Project Engineer
Name: Lily Beckhurst
Career stage: Early career - less than 5 years' experience
Working: On-site
High School Subjects: English Advanced, Maths Advanced, Modern History, Biology, PDHPE, Music
Favourite: PDHPE as I love sports & health, and I also had a really great teacher.
Further study: University
where and what: UNSW - Construction Management and Property Development
"I went to the UNSW open day and found all these degrees within the Built Environment faculty. I ending up liking the sound of Construction Management the most and ran with that and am so happy with my decision."
the inside scoop…
What does a Project Engineer actually do? As a Project Engineer for a builder I work on site to ensure the designs created by the Architects & Engineers are able to be successfully constructed on site by the tradespeople, and also ensure the end user is satisfied with the building they are receiving. My role is to coordinate and resolve any design issues, assist tradespeople with any questions they may have with the design, ensure the construction is completed to a high quality and finish, and ensure the project is handed over on time, safely and to the correct budget.
What does a day in your life at work look like? My day usually consists of a mixture of being on site completing quality checks, progress walks and inspections, as well as in the office and in meetings. Every day is different as a Project Engineer and I am always working on a number of different tasks at a time which keeps work very interesting and keeps me learning new skills everyday. My favourite days are when I get to be on site for majority of the time as there is always so many different activities happening at once from pouring a concrete slab to installing windows or coordinating furniture deliveries!
What's the best part of your job? My favourite part is that every single day is different so you are always faced with new challenges and get to work with so many different people which keeps my job very interesting and fun. At the end of a project it is also very cool to be able to stand back and look at a building knowing you had a role in contributing to the completion of it.
What made you realise construction could be for you? During Year 9 Design & Technology I really enjoyed the Architecture module and then from there I went to the UNSW open day and found all these degrees within the Built Environment faculty. I ending up liking the sound of Construction Management the most and ran with that and am so happy with my decision.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? That there are so many jobs in construction that don't require you to actually be using tools and there are so many different jobs I had never even heard of until I started working on site.
What are you excited about doing in the future, working in construction? I'm excited to continue to work on a range of different project types. I've already completed 2 schools in my career and am now working on a university student accommodation project. In the future I would like to work on a hospital, high end apartments or even a sports stadium!
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Pick a career that you think you will actually enjoy going to work everyday!
Lily is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school.
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Lily Beckhurst" and we'll pass your message on.