Priya Patel, Graduate Engineer –Structures (Kaipūkaha Paetahi Hanganga), joined WSP in February 2021 in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. She completed her Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Civil from University of Auckland in 2020. 

Priya Patel

Structures

Auckland

Q1: What is your office location like and how did you end up there? 

I chose to work in the Auckland office as it’s a large office with a variety of disciplines, which is a new experience for me. I also love being able to walk to work alongside the Westhaven Marina and being able to have lunch outside in one of the surrounding parks!

Q2: What are your areas of responsibility in your role? 

I get to work on a wide range of new design projects and assess existing designs. 

The design work can be anything between preliminary design to detailed design. The assessment work ranges from design seismic assessments to the response of existing buildings after refurbishments. In addition to design, my role includes liaising with drafters and project managers, and communicating with clients about my design outcomes. Recently, I have also been given the opportunity to work on and manage small projects from offer of service to delivery. 

Q3: What do you love most about your job? 

I love working with my team because they are all extremely helpful and willing to provide guidance; they've been super friendly and easy to get on with. I also enjoy being able to communicate with people all over New Zealand and in different disciplines. Many of the people I talk to share wisdom, which is abundantly helpful. 

Q4: What are the biggest limitations or challenges of your job?

Working on projects with bespoke structural systems can be challenging as it tests your technical knowledge from university. Luckily, others in my team have often been in the same situation and are always happy to help. Dusting off an old coursebook never hurts too.

Q5: How has the Graduate Programme enhanced your work experience at WSP? 

The WSP Graduate Programme has already been immensely useful in my journey at WSP.  There is an emphasis on meeting new graduates and meeting people around WSP, which helps to form a supportive network.

The Graduate Programme truly looks out for new starters by providing networking opportunities, training seminars, and opportunities to meet various leaders across the business. 

Q6: Why do you choose to work at WSP? 

As WSP works across a variety of areas in New Zealand, there is a plethora of different projects to work on and a diverse range of expertise to learn from. Therefore, there are several opportunities to grow as an engineer. WSP also has a key focus on working on building a better tomorrow. This aligns with my personal ethos as I’m passionate about getting involved in sustainable design. 

Q7: What was the application process like? 

The application process was very clear, which made the stages easy to keep in check. WSP were very communicative throughout the process, which was extremely helpful as waiting for a response when you’re trying to land a job can be very stressful. There was also always someone who you could reach out to with questions. 

Q8: What skills / qualities / attitude of yours do you think lead to you getting this job? 

Before interviewing, I thought hard about why I wanted to work at WSP and how it would align with my future goals. I did research and prepared questions to ask beforehand too. After doing that, I believe my passion for the role is what lead to me getting this job. 

Q9: What is the culture like at WSP? 

The WSP culture is very supportive. If you ever have a question, there will most certainly be someone who can help. As WSP has been around in New Zealand 
for a while, there is a wealth of knowledge. Everyone at WSP is also very friendly and easy to get along with and there are often social things outside of work to get amongst too!

Q10: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

I love using my free time to pursue more hobbies that were on the back burner during university. I currently am enjoying getting back into painting and connecting to my Gujarati culture through cooking. 

Q11: What are your future aspirations? 

I aspire to work on a wide range of projects to increase my technical, communication and project management skills. My aim is to work towards gaining my chartership. All of this combined will provide a great basis for tackling future opportunities. I’m not 100% sure what role I would like in the future, but I’m passionate about being involved in sustainable and community-centric design.

Sam Hammond

Planning

Christchurch

Sam Hammond, Graduate Planner Resource Management (Kaiwhakamāhere Paetahi), joined WSP as a Summer Intern in 2019 in Te Papa-i-Oea Palmerston North and started in his current Graduate role in in February 2021 in Ōtautahi Christchurch. He completed his Bachelor of Resource and Environmental Planning (Honours) from Massey University in 2020. 

Q1: What is your office location like and how did you end up there? 

Originally, I had selected Christchurch as my first preference, but was offered my second preference of Wellington. Everyone in the office was warm and welcoming, and the office has a good atmosphere. There were lots of other graduates starting in the office around the same time I started. 

Q2: What are your areas of responsibility in your role? 

My main areas of responsibility include communicating and collaborating with internal clients for their projects to offer GIS solutions. This can range from producing a series of maps to be used for reports or presentations, creating an online webapp to allow people to interact with their data or developing a field app or survey tool to use to collect data. My team also manages our online GIS services. For me this involves managing licenses to allow people within the company to use some of our GIS tools.  

Q3: What do you love most about your job? 

One of the best things about my job is I get to work with people from across the business on a range of projects. I’ve worked on projects and with people from the Environment, Transport, and Property & Building sectors, and with people from the Regional offices. This gives me lots of opportunities to learn not only what types of projects are being completed, but also to learn more from my colleagues. It’s also allowed me to form connections with people across multiple offices.   

Q4: What are the biggest limitations or challenges of your job? 

The GIS team is spread out across a few different offices, and the work we do isn’t constrained to our own office. While I’m in the Wellington Office, I’ve worked with people from various offices including Auckland, Hamilton, Christchurch and Nelson. Working as a part of a virtual team means when I need to ask a question about a project or get some advice and assistance from my team, I can’t just walk up to someone at their desk. Instead, I rely on the use of virtual communication tools like Microsoft Teams. This has meant I’ve had to hone my skills to form personal connections through virtual means.  

Q5: How has the Graduate Programme enhanced your experience at WSP? 

The Graduate Programme provides a platform to meet and interact with other graduates. There are lots of opportunities to virtually get together, including virtual coffees and events.

The Graduate Programme has helped me make friends in other offices. When I visit family in Christchurch, I know other graduates in that office who I can catch up with and sit by.

The Graduate Programme also allows me to keep upskilling through the writing and presentation workshops that are offered.

Q6: Why do you choose to work at WSP? 

I had seen some of the projects that WSP has been involved in. I liked how they incorporated sustainability into their design, which is something I am interested and passionate about. I also knew that WSP has a lot of global presence, with offices across the world. I was excited about the prospect of collaborating with global colleagues and future opportunities to work in other offices in different parts of the world.

Q7: What was the application process like? 

The application process was quite straight forward. I submitted my CV and answered some questions. I then had to complete a psychometric test, followed by an afternoon on Microsoft Teams learning about WSP and getting to talk to graduates. I then had my interview which was held over Microsoft Teams.

Q8: What skills / qualities / attitude of yours do you think lead to you getting this job? 

I think being eager and willing to learn, empathetic, and my ability to form working relationships with people helped in me getting this job. I was able to show and demonstrate my previous experience in working in a team and in achieving effective communication which I think also helped.

Q9: What is the culture like at WSP? 

The culture at WSP is really great; everyone is welcoming and inclusive. Those in more senior positions are approachable and happy to help and have a yarn. Everyone, including graduates, is encouraged to take advantage of the flexible working hours. 

Being a graduate as well, there are a lot of people similarly aged and with similar interests in the office, which makes it easy to make friends and build connections both inside and outside of the office.  

Q10: Are you involved in any clubs or committees at WSP? 

I’m a member of my office’s Social Club and have attended a few events, including office drinks, a rugby game, lawn bowls, and an '80s party. I am also an active participant in Graduate Community and Pathways events, which have proven to be a great way to meet people outside of my team and learn about their work. Events I’ve attended have included Coffee Roulette, the 2021 Mapathon, Site Visits, various webinars, and the Mid-Year North Island Graduate Trip to Taupō.

Q11: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

Outside of work I enjoy catching up with friends, exploring and going for walks. Often in the weekends I’ll try to get in some baking, which my colleagues appreciate as I often bring in goodies for them. I have a growing collection of indoor plants and am also trying to get more into growing vegetables. 

Q12: What are your future aspirations? 

WSP has such a range of sectors and projects. I’m excited to be able to get involved in as many of these as I can and to be able to expand my knowledge base while improving awareness of GIS solutions.

Danielle Barnhill

GIS

Wellington

Danielle Barnhill, Graduate Analyst – GIS (Kairūri Paetahi), joined WSP in January 2021 in Te Whanganui-a-Tara  Wellington. She completed her Master of Science – Disaster Risk & Resilience from University of Canterbury in 2020

Deon Philiips

Power (Electrical)

Auckland

Deon Philips, Graduate Engineer Electrical (Kaipūkaha Paetahi Hiko), joined WSP’s Power team in January 2021 in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. He finished his Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Electrical and Electronic from University of Auckland in 2020.

Q1: What are your areas of responsibility in your role? 

I am part of the design team for the City Rail Link HV station reticulation and traction power design. 

Q2: What do you love most about your job? 

I love the ability to work on major multidisciplinary infrastructure projects where you get to experience both the technical and non-technical side of engineering, the opportunity for ongoing development and training, being able to work in a dynamic and supportive team, and flexible working options. 

Q3: What are the biggest limitations or challenges of your job? 

With the changing COVID-19 settings, the inability to meet the team in-person frequently is a challenge. 

Q4: How has the Graduate Programme / community enhanced your work / experience? 

The graduate community provides opportunities for networking with other grads right around NZ. 

Q5: Why do you choose to work at WSP? 

WSP has a rich history in delivering major engineering projects in New Zealand and around the world. WSP heavily invests in its people, particularly around training and development, of which the Graduate Programme is a great example. 

Q6: What was the application process like? 

Seamless and well structured. The recruiting team constantly communicates with you right throughout the application process. 

Q7: What skills / qualities / attitude of yours do you think lead to you getting this job? 

Willingness to learn, positivity, and not being afraid to ask questions.    

Q8: What is the culture like at WSP? 

Very inclusive and welcoming. The team works with you and provides flexible arrangements to maintain a good work-life balance. 

Q9: Are you involved in any clubs or committees at WSP? 

I was involved in the Auckland Pathways Committee in 2021. Pathways provide a professional networking platform for people in the early stages of their careers. 

Q10: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

I enjoy all racket sports and getting outdoors, especially for a hike. 

Q11: What are your future aspirations? 

Achieving CPEng and growing in my technical acumen. 

Nathan White

Environmental

Whakatāne

Nathan White, Graduate Engineer Environment (Kaipūkaha Paetahi Taiao), joined WSP as a Summer Intern in 2018 and started in his current Graduate role in January 2021 in Whakatāne. He finished his Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) – Civil from University of Auckland in 2020. 

Q1: What is your office location like and how did you end up there? 

I chose the Whakatāne office as I worked there for two summers prior to working as a Graduate and enjoyed the positive work environment. I’m from Whakatāne, so it has been nice spending time with friends and family who I hadn’t seen as much of during the four years studying at Auckland. 

Q2: What are your areas of responsibility in your role? 

As a Graduate, my key responsibility is to learn as much as I possibly can during this stage of my career. I have taken on jobs where I’m the point of contact for clients and have begun to get experience in project management. 

Q3: What do you love most about your job? 

I love how as the Whakatāne office is a regional office, I get to be involved with a large quantity of smaller-scale projects, which bring new challenges each day and keep me on my toes. 

Q4: What are the biggest limitations or challenges of your job? 

The biggest challenge for me currently is establishing and maintaining an effective work routine with lockdown/red light disruptions that require working from home.   

Q5: How has the Graduate programme enhanced your experience at WSP

The Graduate Programme has enhanced my experience by rapidly expanding my network within the company. 

Q6: Why do you choose to work at WSP? 

I chose to work at WSP due to the company’s ‘Glocal’ presence in the engineering industry, as I’m interested in getting overseas experience during my career. 

Q7: What was the application process like? 

The application process was straight forward for me as the recruitment team kept in touch with me throughout the year prior to starting my role as a Graduate. 

Q8: What skills / qualities / attitude of yours do you think lead to you getting this job? 

I think I have a good combination of technical ability and interpersonal skills, which are important to the engineering role. 

Q9: What is the culture like at WSP? 

WSP’s culture focuses on valuing its people. I can attest to both locally within my office and when engaging colleagues throughout the business, I’ve always felt valued and supported during my time here.   

Q10: Are you involved in any clubs or committees at WSP? 

I’ve spent the last year as the Pathways office lead for the Whakatāne office. I’ve organised a site visit to a local harbour development project, which involved very technical design and planning. 

Q11: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

I enjoy staying active and getting outdoors when I’m not working. Interests include surfing, fishing, football, racquet sports, and karate. 

Q12: What are your future aspirations? 

I aspire to become adept in my field of engineering and take on leadership roles that will continue to challenge me throughout my career. 

Toni Lee

Civil

Whangārei

Q1: What is your office location like and how did you end up there? 

I became aware of the position in the Whangārei office during the application stage in the 2021 Graduate Programme. As a part of the application stage, I had a 1:1 online interview with my current work group manager. He talked through the list of things that the office was working on and some projects that I would be working on.

My work-life in the Whangārei office could not be better; it has great culture and people and some exciting projects. The other thing I realised by working in the Whangārei office is that I am not limited to one discipline or specific sector. Personally, I think as someone who just graduated from university, different opportunities and working in various fields is important. So I really appreciate these opportunities the Whangārei office gives me.

Q2: What are your areas of responsibility in your role? 

At the beginning of my graduate experience, my responsibility was to assist senior engineers and deliver minor tasks within the project.

Around 4-6 months into the role, I started working on a major task within projects. This involved some client communication, stakeholder engagement, work involving multiple New Zealand standard reading, etc.

Two years in and I am working on projects alone as a designer to give recommendations and concept design for multiple schools around Northland. I have also designed a few pedestrian crossing points in Whangārei. I am getting used to engaging with clients and stakeholders too.

Q3: What do you love most about your job? 

I joined WSP for its great culture and family-like environment, and, equally importantly, high exposure to various exciting projects. Despite every aspect I like about working in WSP, I will choose 'people and the office culture' to be my favourite part.

Everyone is super friendly, supportive, and easy to talk to. The Social Committee Team organises many events in the office that will let me naturally and easily be friends and share memories with colleagues.

Q4: What are the biggest limitations 
or challenges of your job? 

In Civil Engineering there is a vast range of disciplines to select from - this can be quite overwhelming.

After doing a 'career development discussion' with my manager, doing a few mentoring sessions, and participating in Pathways career developing sessions, I now have a better idea of what I want to do, setting up my goals and the steps I need to take to achieve the goals.

Q5:  How has the Graduate programme enhanced your experience at WSP?

One of the best things about being involved in the Graduate Programme is that you get to meet a lot of people across New Zealand through Graduate Committee events.

One of the key events I remember is IGNITE, the induction event in which new graduates were invited to an in-person event to learn more about the company, network, and play games. This was an excellent chance to meet my colleagues from all over New Zealand.

As a part of Graduate Programme, I also have access to both online and offline training modules, which will enhance both personal and professional skills.

Q6: Why do you choose to work at WSP? 

In addition to the great culture, people and projects, there are multiple reasons why I choose to work at WSP. 

I love having access to technical experts who are willing to guide me and give support when I face any challenges. I have two mentors within WSP, one for technical development and one for career development. So far, it has been beneficial as both mentors are very passionate about my development and always available. Getting guidance is not limited to having mentors; all the seniors I work with have been very helpful in answering any doubts or questions I have. 

WSP also offers flexible working hours and locations. I sometimes work from home at my family's house in Auckland, which allows me to still spend some time during weekdays with my family. I also get to work in different offices, enabling me to meet many people in different offices, expanding my network across New Zealand.

Q7: What was the application process like? 

I submitted my CV and answers to the questionnaire on the application website, then completed a short cognitive assessment. I took a video interview in the next stage, answering a few questions on an online platform. 

After this stage, all the successful applicants were invited to the assessment centre, where the recruitment team introduced the WSP Graduate Programme. During the assessment centre, we met the Graduates in a 'Zoom Break Out' room to ask questions. 

Finally, I had an interview with my work group manager, and luckily got the job! 

Q8: What skills / qualities / attitude of yours do you think lead to you getting this job? 

I think my energetic vibe and friendly communication skills led me to spark up a conversation with my work group manager in the interview. We had a great conversation during our interview, and I genuinely had so much fun talking to my manager about our personal experience and life!

One day, I asked my manager, who interviewed me, "why did you hire me?" and he said he liked my confidence when I talked. So having confidence is one of the definite attributes that my manager liked about me, which led to where I am right now.

Q9: What is the culture like at WSP? 

Professionally, WSP offers excellent career progression programmes. I found having a 'Thrive' discussion (1:1 career development discussion session) with a line manager very helpful. I have my Thrive discussion with my manager every 2 months, where I get feedback for the past months and discuss my career goal and how I can achieve it. This has been exciting as my first goal of 'getting involved in a project from the initial stage to an end' came true last month! 

Personally, I really enjoy working in WSP with great people and participating in social events that allow me to have extra fun at work. Last year, the office organised events for Te Wiki o Te Reo Māori, Maramataka Māori, Diwali, Eid Mubarak, Movember and many more. For Melbourne Cup Day, we watched the race together, dressing up like we were in the field to watch, and awarded for the best dressed of the day. 

Q10: Are you involved in any clubs or committees at WSP? 

I joined the Whangārei Pathways Committee team in mid-2021 and helped organise a few presentations and a site visit to a construction site. I was nervous at first but the other committee members were very supportive and did not hesitate to help when needed. Now I feel much more confident organising bigger events and openly discussing and sharing ideas in the committee meeting.

As a result, I decided to take the Pathways Whangārei Office Lead position this year to challenge myself and develop my leadership and team management skills.

Q11: What do you enjoy doing outside 
of work? 

I was not a very active person when I lived in Auckland. However, since moving up to Whangārei, I became an outgoing person who enjoys getting out there and enjoying nature. On Thursdays, I joined WSP Whangārei social football league. I love the energy so much!

During weekends, I go out surfing with friends from work. Although I am very scared of sharks, I do enjoy trying to catch a wave!

Q12: What are your future aspirations? 

During my graduate life in the Whangārei office, I would like to get involved in many different projects across different sectors to continue looking for the area I really enjoy working on.

Currently, I am interested in the civil design field, so I asked one of the senior designers in the office to be my technical mentor to guide me to learn design software. In the near future, I would also like to get exposed to the project management and contract management field to oversee how the project runs and is delivered in real life.

When I progress into the next career stage, I would like to develop my people/team management skills and leadership skills to take leadership positions. 

Rowen Trusewich

Architecture

Auckland

Rowen Trusewich, Architectural Graduate (Kaihoahoa Paetahi), joined WSP in November 2020 in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland. She finished her Master of Architecture (Professional) (Honours) from University of Auckland in 2020. 

Q1: What is your office location like and how did you end up there? 

I was already living in Auckland and have a solid network of family and friends here. The Westhaven office is also in a great location, near lots of interesting urban design and eateries to explore during your breaks and after work. 

Q2: What are your areas of responsibility in your role? 

My role as an Architectural Graduate is to support my team members and work closely under our senior staff. I am encouraged to explore different methods of analysis and techniques to bring a fresh opinion and strategy to design. With more extensive software knowledge, I am often brought on to help out on a range of projects, which allows me to experience different fields of architecture. 

Q3: What do you love most about your job? 

I love the spirit of collaboration in our office. Working amongst engineers and other designers means there are a lot of talented individuals with skills and knowledge who are there to mentor. This allows for a wide range of internal training and development, on top of the allocated training we get per week. It's  an environment where no matter the relationship, you can approach someone's desk and they are more than happy to guide and support your project. 

Q4: What are the biggest limitations or challenges of your job? 

One of the biggest challenges I have come across was transitioning from study to work. At University you have months to work on a design and explore different revisions. With clients and budgets, there is a lot more pressure for efficiency and to get things done quickly. It takes some time to adjust, but once you settle in and learn more skills you find your best modes of working. Although there is less time, you learn to explore design more strategically and work on organisational skills for a smooth workflow. 

Q5: How has the Graduate Programme enhanced your experience with WSP?

The Graduate Programme has provided a sense of belonging in the office. It is comforting to have a group of colleagues and friends similar in age who are also excited to become young professionals, network, and develop skills within the industry. The programme facilitates workshops, industry events, and social events so there is something for all interests where you can connect on both a professional and personal level. 

Q6: Why do you choose to work at WSP? 

There were a few key reasons why I chose to work at WSP. Firstly, it is quite rare to find a graduate programme within the architecture industry. This appealed to me as it gives you room to learn and grow, and you become an investment in the company.

After researching, I learned that the projects we work on align with my values and interests. There is a strong drive to support local communities along with exploring sustainable design.

Q7: What was the application process like? 

I applied for the graduate position in early 2020 after finishing my thesis end of January. The application consists of written modules, interviews, and in-person evaluations. Searching for jobs is a stressful time, but the WSP hiring team were great at communicating throughout the entire process so you are never left anxiously awaiting what comes next. 

Q8: What skills / qualities / attitude of yours do you think lead to you getting this job? 

Be yourself. If your attitude, personality and interest in design are compatible with the company, your application will progress. I made it a priority to come prepared for the interview. I researched the company and their projects, to help guide a natural discussion of how it was relevant to my CV and overall essence as a designer. 

Q9: What is the culture like at WSP? 

There is a solid culture at WSP for all career levels and interests. Our department does Wednesday webinars, a quiz on Thursday mornings, and Friday sketch club. There are often presentations, morning teas, or end of month drinks for the wider office, which are great to meet other teams you might not usually work with. On top of that, there is flexible working hours, volunteering days, extended parental leave, the company are a part of the Diversity Agenda, and are Rainbow Tick accredited. 

Q10: Are you involved in any clubs or committees at WSP? 

I am a member of the Graduate Group and Pathways which are both career development networks. I am also a part of the Women of WSP group, and the company’s LGBTQIA + network, VIBE. It is reassuring to have cultural support for the minority groups within the company. Last year, I also recently signed up for the Te Wānanga o Aotearoa WSP cohort, a year-long Māori culture and language learning course. 

It is home-based, however, there is a group of students within WSP who share the excitement and drive to expand our cultural learning. On a social level, I signed up for the indoor netball team and the Social Club, which hosts a range of fun events outside of work. One of which was participating in an international coffee group where you are matched with another WSP employee across the world for an online coffee meetup. 

Q11: What do you enjoy doing outside of work? 

In the evenings and weekends, I try to catch up with family and friends. This may be to explore Auckland's new eateries or hang out with my niece at the park. I try to not let the end of the workday reflect the end of the entire day, so I will try to pop out to the art gallery, watch a local drag show, or spend some time gardening. On the contrary, I also love a night in bingeing a series or watching movies with friends. 

Q12: What are your future aspirations? 

After obtaining my Masters in architecture, I have the drive to become a registered Architect. I see WSP supporting this journey, along with developing my leadership skills within the company. On a personal level, as I graduated during a global pandemic, I missed the chance to travel. Within the next few years, I am eager to use my holidays to travel around Europe and experience the ancient cities and architecture.