Quick Chat with newly Chartered engineer Friday, 03 February 2017

Masoud Valipour MIEAust CPEng NER has been working as an engineer since 2003 in Australia and internationally, recently attaining Chartered status.

Masoud completed a Master of Structural Engineering at Azerbaijan University in Iran after finishing his Bachelor in Civil Engineering from another Iranian tertiary institution, Azad University. He has worked on different construction and design projects, including high rise buildings; residential, industrial and commercial structures; the oil and energy industries; and, space structures. Masoud speaks five languages, including Azerbaijani (Azeri), Persian (Farsi), Turkish, Arabic and English.

What is your current job title and function?

I’m working as a structural engineer for SJE Consulting, located in NSW.

Why did you pursue a career in engineering?

I think it comes from family. My dad was an aviation engineer and I was involved and interested in technical discussions. I remember I used to pull everything apart with available tools at home to understand how things worked!

What is the most challenging or interesting project you’ve ever worked on?

One of the most challenging projects I have been involved in was the construction of a 72-meter span steel lattice barrel vault at an airport terminal in Turkey.

Why did you decide to become Chartered with Engineers Australia?

Chartered status is a well-respected qualification throughout the world that is considered a professional passport for engineers. Also, the confidence and commitment required to maintain Chartered status are important to me.

Why are you an Engineers Australia member?

Engineers Australia is one of the most reputable engineering institutions in the world and being a member of such a well-known organisation is a massive honour.

If you were stranded on a desert island, what three things would you like to have with you?

Just leave enough paper, a pen and my calculator with me, so I can change the desert island to a place where I can survive.

What do you see as one of the biggest issues facing the engineering profession?

I think tight deadlines and time restrictions in the design stage of engineering activities have the potential to create serious issues in the future. I believe it would be highly beneficial if we could spend much more time in the design stage of projects.

If the whole world was listening, what would you say?

I would say stop fighting and try to listen to each other to find a solution to problems.

If you could be a superhero, what would you want your superpower to be?

An ability to stop all violence in the world, even for just one day.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Playing soccer, spending time with family and relaxing at home.

What is the best piece of advice your parents gave you?

Be yourself!

Who is your hero?

Absolutely, my parents.

What makes you laugh?

Kids normally make me laugh, as they are very honest.

Chartered is the internationally recognised credential awarded to engineers who have demonstrated their competence. Chartered provides a roadmap for early career development, upholds professional standards within the profession and provides assurance of competency in your field of practice.

Register for February’s 'Get your Chartered started’ information session.

Email Business Development Manager Kelly Power at Engineers Australia, Canberra for more information on Chartered and forthcoming information sessions.

Image: Masoud Valipour MIEAust CPEng NER at the construction project of a 72m-span and 200m-long lattice barrel vault canopy at the domestic terminal of Adnan Menderes Airport, Izmir/Turkey.