The Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology held another successful MEM Networking Event on Wednesday 14 October 2009 at the University of Technology Sydney, Gallery Function Centre. The MEM Networking events provide an interaction with industry for the Master of Engineering Management students and reinforce the UTS:Engineering and IT practice-based model of education. The event comprised talks by two keynote speakers, Scott Powell, Executive - Transport, Aurecon and Francois Schmidt, Senior Associate, Evans & Peck followed by a panel session with additional representatives of Aurecon and Evans & Peck.
Scott Powell spoke about Aurecon and the coming together of three large organisations, Connell Wagner, Africon and Ninham Shand in March 2009 to form the new global group. He explained his thoughts on the industry and the changes he's noticed. He said "the industry we're in, typically an aggressive one is turning into a collaborative environment where designers, engineers and clients work together". He went on to say "we have an opportunity to work for the interests of not only the organisation but for the broader community".
He is an advocate of continual learning and of formal mentoring and he encouraged the students to learn from and teach others. He said "everyone has something to teach".
Francois Schmidt gave an overview of Evans & Peck and its services and then went on to speak about public private partnerships (PPP's) in delivering infrastructure. Schmidt spoke about the investment required in Australia and the possibility of PPP's being used to deliver smaller scale social infrastructure, as the UK has been doing for some time.
The talks were followed by a panel where students had the opportunity to ask questions. Panellists included Scott and Francois as well as Dr Kourosh Kayvani, Special Structures leader of Aurecon Asia Pacific and Andrew Allen, Associate at Evans & Peck.
After the talks, students networked with industry representatives over a light dinner and drinks.
Mahmoud Ghalei, a current Master of Engineering Management student says "The MEM Networking event provided a good opportunity for me to meet employers and to talk to real contacts in industry to find out whether I was suited to the roles they had available. I came to Australia from Iran and finding a job was proving a challenge. It was at the MEM Networking Evening that I met Danny Hanslow from ALSTOM. I had the chance to talk to Danny that night and as a result secured a job interview. I am now working for the company as a Materials Engineer."
Industry members in attendance:
Alan Reece, Dickinson Autocon Systems, Aldo Cantori, Leighton Contractors, Alicia Maynard, St hilliers Contracting, Allan Wightley, Wightley Engineering, Andrew Allen, Evans & Peck, Azam Khan, State Water Corporation, Esin Gurel, Qantas Freight Enterprises, Graeme Shoobridge, Hughes Trueman, Joe Hauser, Macmahon Contractors, John Anderson, Consultant, John Hewitt, Yokogawa, John Kemp, Yokogawa, Julian Jenkins, Perceptia Devices Australia, Kourosh Kayvani, Aurecon, Nikolaos Proufas, State Water Corp, Paul Freeman, Sydney Water.
Further Information:
Nancy Gewargis
Marketing Projects Manager
UTS:Engineering
02 9514 2637
