. It’s also important to develop a network within your industry; opportunities can arise from anywhere. Keep an open mind and pursue every one that comes your way.