Jessica Nguyen

In 2020, I completed a double degree in Bachelors of Civil Engineering and Business Management at Swinburne University. Priorto  joining Arcadis, I had the opportunity to work as an undergraduate site engineer at a construction company for 3 years. I shortly joined Arcadis as a graduate engineer in the Civil Highways team in 2021 and as part of the graduate program, I have rotated into the Building Structures team.

8.00 AM

A typical workday starts at 8.30 am. As Arcadis encourages flexible working, I wake up at 8 am if I am working from home to give myself time to get ready. On the days that I would decide to work in the office, I will wake up earlier to catch public transport into the city. 

Prior to logging into work, I would make a coffee and turn on some background music. I would check and respond to emails as well as list all my outstanding tasks for the day and the entire week. I keep track of my responsibilities using a diary. If I feel like I have the capability to take on more tasks, I would take the initiative to contact my lead engineer for any additional work.

9.00 AM

In the Civil Highways team, I currently work on Victorian projects including car parks and road upgrades. As a graduate, my responsibilities are mainly to support other engineers with technical engineering design. This includes 2D design, 3D modelling, design checks, exporting drawings, report writing, verification process and more. I ensure all the designs are part of the scope provided by the client and are in accordance with standards such as Australia Standards and AustRoads. I typically use two main software – Microstation and OpenRoads. I also assist in coordinating civil design with other interfacing disciplines such as drainage, electrical services and structures.

Any obstacles I face when completing my work, I usually try to solve the problem myself by referring to past projects with similar scopes or reading through the standards. If unsuccessful, I reach out to engineers within and outside my project team for advice and feedback. I find that building relationships with my co-workers and understanding their strong set of expertise is very important in broadening the range of people to ask for support. They are always happy to help and are able to explain the best way to solve a problem. If the problem is based on 3D modelling, I like to keep a notebook to write down steps so I can use it as a reference for next time.

Other than project-based responsibilities, I am also a VIC Graduate Leader in 2022. I would set aside some time outside my project hours to complete presentations, organise charities and events, and coordinate duties with the graduate committee group or other state graduate leaders.  

12.30 PM

Around midday, I would take a lunch break. At home, I would make myself tea and a light lunch (I find that having a big carb-filled lunch will make me too tired to work afterwards!). In the office, I would grab lunch with my peers and spend the time catching up with everyone.

Every month, the graduate committee would organise a Lunch & Learn session for graduates to get the opportunity to sit into a technical or project-based presentation by a senior Arcadian. This is then led by a graduate presentation to help young professionals to develop their presentation skills. The graduate program offers food to be catered for these sessions which is a great way to not only get free food but connect with my fellow graduates!   

3.00 PM

After lunch, I would continue my work and update my project lead on the progress of my tasks. I usually sit in meetings via Microsoft Teams throughout the day. As part of Arcadis’ aim to diversify the knowledge of young graduates, I not only join in my regular project meetings but I am also invited to sit in senior meetings such as Pursuits Work Groups and Amber Reviews. These meetings allow me to understand the operations of Arcadis as a whole as I am exposed to projects we are pursuing, how we resource our teams for projects and the progress of a project from a high-level point of view.

5.00 PM

Before finishing work, I would send out emails to close out tasks – may it be for a project or as a graduate leader. I like to end my day relaxing by making dinner and watching a tv show. But if I am working from the office, I would use the opportunity to go out for dinner or drinks in the city with my co-workers or friends.

Arcadis also regularly holds work social events throughout the year. I try to attend most of the work events as it is a great opportunity to further connect with my peers. The graduate program advocates for not only technical development but also interpersonal growth so graduate networking events are typically held for young professionals to collaborate, connect and learn from our senior Arcadians. One example is the Senior Technical Director Networking Night held by the graduate committee which I had the opportunity to host.