An engineer with an advantage

Soon after graduating, engineering graduate Emma Buis found herself back at VU as lead design and site engineer on the University’s student accommodation, UniLodge Victoria University. Her career has since led her to Sydney, where she is working as an associate structural engineer at Taylor Thomson Whitting (TTW).

"I grew up in north-east Victoria and was in Year 12 when VU lecturers made a presentation to my school about the University and in particular, engineering. Five years earlier, this same presentation had influenced my brother to study engineering at VU.

VU offered architectural engineering, which attracted my attention as it combined my interests in both science and creative design."

Experience that makes the difference

"I believe that the extracurricular activities I was involved in at VU were vital for the initial CV screening process when looking for work, setting me apart from other applicants. The smaller class sizes and accessibility to lecturers were ideal, and the problem-based learning played a key role in setting me up for the workforce. The classes encouraged logical thinking, team work and being resourceful.

In my second year of study, I joined the Student as Staff program, which allowed me to engage in the University right at the core, as part of the Student Leadership Awards. I developed essential professional skills and gained a sense of community through volunteer work."

An exciting career on the move

"Since graduating, I worked for Wallbridge and Gilbert on numerous projects, including VU’s state-of-the-art student accommodation, the Casey Specialist Centre in Berwick and the Knox Private Hospital Upgrade. In 2018 I moved to Sydney where I joined Taylor Thomson Whitting as a senior structural engineer – and was promoted to associate structural engineer in 2019. I am the structural lead for the Pitt Street Metro (south) project, a strategically located station at the junction of Sydney’s southern CBD and Midtown Retail Precinct. The new infrastructure provides relief for the already congested Town Hall Station, whilst allowing Sydney to commute around the City, North Western Suburbs and (future) South Western Suburbs.

I love the opportunities that engineering has presented me. From working on projects which are fundamental to communities, such as education and health facilities, to iconic Metro Stations which literally change the way we move. I have been fortunate to be engaged in the intricacies of design, which making numbers balance, to working collaboratively with the client and architect to achieve the architectural vision."

Emma studied

Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Architectural Engineering)