What's your job about?
Stantec is an international consultancy that operates in various fields. I work at the Transport Planning and Advisory unit in Melbourne. I joined Stantec as an undergraduate in early 2023 while completing the final year of my civil engineering degree. Subsequently, I transitioned into a full-time role in early 2024.
Undergraduates and graduates can rotate across different teams, exploring various facets of the transportation field and establishing a robust foundation for their careers. So far, I have rotated through two teams. Initially, I worked in the transport design team, where I contributed to concept and functional design. Additionally, I conducted swept path analyses to ensure the accessibility of different vehicle types for proposed developments.
Next, I transitioned to the Transport Engineering team, where I have been assisting with traffic impact studies. Our primary goal is to ensure that proposed developments have adequate access to all modes of transportation, including active transport, public transit, cars, and large vehicles. We evaluate traffic generated by each development, aiming to minimise its impact on the surrounding road network and parking areas. Our analysis involves working with multiple data sources and modelling it using powerful traffic engineering software. Ultimately, we ensure proposed developments adhere to standards, align with relevant strategies, and will operate effectively post-construction.
What's your background?
I grew up in a small town in Lebanon. I’ve always had a curious mind for designing and building things, so I decided to pursue engineering after high school. Australia’s weather, universities, and culture intrigued me, so I moved to here to continue my tertiary education. I studied Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) at Monash University.
Transport engineering is one of four main fields that was introduced as part of the civil engineering degree. I quickly became interested in it as I was attracted to the idea of participating in planning a safe and efficient transport network.
I started my career in the transportation field at Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in Melbourne, where I worked with the Traffic and Transport team for approximately 1 and a half years as an undergraduate. At the council, I had an opportunity to work closely with the community and monitor the problems with the transport network. In early 2023, I joined the Transport Planning and Advisory unit at Stantec as an undergraduate while finishing the last year of my degree. In 2024, I joined the graduate program full-time as a Graduate Transportation Engineer.
I started my career in the transport field at the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in Melbourne. There, I collaborated with the Traffic and Transport team for approximately one and a half years as an undergraduate. During my time at the council, I had the opportunity to work closely with the community and address issues related to the transport network. In early 2023, I joined the Transport Planning and Advisory unit at Stantec while completing the final year of my degree. In 2024, I transitioned to the graduate program full-time, as a Graduate Transportation Engineer.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes, civil engineering is one of many pathways to work in the transport field. I have worked at Stantec with planners, designers, modellers, and engineers. I would say the main characteristic to excel in this field is having a passion for participating in projects that benefit the community. The skills needed differ depending on the team that you join. For instance, the design team requires more technical skills in MicroStation and Autoturn. However, all teams on the transport planning side appreciate good problem solving and creative thinking skills.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The opportunity to work on large projects with experts from different fields to deliver a project that serves the community. It is fascinating to follow these projects from their inception, overcome any challenges that arise, and witness their progress.
What are the limitations of your job?
Taking on a vital responsibility in our field, particularly within the planning side of projects, demands careful consideration of all project details to ensure seamless operation after construction. Fortunately, my team has been exceptionally supportive since I joined. They’ve guided me through every project I’m involved in, ensuring that my work is accurate, appropriate, and meets the required standards. Over time, I’m gaining valuable experience and becoming increasingly familiar with all aspects of our work.
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