In mid-2017 I migrated to Ireland for approximately two years. Unlike most Kiwis who undertake their overseas experience (OE) early on in their career, it was a late OE for me. In reality, I have been on OE from Fiji (or on secondment to Beca if you are talking to Terence), for a period of 10 years and counting. I initially joined an Irish owned engineering consultancy based in Dublin and was responsible for building a new Civil Structures business arm. The company had existing port and transport clients and this was a good opportunity to diversify into marine and bridge project work. I also had to get up to speed with the Euro codes and the British Standards.
What was quite distinct from a work perspective compared to NZ or the Pacific, was the history and heritage in the engineering infrastructure. For example, I undertook work on the royal canal for Dublin Council and structural work for Dublin Port and the existing infrastructure on these projects dated back to the 17th century.
Being avid hikers, my wife and I did a lot of hiking around the hills of Ireland and occasionally topped this off with a visit to the pub for a pint of black gold (Guinness)! Ireland’s close proximity to Europe also ensured that I got to venture into the real mountains of Europe specifically in Bavaria, Austria and Northern Italy. Visiting new places and experiencing different cultures was also a highlight. Despite enjoying my first white winter in the northern hemisphere, the Irish winters were always pretty bleak. The long cold, dark and damp wintry days are things I do not miss about Ireland – one of the reasons for my return to the southern hemisphere.
I returned with my family to Auckland just over a year and a half ago. I took up the role of Section Manager for the Auckland Civil Structures team in Beca. I had previously been with the team for approximately 10 years so transitioning back provided some sense of familiarity, albeit into a different role. The team consists of structural engineers and designers (CAD), approximately 47 staff in total. The team has a primary focus on bridge related projects but also undertake marine structures; cut and cover trenches; bridge asset management and rail projects. I am currently enjoying the experience and grateful to be back in NZ in these COVID19 times!
Author: Vincent Lobendahn
June 2020