University of Technology Sydney
Bachelor of Construction Project Management
Graduation Year: 2022
6:00 AM
Alarm sounds and there’s no time to snooze – cereal for breakfast and ready to head over to the port for another day.
6:30 AM
Always good to sit near the water and have a coffee while watching the sunrise. My perfect way of starting a big day on site.
6:55 AM
Attend daily site pre-start meeting
*This is a daily meeting in which the site supervisor runs through a list of safety topics relevant to the day. This involves works that we completed the previous day and any incidents/near misses that may have happened. Topics relevant to the day’s works are often brought up here for example if there are multiple work groups or some high-risk work such as excavation, it is ensured that the Workers are aware what is happening around them on site.
7:30 AM
After completing a START card to outline any risks in my next task, I head down to the piling pad to inspect a set of installed tie rods. Once the piling contractor has installed the tie rods between the quay wall and anchor wall, these tie rods must be checked for continuity. The continuity is measured in ohms (Ω) and the specification outlines a maximum allowable reading of 2 ohms, so we aim to have a continuity reading of less than 2Ω. Two leads are placed on separate components of the tie rod and a current is sent through the steel to test the continuity, the lower the reading the better. The below image displays a reading of 0.0Ω – a perfect reading.
9:30 AM
After filing the paperwork associated with the continuity testing – its time to sit down and look at the latest survey reports. Our drone surveys allow the team to analyse up-to-date images of the works occurring on site and gives us the ability to do take-offs and design analysis. Today I measured the volume of all the stockpiles of various materials we have on site, alongside comparing our current works progress to the final design by the client. The below image outlines this comparison, with the blue being ‘fill’ areas and the red being ‘cut’ areas.
11:30 AM
Quick lunch break – catch up with the team in the crib room.
12:00PM
After lunch, time to catch up on some paperwork and meetings. Always important to stay on top of your paperwork and ensure that you attend as many meetings as possible as a graduate as they are great drivers for knowledge and experience at any stage in your career.
3:00 PM
3pm hits and back on-site for our weekly safety inspection. With a major subcontractor on site, being the piling crew, it is always pivotal to ensure all works are completed within McConnell Dowell’s safety procedures and the contractor’s SWMS. Weekly Site Safety Inspection Checklist is filled out alongside our Work, Health & Safety Manager and any safety risks are outlined to the subcontractor’s supervisors.
4:45PM
Nearing the end of the day, I organise my calendar for tomorrow to ensure I’m on top of what needs to be done in the coming days.
5:00PM
Time to turn the screen off and relax.
5:30PM
Always try to get a quick jog on the beach after work for about 45 minutes, after that head back to the room and shower ready for dinner.
7:00PM
For dinner me and some of the team like to hit a good spot around town, we always try to find a new spot each week as there are many to choose from in Wollongong.
9:30PM
Time for some sleep to get me ready for what tomorrow has to bring!
University of Tasmania
Bachelor of Engineering (Naval Architecture)
Graduation Year: 2021
6:00 AM
My alarm goes off at 6:00am and I’ll normally snooze for 5 mins before getting up to do my morning routine. At 6:30am, I’ll be set to leave the house and get to site.
6:45 AM
On the Bridgewater Bridge Project, there are few different pre-start locations and I usually attend the pre-start at the main compound. At pre-start, the safety advisor and site supervisor will cover off key safety/environmental factors and planned works for the day. A cup of coffee and breakfast typically follow as I settle down at my desk to start the day.
7:15 AM
This is the opportunity for the civil interchange team to catch up daily where we discuss any issues and opportunities as well as our individual focus and workload of the day.
7:30 AM
Time to collect previous day’s dockets from the site supervisors so I can assist with daily productivity tracking. To do this task, I have to constantly communicate with the site supervisors so I am fully aware of the items on site and I can chase any dockets that were not handed over to me. This is crucial to ensure that running costs and productivity are being tracked coherently with the works done on site.
9:00 AM
As part of today’s work, I set out to undertake geo-monitoring works using an inclinometer to determine if there are any movements in the ground during excavation works being carried out on a steep slope. The data collected is compared with the design requirements and any abnormalities are reported so rectification works can be done.
For this task it’s also important to stay away from any work zones and maintain constant communication on the radio to ensure the task can be done in a safe manner.
12:00 PM
A lunch break is a necessary pit stop for me to recoup some energy spent on site. I always try to have lunch with a few other colleagues in the crib room or make a visit to a local takeaway shop opposite to our main compound.
12:30 PM
I take a pool vehicle to go on site to check the progress for activities I am responsible for. When back in the office, I will update my site diary and continue planning for upcoming activities. That includes ordering any materials, collecting any verifying documents required for quality compliance components and raising any upcoming hold/witness points with the Independent Verifier for this project. If there are any issues on site, I will resolve them or reach out to my manager or site supervisors when required.
2:00 PM
All the teams on the project get together for a daily coordination meeting. This meeting is an important tool to plan the week ahead and facilitate any changes for the next day. It’s also an opportunity to provide a site overview and ensure all work groups are working together smoothly.
6:30 PM
In conjunction with celebrating International Women’s Day, I represented McConnell Dowell alongside a few other colleagues from the project and Department of State Growth in attending the Civil Contractors Foundation Women’s Gala Dinner. It was great opportunity to be inspired by stories from women in the industry.
Monash University
Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Arts
Graduation Year: 2022
6:50 AM
Snooze.
6:55 AM
Snooze.
7:00 AM
I contemplate snoozing for a few more minutes before deciding to finally drag myself out of bed. I’m not much of a morning person so breakfast is usually just an Up & Go before I mentally prepare myself for the battle that is Melbourne morning traffic.
8:30 AM
After I arrive at the office I’ll check my emails and see what meetings I have on for the day. I’ll then make a to do list for the day so I can keep on top of what work needs to be done in preparation for my meetings. Finally, a visit to the coffee machine will finish my morning routine.
9:00 AM
First meeting of the day is with one of our graphic designers. This morning he’s running through a mock up we’ve requested for our website refresh. After going through what he’s done we’ll provide design ideas and start to plan out how content will be implemented.
10:00 AM
The best part about working at one of our main offices are all the employee events, aka free food, that you can be a part of. Today is International Women’s Day so everyone in the Melbourne office is getting together for some breakfast.
1:00 PM
I usually bring something to eat for lunch in our break room or on the balcony if the weather is good but today I join one of the other grads in going out to one of the nearby restaurants. Getting out of the office is always a nice way to break up the day.
3:00 PM
I join some more meetings to discuss some of the material being prepared for upcoming company events and to review what further work needs to be done.
4:00 PM
I meet up with my mentor to discuss my progress as a grad. Grads at McConnell Dowell have plenty of opportunity for networking and the mentor program is just one avenue available that allows for grads to connect with senior leaders in the business. Luckily, my mentor and I are currently based at the same office so we can go for coffee catch ups regularly.
5:00 PM
To wrap up I’ll review what tasks still need to be completed so I have an idea of what needs attention in the coming days.
6:00 PM
After I get home, I’ll usually hit the gym before making dinner and getting ready for bed. I try to go to bed as early as I can to rest up for the next day but I usually end up scrolling on my phone (Instagram reels not TikTok because I’m a grown up now) for a bit first.
Monash University
Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts
Graduation Year: 2022
5:30 AM
Wake up, wash up, have breakfast and pack everything I need into the car. I give myself plenty of time in the morning to make sure I’m ready for the day ahead. Fortunately, leaving this early means there’s hardly any traffic on my drive.
6:55 AM
Arrive on site, drop my things off at my desk and grab a coffee for prestart.
7:00 AM
Prestart briefing - this is where the supervisors run through the day’s activities, hazards and weather conditions. Daily prestart briefings are the only time in the day when the workforce and office staff are gathered. This is where any incidents and safety/environmental concerns can be discussed and where other important announcements can be made. Everyone is required to sign in as an acknowledgement before starting work.
7:15 AM
Head back into the office and set up. I’ll check my emails, my timetable and mentally structure my day.
7:30 AM
I’ll walk out for a general site inspection to get on top of anything that requires immediate attention. We’ve recently started piling works, so I’ll check out the rigs and look out for environmental issues. I’ll do a quick check of the skip bins and environmental controls in case I need to make any calls. Site photos help keep a record of activities and how conditions evolve. This is also a good opportunity to have a chat with the work crews.
8:30 AM
Arguably my most important responsibility: keeping the indoor plants hydrated
8:40 AM
I’ll quickly check my timetable again and attend meetings or get some work done.
9:30 AM
Site inspection with stakeholder representatives - this is a guided site walk showing the representatives how the site has changed since their last visit, any environmental concerns that have arisen and how we have responded to them. It’s also a good opportunity for questions while we’re on site in person.
11:00 AM
Monthly team meeting - in this meeting, teams from across the business share updates on their projects from the last month and any initiatives and lessons learnt.
12:30 PM
Back outside for a quick walk to inspect an area before works begin. As the environmental representative, I’ll focus on the soil, vegetation, signs of fauna, permits and approvals etc. I’ll take photos to help me record these things and I’ll also answer questions other people have or take them on notice. We’ll have another meeting later to get everybody on the same page.
1:00 PM
Lunch time! I usually make my own lunch but there are so many great options for food nearby.
2:00 PM
Daily coordination meeting. This meeting hosted by the supervisors is where activities for the week are entered and closed out in a digital planner. This meeting helps ensure works are progressing smoothly and that work crews receive the support they require. This also keeps everyone aware of works happening on site even if they don’t see them in person.
2:30 PM
After the daily meeting, I’ll check for any other meetings or activities I have on. Usually, the rest of the day is pretty quiet, and I get some uninterrupted time at my desk. Before I leave, I’ll respond to emails and messages and have a quick look at how the next day looks.
4:00 PM
Home time! Traffic is usually pretty manageable, and I can look forward to how I’m going to spend the rest of my day.
5:00 PM
Once I’m home, I try to make the most of my free time. I might go out with friends or tick off a few things on my to-do list. I’ll usually cook something and then go for a walk to wind down and relax. Regardless of what I end up doing, I’ll probably have music playing in the background. Lately, I’ve been going away over the weekends so it’s exciting thinking about my trip through the week and planning things to do. Bedtime most nights is around 10pm and it’s usually enough that I feel well rested the next day.
