UGL Transport Graduate Engineer Vanessa Nguyen is thriving in her role in the UGL Regional Linx team, travelling regularly to regional sites contributing across design, project management and on-site construction support.
“It’s about 50 per cent technical work and 50 per cent project management, so there’s a lot of variety,” Vanessa said.
Site visits have been a highlight, offering exposure to projects such as level crossing construction and footbridge repairs.
“Those hands-on experiences are definitely the standout,” Vanessa said.
Vanessa started as a graduate in 2025 as part of the CIMIC Group Graduate Program and is undertaking her second 12-month rotation. The variety has made the transition into the role both challenging and rewarding.
“It’s very different from purely construction-based work,” she explained. “That balance takes time to adjust to, but my team has been incredibly supportive.”
Vanessa values the growing diversity within engineering and the opportunities it creates. She believes inclusive teams lead to stronger outcomes.
“A diverse team brings a wider range of perspectives and strengths,” she said. “That ultimately leads to better decisions and more innovative solutions.”
Starting out in both site-based work and a male-dominated environment required adjustment, but Vanessa says in the industry, “There’s a real sense of progress. You gain confidence quickly, and there’s strong support from colleagues across the business.”
Her advice to aspiring engineers: “Stick with it. The industry is evolving, opportunities are growing, and it’s an exciting time to be part of it.”