Project Engineer
Name: Karla Terry
Career stage: Mid-level - 5-10 years' experience
Working: On site
High School Subjects: General Mathematics, Standard English, Physics, Art, Design & Technology
Favourite: Art - Creativity opportunities & D&T for the aspect of buildability
Further study: University
where and what: Bachelor or Interior Architecture - University of Canberra
"My friends and family are proud they get to know someone who has built some amazing buildings we drive past every day."
the inside scoop…
What does a Project Engineer actually do? I oversee a number of elements in the project and manage several people working within my team to ensure that programme, constructability, quality, safety and more are all managed efficiently and effectively within a broader team. I currently am a manager of the Major medical equipment whilst building a hospital in Canberra.
What does a day in your life at work look like? My day starts with reviewing a list of target/key items and actionables for the day and planning how to target those effectively I then check in with my team and ensure things are running smoothly in the areas they are working within I visit site for a quick review of the build and status the programme, whilst actioning any items I might find on the way and then moving into the day with the target list of items established in the morning It is never the same daily and some things are unexpected but its a lot of problem solving and working collectively as a team to build.
What's the best part of your job? Definitely having the opportunity to see a project happen from the ground all the way to the finished project and be part of that to make it happen.
What made you realise construction could be for you? I was in my 3rd year of university and suddenly decided I didn't want to be an architect anymore. I received a phone call about an opportunity in construction and jumped on it immediately. I had no previous experience or friends in the industry, I just wanted an opportunity outside of architecture and fell into it and immediately loved it.
What do your friends and family think about working in construction? They think its an incredible thing as I grew up in a place where its not very common to be in construction at all. They are all very excited to hear about what I do every day and proud they get to know someone who has built some amazing buildings we drive past every day.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Pick a career that will make you and only you happy. You should look for a career that inspires you to come to work every day and be part of a working culture.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? Construction is a broad industry where you have the opportunity to be part of a number of areas that are completely different but work together to get to the same end goal.
Karla is open to engaging further via: Taking a student for work experience, Speaking at a high school, Mentoring a student
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Karla Terry engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.
