Meet young graduate engineer Harrison Xia Xiao. Harrison graduated from University of Sydney with a degree in Electrical Engineering in 2014 and currently works as a Technical Support Specialist at Tableau Software, using his engineering knowledge to problem-solve every day.
In a recent interview with Young Engineers Australia Sydney Division (YEAS), Harrison explained how YEAS networking opportunities have helped him in advancing his career as an engineer.
Tell us about yourself
“I came to Australia as an international student, lacking the soft skills and ability to network that make great engineers. Being involved in Young Engineers events, I can gain these skills.”
What were your first experiences with Engineers Australia?
“Ed Riley’s networking event (March 2015). The advice Ed gave was very practical and there was a good mix of international students and local students. It was great to mingle with the [YEAS] committee members.”
Was the best thing about becoming involved this year?
“I have been able to develop my networking and communication soft skills, which has helped me move up in my career. Many job opportunities are not public, but only available by referral and by communicating at events”.
What would you say to other graduates such as yourself about the positive impact of Young Engineers?
"A big part of engineering is technology, which is always evolving and changing. Young engineers are the future, eager to learn and deliver the new knowledge to others."
To see networking and other opportunities coming up, visit YEAS website: www.engineersaustralia.org.au/young-engineers-sydney
Photo: Harrison (corner right) attending the YEAS facilitated Networking event with engineering colleagues. At this event held in March 2015 at Sydney, Barry Murphy (Project Director of Barangaroo's Headland Park) shared the keys to building his own network and the significance it has had within his career. Following on, Ed Riley (Owner of Max Sam Pty Ltd) lead a hands-on and experiential networking session focusing on the ideas of 'Connecting' and 'Storytelling'.