Tamsin Durey
I
chose engineering as I enjoyed maths and science. I must admit that I went
into it knowing little about engineering, its choices and its male dominated
history. But even if I did, that wouldn’t have stopped me, and I am glad I
was directed by my Careers Officer to do so.
University and the workforce are two very different experiences, and as much as university is a tool to allow you to work as an engineer, it is also a challenging and exciting time in your life.
University is a time to gain your independence AND HAVE FUN, to join as many clubs as possible and to pass those exams to gain a degree. The core of engineering is certainly maths and engineering, but the double degrees let you do degrees in Commerce, Science and Asian Studies as well if you want more of a diverse education. As much as I enjoyed the university life, the fun in engineering really began when I started working, beginning with work experience. At UWA you must do twelve weeks work experience to do your degree. I got carried away and did 33. As a Civil Engineer I worked at a Mineral Sands refinery in Bunbury, with a French Oil and Gas Contracting Company in Perth, and at Plutonic Gold Mine, North East of Meekatharra. Out of the three I certainly enjoyed the three months I got to work on the mine the most. I got to drive dump trucks, work on the shot-firers team shoveling in 60 degree heat, light the explosives with three minutes to drive out of the pit, and fly in and fly out on the red dirt runway in the middle of the desert. Certainly a taste of the "hard yakka" life. I totally recommend doing as much work experience as you can get as it earns you money, allows you to understand what is involved in each job and teaches you about the hierarchies of the workers, engineers and administration staff. As a student you have the perfect opportunity to mix socially and at work into all of these groups to learn about their attitudes and ideas, without breaking any social etiquette rules, ultimately helping you when you become a professional.
Since I have graduated, I’ve worked for Clough Engineering. I have recently finished working on the Graham Farmer Freeway, more commonly known as the Northbridge tunnel. The learning begins when you arrive on site, or in the office, including how the number of women at university compared to construction diminishes rapidly. I was the only female engineer on site. Part of the learning is not to be afraid to ask questions when I don’t know, speak up when I do and don’t pretend to know something when I don’t regardless of whether or not I think I ought to know it by now. The industry is still very male orientated and as a woman it offers an opportunity to work competently as an engineer in a challenging environment where most of the women employees work in administrative areas. Traditionally feminine qualities like cultivating the art of listening can be a great advantage……a good sense of humour goes a long way too.
On the tunnel I got to understand the construction process, how to solve problems, how to manage people, how important it is to manage time, what is important to a Contractor and how to effectively work with men. I enjoyed the non-stop work and challenges, accompanied with the increased opportunities and responsibilities you receive with effort, commitment and a positive attitude.
I am now working in Jakarta on an Oil and Gas Project off East Kalimantan, Indonesia, and I wouldn’t have had this opportunity without making it clear to the Company that I was keen to travel. Here I am in a brand new role where I am learning so much each day, whilst contributing things that I have learnt from my previous job. The key word here is "flexible". Engineers need to adapt to new jobs and new roles easily and smoothly, yet as a Graduate, you are not expected to be a genius in your field, or know the job like the back of your hand before you arrive. And whilst becoming more experienced in the field of engineering, in this new environment I am able to learn a new language, a new culture and travel to new places to see more of Indonesia, ultimately experiencing more of the world and making engineering exciting and rewarding.
I hope this has given you a taste of engineering and what it has to offer. My experience has allowed me to see that the people are generally outgoing and understanding at university and in the workforce and there are just so many different areas to branch into that there is a place for everyone who likes maths and science.
Tamsin Durey
Civil/Structural Engineer
Bachelor of Engineering Hons UWA.
Site/Environmental/Quality/Project Engineer: Graham Farmer Freeway,
Northbridge
Commercial Engineer: Tunu Field Development Project, Indonesia