Case study

Luke is currently a management consultant with Bestane Pty Ltd.

Job pathway

Management consultant

Qualifications

BE (Civil) (Hons)

How did you end up working in your current job?

I started working as a project engineer for a developer. I found that job quite frustrating as I spent the majority of my time filling in reports and paper work (OH&S, etc). I moved on to a career in IT project management in one of the largest IT developments in Australia at Commonwealth Securities. After the project finished I joined a consulting firm with which I had worked briefly at Commonwealth Securities.

What skills do you use in your job?

The general skills include mathematics, problem solving, analysis, communications, project management. My specific skills include data dase analysis (Access and Sql), programming, Ominscope, EPO suite, Enterprise Modeller, Metify ABM, Excel, Powerpoint, MS Office suite.

What are some alternative jobs that you would be qualified for?

I would be able to work as a business analyst or project manager in many fields including IT, distribution, supply chain & business. I would probably struggle to work in the engineering field as my experience is mostly in other areas.

What do you think it was that got you the job over other applicants?

I guarantee you will not stay in your first job. Just get a job and you'll work out pretty quickly what you don't want to do and from there you can plan what you do want to do.

What advice would you give to students who have commenced an engineering degree and want to get a great job in engineering when they graduate?

Engineering is probably the best degree you can do as it gives a wide range of sought after skills. Engineers are sought after by many industries for various roles.

"I guarantee you will not stay in your first job. Just get a job and you'll work out pretty quickly what you don't want to do and from there you can plan what you do want to do."

What were your biggest mistakes during your life when applying for jobs? How would you have done it better?

The most important rule I have learnt is make sure you meet the people you will be working with - and most importantly your boss - before you sign on. In many cases you will be interviewed by a recruitment agency or person and will not meet the people you work with until your first day on the job.

What type of activities were you involved in at university and high school, and did they give you any skills that you use in your job now?

Rugby, tennis and college. They more or less increased my network of people I know which is more useful than skills in debating, etc. "It's who you know not what you know!!"

What was the most surprising thing about working full time in engineering that you did not expect?

Long hours & poor pay!

If you could go back to the start of your degree and change anything you did since then, what would it be?

Probably nothing - the degree gave me a good skill basis for a career.

If you could go back to the start of your degree and change anything you did since then, what would it be?

Probably nothing - the degree gave me a good skill basis for a career.

Where do you see yourself in five year's time?

Managing a large team of consultants.