Entering the railway industry can feel overwhelming, but remember: career development is personal. There’s no universal path to success, and over-strategising your career from the outset can lead to missed opportunities and added pressure. Here’s my advice on how to navigate this industry, focus on growth, and build a fulfilling career. Focus on Performing Well in Each Role The most significant career opportunities often arise when you excel in your current role. By prioritizing competence and quality, you naturally position yourself as a valuable team member, opening doors you may not even see yet. Consistent performance doesn’t just build a resume—it builds a reputation, which is far more influential in the long run. So, rather than setting strict goals for where you’ll be in 10 years, focus on mastering each role as it comes. Let your growth be defined by your contributions and skills. Get Hands-On Experience in Maintenance and Operations Early On In railway engineering, the practical experience gained from maintenance and operations is foundational. Working directly with maintenance teams provides an understanding of how engineering decisions impact daily operations, asset performance, and safety standards. While it may seem like “getting your hands dirty,” this work builds knowledge that’s hard to acquire later in your career and gives you a practical edge in future design or management roles. Seek out roles that allow you to learn the ropes of maintenance, asset management, and operational workflows early on. Prioritise Practical Knowledge Over Theory One of the best ways to accelerate your growth as an engineer is by observing how theory applies in real-world scenarios. Working in maintenance, for example, shows you firsthand the effects of design choices on equipment performance, durability, and the safety of those operating it. This practical experience can enhance your design or project management work later, as it gives you a grounded perspective on how to create sustainable, efficient solutions. Avoid Overthinking Your Career Path—Trust in the Process In an industry as dynamic as railway engineering, flexibility is your ally. Instead of meticulously planning every career step, allow some flexibility and keep an open mind for unexpected opportunities. Trust that consistent dedication will organically guide you toward rewarding roles and new challenges. In my experience, the most impactful career shifts often come from being open to change rather than adhering to a rigid plan. Let the Railway Guide You: Taking Care of the Industry Takes Care of You There’s a balance to be found between ambition and service. When you approach your work with a genuine commitment to quality, safety, and innovation, the industry has a way of rewarding that dedication. Taking care of the railway—meaning giving your best to each project, supporting the integrity of the infrastructure, and respecting the profession—leads to a fulfilling career. Simply put, if you care for the railway, the railway will, in turn, take care of your professional growth. For engineers just starting out, this industry offers a vast landscape of learning, challenges, and rewards. By focusing on practical experience, performing consistently, and trusting that your career will evolve naturally, you’re setting yourself up for a meaningful and impactful journey in railway engineering.

Context The Northland Corridor is one of New Zealand’s key civil infrastructure projects, designed to improve regional connectivity and economic growth through major road and bridge upgrades. The Challenge During the tender phase, the consortium needed immediate access to commercial, planning and engineering professionals with experience in alliance contracting, cost modelling and major civil bid preparation Our Engagement Rec-Partners supported the pre-contracts and bid teams by delivering qualified shortlists within two weeks, combining local market mapping with competitor benchmarking to identify high-performing talent from comparable road and infrastructure projects. Outcome Secured key commercial, planning and engineering personnel for bid delivery Strengthened tender team capability ahead of submission Recognised for speed, precision and ability to engage passive candidates 

Context A specialist management consultancy sought to expand its below-the-line delivery capability across Defence and defence-adjacent programs. Engagements covered strategic advisory, operational performance and transformation projects for secure government clients. The Challenge The consultancy needed senior advisors, program managers and commercial specialists with Defence clearance, high analytical capability and experience navigating complex stakeholder environments. The limited candidate pool required a discreet and intelligence-led approach. Our Engagement Rec-Partners partnered directly with the executive team to deliver a confidential search across Australia’s Defence ecosystem. The process combined behavioural evaluation, competency mapping and market benchmarking to ensure cultural and technical alignment. Outcome 4 senior appointments across strategy, program management and commercial governance Enhanced project delivery capacity and client alignment  Recognised for precision, discretion and reliability in secure environments

Context The Wyaralong upgrade expanded a critical water treatment facility to meet population growth and regional supply demands. The project required multidisciplinary design integration between mechanical, civil, and process engineering teams. The Challenge The principal contractor required a Design Manager with experience bridging engineering design, compliance and construction interface. The ideal profile needed both technical depth and the ability to manage stakeholder alignment across multiple delivery partners. Our Engagement Rec-Partners conducted a focused search using AI-assisted sourcing and behavioural assessment to identify candidates with proven water-sector design experience. Advisory involvement refined technical scope and supported a transparent selection process. Outcome Strategic appointment of Design Manager within 4 weeks Strengthened coordination between engineering and construction  Enhanced design governance and program delivery confidence

Context Snowy Hydro 2.0 is one of Australia’s largest renewable energy projects — a complex pumped-hydro expansion involving extensive tunnelling, civil, and mechanical works in regional NSW. The program’s success depends on the ability to integrate specialist expertise across design, construction and delivery. The Challenge The joint venture needed to rapidly secure technical and commercial talent capable of operating in remote conditions under rigorous compliance and safety requirements. Traditional recruitment methods failed to identify candidates with both tier-1 and hydropower experience. Our Engagement Rec-Partners delivered senior engineering, quality and commercial professionals through a precision headhunting campaign supported by AI-driven market mapping. Advisory input around role positioning and relocation strategy helped increase engagement and retention. Outcome 3 key hires across engineering, quality and commercial delivery Candidates secured within 2-week turnaround Improved project continuity and governance capability

Context The Northland Corridor is one of New Zealand’s key civil infrastructure projects, designed to improve regional connectivity and economic growth through major road and bridge upgrades. The Challenge During the tender phase, the consortium needed immediate access to commercial, planning and engineering professionals with experience in alliance contracting, cost modelling and major civil bid preparation Our Engagement Rec-Partners supported the pre-contracts and bid teams by delivering qualified shortlists within two weeks, combining local market mapping with competitor benchmarking to identify high-performing talent from comparable road and infrastructure projects. Outcome Secured key commercial, planning and engineering personnel for bid delivery Strengthened tender team capability ahead of submission Recognised for speed, precision and ability to engage passive candidates 

Context A major utilities provider undertook an extensive upgrade of water and wastewater assets to improve capacity, reliability and compliance across the ACT network. The works involved complex integration between design, civil construction, and commissioning teams operating within live environments. The Challenge The project required immediate access to skilled project engineers, construction managers and project support specialists with prior experience in treatment plant upgrades and regulated utility projects. Local candidate availability was limited, and timelines were tied to critical funding milestones. Our Engagement Rec-Partners delivered targeted shortlists for engineers, system safety specialists and readiness leads within tight timeframes. Advisory support refined role positioning and improved candidate conversion. All hires were completed ahead of mobilisation milestones. Outcome 8 key hires across engineering, delivery, and project controls Mobilisation completed within tight procurement timeframes Enhanced compliance and operational readiness for staged works 

Context A metropolitan light rail operator was expanding its workforce capability and preparing for new operational performance requirements. The focus was on enhancing safety, training delivery, and operational readiness during a period of network growth. The Challenge The organisation faced a shortfall of qualified training and operations specialists with experience in safety-critical passenger environments and regulatory frameworks. Our Engagement Rec-Partners delivered targeted shortlists for engineers, system safety specialists and readiness leads within tight timeframes. Advisory support refined role positioning and improved candidate conversion. All hires were completed ahead of mobilisation milestones. Outcome Filled multiple operations and training leadership positions Improved workforce capability ahead of timetable expansion Enhanced safety and compliance alignment across network functions

Context The SSTOM package forms part of the Western Sydney Airport metro line, delivering six stations, driverless trains, systems integration, and long-term operations under a PPP model. It’s one of Australia’s most complex transport programs, designed to reshape mobility across Greater Western Sydney. The Challenge The consortium required rapid mobilisation of specialists across commercial, PMO, safety, and operational readiness. Local market availability was limited, and roles demanded experience in automated metro systems, safety-critical environments, and PPP frameworks. Our Engagement Rec-Partners delivered targeted shortlists for engineers, system safety specialists and readiness leads within tight timeframes. Advisory support refined role positioning and improved candidate conversion. All hires were completed ahead of mobilisation milestones. Outcome 10 hires across safety, commercial and operations Shortlists delivered within 7 business days Strengthened delivery capability for D&C phase Recognised for precision, speed and strategic alignment

Entering the railway industry can feel overwhelming, but remember: career development is personal. There’s no universal path to success, and over-strategising your career from the outset can lead to missed opportunities and added pressure. Here’s my advice on how to navigate this industry, focus on growth, and build a fulfilling career. Focus on Performing Well in Each Role The most significant career opportunities often arise when you excel in your current role. By prioritizing competence and quality, you naturally position yourself as a valuable team member, opening doors you may not even see yet. Consistent performance doesn’t just build a resume—it builds a reputation, which is far more influential in the long run. So, rather than setting strict goals for where you’ll be in 10 years, focus on mastering each role as it comes. Let your growth be defined by your contributions and skills. Get Hands-On Experience in Maintenance and Operations Early On In railway engineering, the practical experience gained from maintenance and operations is foundational. Working directly with maintenance teams provides an understanding of how engineering decisions impact daily operations, asset performance, and safety standards. While it may seem like “getting your hands dirty,” this work builds knowledge that’s hard to acquire later in your career and gives you a practical edge in future design or management roles. Seek out roles that allow you to learn the ropes of maintenance, asset management, and operational workflows early on. Prioritise Practical Knowledge Over Theory One of the best ways to accelerate your growth as an engineer is by observing how theory applies in real-world scenarios. Working in maintenance, for example, shows you firsthand the effects of design choices on equipment performance, durability, and the safety of those operating it. This practical experience can enhance your design or project management work later, as it gives you a grounded perspective on how to create sustainable, efficient solutions. Avoid Overthinking Your Career Path—Trust in the Process In an industry as dynamic as railway engineering, flexibility is your ally. Instead of meticulously planning every career step, allow some flexibility and keep an open mind for unexpected opportunities. Trust that consistent dedication will organically guide you toward rewarding roles and new challenges. In my experience, the most impactful career shifts often come from being open to change rather than adhering to a rigid plan. Let the Railway Guide You: Taking Care of the Industry Takes Care of You There’s a balance to be found between ambition and service. When you approach your work with a genuine commitment to quality, safety, and innovation, the industry has a way of rewarding that dedication. Taking care of the railway—meaning giving your best to each project, supporting the integrity of the infrastructure, and respecting the profession—leads to a fulfilling career. Simply put, if you care for the railway, the railway will, in turn, take care of your professional growth. For engineers just starting out, this industry offers a vast landscape of learning, challenges, and rewards. By focusing on practical experience, performing consistently, and trusting that your career will evolve naturally, you’re setting yourself up for a meaningful and impactful journey in railway engineering.

When confronted with an interview, being a master in the STAR technique can set you apart. This systematic method allows you to structure responses to showcase real-life achievements clearly and effectively, making you a truly memorable and impactful candidate in interviews. Let's delve into what the STAR method entails, how to efficiently implement it, and its specific advantages for technical positions. Understanding the STAR Method The STAR method stands for Situation, Task, Action, and Result. This technique helps you tell your story in a way that makes it easy for interviewers to understand your experiences and qualifications. Situation: Describe the context where you faced a task or challenge at work, such as a specific project, tight deadline, or a difficult workplace environment. Task: Outline your specific responsibilities or challenges. This allows the interviewer to grasp your role in the situation. Action: Explain the steps you took to resolve the situation or tackle the task. This is where you can highlight your skills and thought processes. Result: Share the outcomes of your actions. Use numbers or metrics to validate your achievements. For instance, "I increased sales by 20% in one quarter by implementing a new marketing strategy." Practicing this method prepares you to share detailed stories that relate to the skills necessary for your target role.