Alexandra Kelly, Scholarship Recipient and Undergraduate Engineer

Alexandra Kelly can thank her younger sister for her career choice.

Back in 2006, when Alex was in her final year of high school at All Hallows, Brisbane, she was away ill for several weeks. Fortunately for Alex, her younger sister kept her informed of school notices and told her about an engineering scholarship program on offer at Brown Consulting.

Alex decided to apply, and upon being accepted into her combined Bachelor of Engineering/Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of Queensland she was successfully awarded a scholarship and internship at Brown Consulting. The scholarship provides financial support during university, paid work experience and a guaranteed job upon completion.

Almost four years into her degree Alex hasn’t looked back.

“When I was in high school I wasn’t sure what an engineer did, but I was good at maths and science, so on hearing about Brown’s scholarship program I decided to find out more,” said Alex.

“Brown Consulting was very accommodating. I met with the Managing Director, Gary Spence, who explained more fully the role of an engineer, as well as outlining the Brown Consulting scholarship program. I felt confident about my decision to embark on an engineering career, and that Brown Consulting was the right place for me,” confirmed Alex.

In the four years that Alex has been with Brown Consulting, she has worked on civil, structural, transport and environmental engineering projects. Her project experience includes design and project management of land development projects; steel, concrete and timber structural designs; road construction; as well as environmental impact investigations.

“Working with Brown Consulting on the holidays, and as university permits during the semester, has meant that I get to experience engineering projects first hand. The knowledge I gain at work helps me at university. I really feel like it makes a huge difference in my overall understanding of theoretical and practical concepts,” said Alex.

Whilst Alex lives in Brisbane, she had the opportunity to spend a month working in Canberra during the university summer break in early February this year.

“I had the most fantastic time!” said Alex. “Brown Consulting really took care of me. I was made to feel like I was one of the family. At work I was designated my own responsibilities even though I was only in that particular office for a short while. My immediate supervisor was the Business Unit Manager, but I always had help and feedback from everyone in the office. I was also given the opportunity of being involved in meetings with stakeholders in the office and on site. Outside of work hours, I enjoyed spending time with my work colleagues, their family and friends. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience!”

“If I had to sum up an aspect which makes Brown Consulting stand out, I would have to say it is their mix of professional and personal approach towards their staff. I would certainly recommend the Brown Consulting Scholarship program to anyone who was considering a career in engineering,” said Alex.