Julian Yii
Graduate
(Civil Engineer graduate)

I'm a Malaysian Chinese and I came to South Australia three years ago to finish my degree in Civil Engineering.  I worked for one year as a site engineer in Malaysia before coming to South Australia.

Hearing about the increasingly strong economy in Australia and the market demand for civil engineers, I made up my mind to work in SA after I graduated and DTEI seemed to be the best choice after considering several factors and hearing feedback from friends working there.  I chose DTEI as my first stepping stone into the workforce because it offered a range of training to graduates, depending on their needs and related field. It also gave graduates the choice of working in different sections on yearly rotations for three years.  This not only provides me with the opportunity to acquire experiences from each section, but also lets me find the position that suits me best before I settle down permanently.

I currently work as a project engineer in Transport Service Division in DTEI, and am responsible for helping to deliver major infrastructure related projects.

I get satisfaction out of my work and I like the people I work with. Each major project is assigned to a team to make sure it is delivered on time, within expected cost and quality. The team comprises Project Manager, Project Officer and Project Engineer.  My Project Manager mentors me, providing me with invaluable skills and advice so that I can perform my duties efficiently as an engineer.

Working on big projects has given me the opportunity to learn more about project management, and improve my personal skills.  All in all, my future here seems to be bright, I like my work and can see myself improving in this field. I intend to work my way up from this position in the near future.

Kathy Lo
Architect
(Architect graduate)

A month after completing a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Adelaide, I started working part time in a construction company as a draftsman, and applied for a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning.

I wanted to work part time and complete my degree before finding a stable, full time job in the public or private sector.  However, a month later I was given a chance to interview for a Graduate Architect position in the department.  I did not know much about the department at the time but was overjoyed to discover what it had to offer.  I would have the practical experience I needed to register as an Architect.  I had to think seriously about the direction that I wanted to take - continue my studies or take up the full time job.  I did not want to give up this fantastic opportunity to work here in my field of work.

I have not looked back, have been in my position now for more than a year, and am very grateful for the many training and personal development opportunities I've had.  I have built a background knowledge on the public sector and networked with other graduates entering the workforce for the first time. This has been a great support to me.

I love the responsibility and trust given to me in my job. With the guidance of a mentor or coach, I feel I am given many opportunities to be in the front line on projects.  I've worked in the department for over a year, and have been exposed to a wide range of projects, from project risk management for heritage conservation to an architectural role on design projects.   I am now working on a preschool project and the prospect of my designs on paper being constructed and coming to life gives me a great level of satisfaction.  Did I also mention remuneration for graduates is excellent?

Plans for my future have changed a little since graduation.  Now my main goal is to obtain my Architect's registration.  I plan to continue working here - to gain further experience, and in a few years' time, after obtaining registration, I like the possibility of taking a year off to travel the world and work in a different country or state (another advantage of working in the department!).

Kelly Baines

I'd always had a keen interest in Human Resources.  I found it really hard trying to find a role in HR.  I left high school and started a Certificate 2 in Business / Office Administration.  Did that for a year, completed my traineeship, moved into Aviation for about 4 years, did some office work there, moved into a Purchasing Officer role and then I did some temp work.  And I was lucky enough to land my role here in the Department for Transport, Energy and Infrastructure.

Since I've been in the department, I started in the Assistant Project Officer role.  That was the first step in my Cadetship.  Most recently I moved into a HR Consultant role, so I've been working on Executive recruitment and in particular I've been focusing on OHS, Occupational Health and Safety of late, developing a departmental booklet, updating the company Intranet.  The people are great.  I enjoy working with the people and all the opportunities I've been given.  Lots of training and development opportunities.  I'm happy to go on courses if I approach my manager with any courses that I want to go to, training courses, internal or external facilitated ones.  I also go to TAFE as well, so that's external training.  So many opportunities, different work, different jobs.  I enjoy my role because of all the challenges it offers me.  There's always plenty to learn.  I'm one of those people that likes to be constantly busy and trying new things, learning new things.  This role definitely offers it to me in Human Resources.

Mandy Thomas
Project Manager - Infrastructure Delivery Section
(Oversees recruit and Civil Engineer)

I studied for an honours degree in Civil Engineering at Cardiff University in the UK and have over 18 years experience in the delivery of major transport projects, gained both in the private and public sectors.  My particular interest lies in the design of highway structures and I became a chartered member of the Institution of Structural Engineers in 1997.  I am also a chartered civil engineer.  My last position in the UK was working for the Welsh Government as a project manager, responsible for the appraisal and delivery of highway schemes.

I had visited South Australia on several occasions over the years and enjoyed the sunshine and relaxed life-style.  In 2006 we decided, as a family, to make a permanent move to Adelaide, and I was pleased to see the South Australian Government represented at a migrant employment fair in London.  Having worked for the government in the UK, I was keen to further my experience in the public sector and to find out more about transport provision in Australia.  After a long distance appointment procedure, I joined the department, as a project manager, in December 2006.

My current role involves a wide range of tasks, including financial control, liaison with technical experts, meeting with land owners and reporting to Cabinet.  I am always doing something new and sharing my time between the office and site work.  I enjoy my role as a project manager, because it provides a large amount of responsibility, constant challenges and each day varies from the last.

At present, I am gaining an understanding of the Australian construction industry and furthering my experience in project management. I would, however, eventually like to become more involved in the strategic planning of transport infrastructure.

Melissa Hamann
Engineer
(Civil Engineer graduate)

This is my second year with DTEI after completing a degree in Civil & Structural Engineering.  During my studies I applied for an Indigenous Cadetship which I had heard about through my father, who was one of the stolen generation.  The department offered me an Indigenous scholarship which meant that each year I would do 8 weeks work experience with the department over my summer vacation period, and at the end of my degree I would be offered a graduate position.

Whilst studying I had a mentor from within the department and she assisted me with any of my questions about the department.  This experience was beneficial because when starting full time with the department I already knew about its structure and some of the people working here. This helped my transition from university to work to not be as daunting as it may have been.

I graduated with honours and then started working full time with the department, and on the department's graduate development program.  This is my second placement rotation within DTEI.  Last year I was managing a Rural Construction Gang and this year I am in Projects section working on larger projects that are in their early planning stages.  I am also assisting my manager with the Bakewell underpass project and the Tramline extension.

I enjoy working for the department because there are so many sections with a variety of available engineering jobs.  Also by being in the graduate program I get to experience a number of sections in the department which gives me a broad range of skills.  The department is also good because there are many exciting current projects that I will take a part in.