What’s your name and job title? What did you study?
My name is Will Roper and I am a graduate civil engineer working for Stantec in their Wellington transportation team. I studied for a bachelor’s degree (HONS) in civil engineering at the University of Canterbury.
How did you get into your current job position and for how long have you occupied it?
In my final year at university, a Stantec got in touch about an interview opportunity. It went well and they offered me a position, where I have just finished my first two months!
How can students best prepare for interviews?
Most students are already very good at answering technical questions, so I would recommend improving your background knowledge about the company you are interviewing for. They are likely to ask you some questions about this during your interview and it is a good topic to discuss in your cover letter.
How can students set themselves apart from their peers?
Be proactive. Take the initiative when trying to get your foot in the door with engineering companies by attending networking events and even personally dropping a CV and cover letter to their offices.
What are the do’s and don’ts in an interview?
Take your time and pause before answering questions. Interviewers want to see you think on your feet, but the first thing that comes to your mind might not be the best answer!
What is your number one tip for students when interviewing?
Try to relax into it, and just be yourself. They (hopefully) aren’t just looking for a corporate drone. Your personality and enthusiasm will be just as or more important to them as your grades. Feeling relaxed during the interview will increase your confidence and allow you to give better responses, which will improve the interview experience.