URS Corporation New Zealand

CAREERS

Home > Careers Home > Graduate Development & Young Professionals Program

Careers Home

Career Opportunities

Our People

Graduate Development &
Young Professionals Program

Learning & Development

Recruiting Events

GRADUATES & YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

talented professionals





		challenging careers

Graduate Development and Young Professionals Program

The URS Graduate Development and Young Professionals Program (GYP) offers graduates and young professionals opportunities to become outstanding consultants and project managers: the future leaders of URS.

The URS GYP is owned, directed and influenced by the graduate and young professional population and provides graduates and young professionals with:

Opportunities to grow, both personally and professionally
Core career Learning & Development pathways
Professional accreditation and memberships
Lateral learning and development activities
Job and role rotations
National and international transfers and secondments
A voice to the executive
Pride in the URS culture

Core and elective Learning and Development opportunities and participation in a variety of projects support the development of skills, knowledge and attributes. Additional support is also provided by each graduate and young professional’s supervisor or buddy.

The URS GYP assists young professionals to quickly develop an understanding of the business, and the opportunity to do their best work. To find out more information on the "day in the life" of a URS graduate & young professional and the different projects and opportunities you may be exposed to at URS, please click on one of the graduate & young professional photos on the left-hand side of the page.

It's time to do your best work

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Michael Wroblewski – BSc (Chemistry) Environmental Scientist, Newcastle I had progressed through High School and University, yet was unsure of exactly what I wanted in terms of a career. As my science degree was chemistry-oriented, my future as a chemist in a laboratory seemed a formality. However, working in this environment for two years provided little job satisfaction. When I saw the position advertised for an Environmental Scientist at URS I saw the potential for a rewarding career. URS allowed me the flexibility to complete my degree during my first year of employment, something many employers are reluctant to do. 12 months on, my life and outlook have totally changed. I work in a smaller regional office with a great team that supports and encourages each other. I now enjoy coming to work every day, not knowing what new challenges await. I am constantly exposed to new problems that require solutions and have access to a truly vast knowledge bank of experts right across the globe. I’m involved in many different environmental remediation and monitoring projects. I have a great balance between office and fieldwork and I have had the opportunity to work in places ranging from industrial sites, fuel depots and waste management facilities, to geotechnical monitoring on the slopes overlooking Thredbo. Furthermore, I have been able to put my chemistry background to use. I am involved in an innovative practice of in-situ remediation called chemical injection. I look forward to being involved in this and other new technologies while finding new ways to adapt them to suit different situations. Working for URS has been the best investment in my future I could possibly have made.

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Blair Hardman - BSc (Zoology/Botany) & MSc (EnvMgt) Environmental Scientist, Perth I chose to begin my career at URS as opposed to a range of other Western Australian environmental consultancies for two predominant reasons. The first reason related to URS’ ability to provide a broad range of experience in a variety of disciplines. The second reason I joined URS was because of their international nature, which can provide employees with opportunities to be involved with projects based in other states or countries. The Perth office shares a range of projects with the Darwin office, and is currently focusing on work opportunities in Africa. These two factors provide young professionals with a wide range of experience and development opportunities that could not be obtained in smaller companies. It also offers graduates a career that is variable, interesting, and challenging. Since joining URS in September 2004, I have been heavily involved in writing a public environmental review for a particularly challenging proposal. As part of this proposal I designed and implemented a study which included visiting a number of sites in the Shark Bay region. Once completed, I presented my findings to the Chairman of the EPA. One of the most nerve-wracking challenges of my short career thus far! I have also recently included project management to my CV, managing the environmental impacts of two sites in the Pilbara region. My initial nine months employment at URS has been full of challenges and put me on a steep learning curve, which is exactly the challenging environment I desired at this early stage of my career.

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Veronica Swamy - BE (Env)(Hons) Environmental Engineer, Auckland I first heard about URS while at University. The fact that URS is one of the largest engineering design firms worldwide with room for movement both upwards and between disciplines was definitely a key component in my decision to come here. Initially, I worked for URS as a summer intern in the Geosciences group. As I wasn’t too sure of the type of Environmental Engineer I wanted to be, URS gave me the flexibility to move around and now I have been part of the Water and Waste team in Auckland since February 2005. URS are the leaders in design engineering and the potential to be working on new, unique projects is huge. Over the last 5 months, I have had the chance to work on several large-scale interesting and challenging projects including everything from significant proposals, challenging bioremediation projects, resolving resource consent issues along with first hand practical experience with operational systems. The culture of the place is excellent and balanced and working alongside some of the best engineers and scientists in the world is amazing. One of my highlights whilst working at URS has definitely been meeting a potential client, preparing a proposal with the specific requirements and hearing back from the client that we had successfully engineered a solution and won the job. The graduates and young professionals program provides professional development and vital consultancy skills required in the industry. URS offers a diverse range of career options and lets you pursue the career you want.

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Linton Corbet - BSc (Hons) Air Quality Scientist, Melbourne I joined URS as an air quality scientist having studied atmospheric science at University. I have found that the technical skills that I brought to URS have been extensively used and I’m frequently adding to those skills as my project experience continues to grow. I’ve worked on projects involving airborne emissions from power plants, mining operations, wastewater treatment and commercial construction. I have also performed air quality modelling for a chemical plant located internationally. Travel opportunities for site inspections have taken me around metropolitan Melbourne and to Mildura. My current highlight of work related travel was attending the 2005 International Clean Air and Environment Conference in Tasmania. I often work with URS employees in other local and international offices. The air quality practice is strong in Australia and New Zealand. I am in regular contact with these people to advance my air quality experience and keep up to date with air quality projects in Asia-Pacific. I have been involved in a wider range of projects than I had ever thought possible and have been given a large amount of responsibility in completing projects and issuing project reports. Being involved in client meetings and the management of projects has been rewarding learning experience. This is certainly encouraged at URS and it means I can see many projects from start to finish.

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Dr Silvana Santomartino - BEnvSc (Hons), PhD Project Environmental Geochemist, Brisbane I joined URS Brisbane in November 2004 after completing a PhD thesis on Acid Mine Drainage, and prior to that, an Honours thesis on Acid Sulfate Soils at La Trobe University in Victoria. I had always wanted to work in consulting and found out about URS whilst searching for work experience during my undergraduate degree. URS seemed an ideal place for me to begin my professional career; being a large international company with numerous specialist areas, it would allow me to utilise many of my technical skills in a wide range of projects. I discovered that a leading specialist in acid mine drainage worked at the Brisbane office, and wanting to learn from the best, I applied for a position and was excited when I was successful. Since joining URS I have worked on a variety of projects. I have undertaken geochemical studies to assess the acid producing capacity of waste materials at coal and metal mine sites in QLD, NSW, Indonesia and Turkey. For some of these projects, I carried out kinetic leach column tests in our laboratory to study the rate of acid production. As part of my training, I was sent to a proposed coal mine in Newcastle where my work colleague and I liaised with geologist and drillers to organise a soil sampling program for our acid prediction studies. Not only has my technical knowledge developed during my time at URS, but I have also had the opportunity to develop my marketing, interpersonal, leadership and teamwork skills. For example, I was given the opportunity to socialise with key clients at URS’ client golf day; I have attended seminars on time management and effective communications skills (to name a few) and am currently leading the acid sulfate soil marketing drive. I believe that URS provides young graduates with a variety of fabulous opportunities to ‘kick-start’ their professional careers.

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Julia Zhu Environmental Scientist, Shanghai I joined URS in Shanghai in July 2004 as a new graduate of Environmental Sciences. Since then I have gained invaluable experience from my on-job training and have constantly be encouraged and challenged to go beyond my existing abilities. I love to work with the smart and wonderful people around, who always do their best and are really dedicated. It’s also very exciting to work in a global company like URS, to make connections with the talents throughout the company, to learn from the huge knowledge and experience base that we have, and to provide my help to peers thousands of miles away. As I always believe, youth and enthusiasm plus a sincere desire will make my dream true. Now with the assistance and inspiration from our Young Professionals program and group, the dream is much nearer! 朱莉莉，硕士（环境工程）环境工程师，上海 2004 年月，我作为一名新毕业的环境科学硕士研究生加入 URS 上海，得以在工作培训中不断获得宝贵经验，同时也不断接受能激发我最大潜能的鼓励与挑战。我喜欢同我身边这群精明强干、凡事全力以赴的同事一起工作，也非常高兴能够加入 URS 这样的国际公司，能够与公司在全球的精英进行精诚合作，能够从公司巨大的资源宝库中汲取知识，并能够为远在千里之外的同仁们提供帮助。我一直相信，年轻和热情加上真诚的祈望就能够助我实现梦想，与 YPG 和我们年轻的队伍同在，我的梦想从未如此接近！

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Steven Baker - MA (Int Studies) & BA (Int Relations) Social Scientist, Adelaide I joined URS in 2002 after completing post-graduate studies at the University of South Australia and graduating from the Royal Military College in Canberra, ACT. I was looking for work in the aid development and resource sectors in which I could put to use my linguistic, project management and social/ cultural skills. URS at the time was involved in a Liquified Natural Gas Project in Papua, Indonesia and needed a young project manager/ logistician to keep things on track, both in the field with their community relations initiatives, and project management in the office. Within 6 weeks I was working in Indonesia. Since joining URS I have been provided every opportunity to develop my professional/ technical skills through external training and relevant short courses. These have been the cornerstone of my career development, together with the excellent mentoring I have received by senior URS staff. URS encourages a work-life balance and is active in supporting a more personally aligned work plan. Work hours can be flexible and social activities are promoted. In the 3 years I have been with URS I have travelled to 5 countries and worked on a diverse range of projects, including community development in Indonesia, quarantine in Samoa, social-economic impact assessment of road maintenance in Papua New Guinea, land administration in the Solomon Islands, not to mention stakeholder engagement on a mining project in regional Australia. Some of the highlights of these experiences have been the appreciation for other peoples and their needs in life, the challenge of balancing a client's needs and that of the recipient community, and the teamwork and support networks you establish when working in remote locations. For the next 18 months I will be on secondment to WMC Resources working on the Environmental Impact Statement for the Olympic Dam uranium/copper mine expansion project in Roxby Downs, South Australia.

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Winston Teear - BE (Civil)(Hons) Civil Engineer, Christchurch Although initially apprehensive at the thought of swapping board shorts and jandals for a shirt and shoes after eight months of working and travelling around Europe, I was attracted to URS after hearing positive things about the Company from friends already working with the organisation. I have now been with URS for over a year and have developed useful skills and made some good friends at work. The atmosphere in the Christchurch office is really friendly and positive which makes for a very good working environment. At URS, I enjoy the opportunities available to me as a graduate engineer both in New Zealand and worldwide. I first became aware of the vast opportunities available when I was given the chance to spend a few months working on the West Coast of the South Island at Stockton Open Cast Coal mine on the Ridgeline Project. A few months have now turned into almost a year. I have really enjoyed the nature of the job and the increased responsibility of being a site engineer. I have also developed my knowledge in blast design which has been interesting and exciting to learn and apply to the job. URS potentially provides various staff with the opportunity to transfer to one of their international offices. An opportunity like this is an exciting prospect as it may provide me with the chance to work on different projects of an even greater scale. I would recommend URS to anyone looking for a graduate engineering role as the work is interesting and varied and there is a good balance of work and social activity.

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Tom Forde - BE (Civil & Env) Project Civil & Environmental Engineer, Adelaide I started with URS as a work experience student during my third year studying Civil and Environment Engineering at the University of Adelaide. I learned then that URS were, and still are, the country’s largest firm of environmental professionals and I knew I wanted to work there. Fast track through several months of vacation work and I began full time in early 2002 after completing my uni degree. Since that time, I have worked on many and varied projects, from multi million dollar site remediations to single house footing and stormwater designs. This is what I enjoy most about working for URS: the breadth of experience gained across large and small projects. Be it helping landfill operators save millions of dollars in capital costs, modelling floods through major Murray River wetlands, or helping a homeowner understand why their wall is cracking, each project presents a new challenge, new people and more satisfaction in solving problems. URS provides a great opportunity for young graduates to develop their professional skills, both on a technical and managerial level. The company actively pursues training and development ventures for all staff, and ultimately provides a fantastic working environment – friendly people, interesting work and as many new doors to open as you dare to turn handles. Why did I join URS? Why would I join anywhere else?

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Titus Khor - BE (Civil & Struc)(Hons) Graduate Structural Engineer, Sydney I started working at URS in Sydney in 2003 as a Student Engineer for six months and rejoined URS after I finished my study. I joined URS because of the great career development opportunities. I find that URS is highly focused on developing its graduates in their career and increasing their knowledge, experience and expertise. This is clearly evident in the quality of URS mentors, project work for graduates, learning and development opportunities, the URS CPEng Program, and URS Management’s commitment to the Graduate Development and Young Professionals Program and it's graduates. Since URS is a multidisciplinary consultancy, I have worked in a variety of projects and with various professionals ranging from other disciplines of Civil Engineers, Architects to Business Analysts. The tasks that I have completed are not limited to what is in my contract. I have had the chance to analyse and design major retaining walls, warehouses and bridges, and complete numerous property inspections. I enjoy working at URS because of the friendly work environment and its focus on career development and your future. I highly recommend URS.

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Dena Elsewaisy - BE (CivEng)(Hons) Civil Engineer, Melbourne During my final year of University I was somewhat confused as to which field of Civil Engineering I wanted to pursue. What attracted me personally to URS was that being such a multi-faceted consultancy, it is able to provide the opportunity for involvement in a variety of works across disciplines. This was of crucial significance to me, as I did not want to be pigeon holed into a certain field that may limit my future development as an engineer. The majority of my day-to-day work is technical, whether it is checking the strength and stability of retaining walls or analysing the flows through a catchment. Other activities include consulting with project managers, liaising with clients and report writing. Occasionally I will go out to site to supervise or gather information. More recently, my interest in water saw my involvement in drainage redevelopment schemes stemming from the Victorian Government's Melbourne 2030 policy. Since joining URS I can say that my technical, report writing, networking and client liaison skills have all improved. URS promotes the personal and professional development of graduates through the GYP - a program created for graduates by graduates. It is a thorough compilation of events to help ease young professionals into the workforce. Past experience taught me the importance of a good work environment. Being a relatively young office with a healthy gender balance, URS provides an impressive work atmosphere. It is a friendly, enthusiastic, social office which makes getting up for work in the morning much less of a chore. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at URS and look forward to many years to come.

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Shauna Mounsey – (BSc & LLB) Environmental Scientist, Darwin I started working as an Environmental Scientist for URS in my final year of my Bachelor of Science/ Bachelor of Laws. I found URS to be very supportive of me throughout my studies, even assisting me when I needed to take time off to complete my studies. Since working for URS I have gained much experience in the areas of environmental impact assessment, due diligence and environmental management planning, as well as some technical exposure. I have been exposed to a variety of large and small scale projects ranging from highly contentious mining projects to setting up aquaculture farms - the work is always diverse. However, for me the highlight has been project managing which has really advanced my skills, not only scientifically, but in other areas such as client relations, managing staff and budgeting. Some of my projects have even taken me to remote parts of the Northern Territory in order to meet clients and undertake site assessments. Despite the challenging work, URS also has a very balanced work/life approach. There are often social functions organised by the office as well as numerous morning teas and Friday drinks (which is very important to graduates).This sort of atmosphere is very rare and having previously worked in Government and a private legal practice, I would say that URS has been the best place I have ever worked. URS also has a Graduate Development & Young Professionals Program that assists graduates in their professional development and provides a network of support.

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Virgil Karan - BE (Elec) Electrical Engineer, Wellington The fact that URS is of such a global nature permits it to carry out sizeable projects and allow different disciplines to work together. This has given me the opportunity to diversify, increase my knowledge base and gain experience in different fields. As a young professional my experience at URS has been great! The work is challenging yet fulfilling. My project work is in mainly in designing Electrical systems for buildings. From power and lighting requirements to generator and UPS sizing. I have also expanded into HVAC design work. Every opportunity has been given to me as a Graduate/Young Professional to foster my skill level and expertise. Time is allocated for career/professional development; ensuring that everyone is furthering themselves not only experience wise but also in skill level. URS NZ also has an internal forum for young professionals to give additional support to graduates and young professional. URS produces an annual report called “The Things We Value”. This report comments on the Economic, Environmental and Social Performances of the company and has a section called “Looking after Staff”. This section outlines the various steps taken by URS to make certain that staff are looked after, trained well and supported in many ways. This shows the commitment from URS towards its staff. Another thing about URS that makes my experience more enjoyable are the staff. They are extremely motivated, down to earth, approachable and vastly experienced.

MEET OUR GRADUATES

Close Window X


		Timothy McConnell – BSc & BE (Env)(Hons) Graduate Environmental Engineer, Brisbane I first heard about URS from my program convenor at university. He suggested that I apply to URS and after browsing the internet and finding out more about the Company I agreed. I was initially impressed by the range of projects URS is involved in and the travel opportunities this multinational company has to offer. My first job placement at URS was as a Student Environmental Engineer in which I undertook many local government design projects within the Water and Infrastructure Group. URS then offered me an industry placement in conjunction with university where I worked on the Hinze Dam Upgrade (Gold Coast, QLD) producing a 3-D geological model from drilling investigations conducted on site. I also managed to work with URS part time in my final semester of university, which naturally progressed into full-time work as a Graduate Environmental Engineer. URS fosters a great work environment built on technical knowledge and ethical engineering solutions. The young professional and graduate programs ensure that this technical knowledge is transferred to graduates in their chosen field. Job satisfaction is evident around the office and is supported by the diversity of projects URS works on. The broad range of expertise in the office means that as a consultancy we can win large, exciting and multidisciplinary projects. The office is very multicultural so travel or not you will still be exposed to different people, ideas and cultures which is not only exciting, but aids in networking and the range of expertise and work available. URS has helped me transition from a work experience student to a graduate engineer working in my chosen field. I can foresee my career developing with URS for many years to come.