This edition's Member Spotlight Q&A features Harry Roberts, FIEAust CPEng NER. Mr Roberts is the Technical Director of Rail at AECOM Middle East, and is also the Chair of Engineers Australia's Middle East Chapter.
When did you first know you wanted to be an engineer?
When I realized that engineers are creators of economic wealth who often have very varied careers.
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
Follow the money! Engineers work for clients who either want us to save them money or improve their profit margins – financial or economic.
What are your top two career highlights?
Building and leading a great team of rail engineers in Melbourne and being a part, admittedly a small part, of the Channel Tunnel Project.
How does being Chartered assist in your career?
Most clients in the Middle East, where I am currently based, require chartered status for any middle or senior level project staff. Without chartered status I would not be employable on projects here.
What advice do you have for graduate engineers?
Find a good mentor. Learn about accounting and finance. Ask your employer for varied experience across different projects. Don’t expect the world immediately.
How has the profession changed over your career?
Risk management is, rightly, much more onerous than it used to be. Specialisation has increased enormously. Design production has speeded up and, to a significant degree, become commoditized.
Who (living or dead) would you like to sit next to on a plane and why?
Harry S Truman. I would want to get his views and advice on decision making and negotiating.
What would you like to ask the next person who will be featured on Q&A?
What was the most recent thing you have done to promote the profession of engineering?