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Q&A
Mar 5, 2023
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As part of our Boldly Moving Forward Strategy, we’re focused on intentionally building deep, trusting relationships for our people, and nurturing our inclusive culture, including in how we approach wellbeing. And that’s where the Muay Thai Boxing 12-week program came in.
When employees returned to the Sydney office following the COVID-19 pandemic, some of our teammates found it tough to find time to exercise and shared that the office felt different with the new ways of working. Some teammates even felt like they didn't know anyone with the mix of new faces.
To solve these challenges and better connect and engage and connect people from across the business, our Jacobs Women's Network (JWN) and Careers employee networks got creative.
The networks came together to trial a Muay-Thai kickboxing offering to better connect and energize our teams in the Sydney office. We sat down to hear from some of the participants to hear about their experience and their career journeys at #OurJacobs.
Meet some of the talented women who accepted the 12-week challenge: Debjani Sarkar, Dana Silang, Chelsea Hayward, Zainab Mustafa and Ana Barradinhas
Debjani Sarkar
Architect 10869 (NSW)/ Associate – Science & Research
How did you end up in the career you are in today?
As an Indian, I am obligated to say, “because my parents told me so…” and they did. Jokes aside, I actually didn’t enjoy the first three years of my architecture course and wanted to give up midway. In Indian architecture schools when I studied, we had to do a 6-month internship after three years of study and then come back to finish the remaining year and a half. The internship changed my perspective completely and I fell in love with architecture. I then finished my remaining studies with a newfound enthusiasm. That is the value of an incredible first boss – they can make or break the start of a career!
How has your career progressed?
I had career breaks and uprooting and restarting of my life, following my scientist husband around few parts of the world. The worst part of my career was landing in Austin with a no working right visa. Needless to say, I didn’t stick around Austin for long. In spite of these challenges and running at least three years behind my counterparts, my career finally seems to be on an upward track in the last few years. Where my career in Jacobs particularly takes me is still to be seen, as I am relatively new in the company. It seems to be a good start in Jacobs so far!
Have there been any notable highlights?
Most buildings (barring a few) that are completed onsite be it in India, Netherlands or Sydney have been a highlight. But a notable highlight is being able to bring my skills I have developed as an architect (which goes beyond design) to establish a Women’s and Kids Crisis Shelter in Revesby, a suburb in the southwest Sydney region. We have also recently applied for a NSW Department of Communities and Justice grant to extend the shelter and redevelop the site to make it inclusive and cohesive..
What excites you most about your job?
I’m learning something new every day in the Science & Research sector, as I come from a Health sector background. I also enjoy working with my collaborative and supportive team.
4 fun facts about me are…
- I watch Japanese cooking YouTube videos before going to bed (and I don’t cook.)
- I listen to non-fiction audio books.
- My Saturday morning routine is a workout and breakfast afterwards, with my friends – we call ourselves The Outdoor Hardcore People (we aren’t hardcore.)
- I play golf with my Chicks with Sticks group (and a year later, we are still terrible at it.)
What do you enjoy most about being part of #OurJacobs?
Various staff engagement activities and our Culture of Caring.
Why did you want to participate in the Muay Thai Kickboxing program?
I dislike cardio and boxing! I wanted to overcome that dislike and would have never done it if I had to do it by myself. I know from experience that being part of anything, be it work or play, with a group of supportive women is the best way to overcome any apprehension. I also wanted to meet other female professionals from our team.. Truth be told, we are unable to network during the workout because all we are trying to do is survive the intensive training, but then the locker room chats are great.
Dana Silang
Graduate Civil Engineer – Roads & Highways
How did you end up in the career you are in today?
I started working at Jacobs full time/part time as an intern during my last two years at university and transitioned into a Graduate when I finished my degree.
How has your career progressed?
During my internship with Jacobs, I was in the Built Environment team and with the help of my university mentor (who happened to work at Jacobs!), I was able to move to the Roads & Highways team for more technical/design engineering experience during my internship and into the Graduate Program.
Have there been any notable highlights?
Being part of the Australia New Zealand (ANZ)Graduate Development Network Social Lead team and still hosting ANZ-wide events online during COVID-19 lockdown. The pandemic was not at all expected, but the team adapted quickly and pulled through to ensure that the graduates and interns still felt part of the wider Jacobs team amidst isolation.
What excites you most about your job?
Everyday having its own challenges and being able to learn something new each day.
4 fun facts about me are…
- I’ve competed at Nationals for Powerlifting and came 2nd! (Taking a break at the moment from competing though.)
- During my university days, I achieved my Certificate of Performance with AMEB and became a piano teacher.
- I have been to ten different countries around the world and counting.
- The first ever hike I went on was the 7-hour Cradle Mountain hike in Tasmania.
What do you enjoy most about being part of #OurJacobs?
The versatility of Jacobs as a business with multiple areas of expertise with a variety of people who come from different backgrounds and experiences. And despite the diversity, I still feel seen, heard and valued.
Why did you want to participate in the Muay Thai Kickboxing program?
To meet and network with other women in the Jacobs business, while simultaneously improving my cardiovascular fitness!
Chelsea Hayward
Senior Process Engineer
How did you end up in the career you are in today?
When selecting what to study at university, I wasn’t very sure what I wanted to do, but I knew that I wanted a career where I could help people and that I enjoyed problem solving. So, with some guidance from teachers and family I chose to study engineering. After getting some experience on real-world engineering projects, particularly as part of the Engineers Without Borders Challenge, I was convinced that engineering was the right career for me. Through trying different courses at university, I found my interests lay in the environment and water sectors so when the opportunity came up to join the water team at Jacobs, I was very keen to apply.
How has your career progressed?
After I finished my university studies, I had a year off before starting in the Jacobs Graduate Program, going straight into the water team in Sydney. I have been with the water team ever since, progressing from graduate to recently being promoted to senior process engineer. Over the years, I have gained a range of experience in technical engineering, higher level strategic planning and project management. I am continuously learning new skills and gaining more knowledge and figuring out where my project interests lie. With a few years under my belt, I am now also starting to share my experience through mentoring university students and early career professionals.
Have there been any notable highlights?
In terms of projects, a highlight has been working on the Greater Sydney Desalination Program. I enjoy strategic planning projects and it was really interesting to consider the bigger picture of the entire Greater Sydney water system and develop solutions to create a more secure and resilient water supply for Sydney.
Another highlight of my time at Jacobs was being part of the STEM Build Malawi team in 2019. I got the opportunity to travel to Malawi with a group of women from Jacobs and other engineering firms and assist in the design and construction of a science classroom block for a local school, as well as deliver science and engineering workshops to the students. They even made a documentary on the project.
Most recently, I had the opportunity to attend the International Water Association World Water Congress in Copenhagen on behalf of Jacobs. It was great to meet Jacobs colleagues from around the world and expand my networks in the global water sector while learning about all the cool advancements in the industry.
What excites you most about your job?
Knowing that I contribute to ensuring the people of Sydney can turn on their taps and have access to clean drinking water! Hopefully one day I can also help provide access to clean water and sanitation to the millions of people around the world who lack access to this basic human need.
4 fun facts about me are…
- I have dual Australian-Canadian citizenship that I love to take advantage of and get away for holidays hiking in the Rocky Mountains.
- I love volunteering and have various roles outside of Jacobs, including Engineers Without Borders Australia’s National Youth Outreach Coordinator, Australian Red Cross Emergency Services Volunteer and more!
- I’m very active and enjoy netball, Muay Thai and hiking. I’m not a huge fan of running, but this year I completed my first half marathon, signing up only a few days before - it was great to finish but quite painful!
- I’m learning Spanish on Duolingo, currently on a 309-day streak!
What do you enjoy most about being part of #OurJacobs
Jacobs has a great culture that encourages relationship building, continuous learning and opportunities to engage with your passions. I love working with my water team, as well as connecting with my colleagues across the business. It’s also great to be able to link into a global network of incredible professionals. Plus, if you are motivated, you can find a range of opportunities to get involved with various employee networks and initiatives. I am part of the Collectively℠ team in Australia, helping employees engage in Jacobs’ global giving and volunteering program. I am also part of the ANZ PlanBeyond Pioneers, a group that drives sustainability initiatives within Jacobs, including environmental, community outreach and STEAM activities.
Why did you want to participate in the Muay Thai Kickboxing program?
I love Muay Thai! It is a great way to get active, relieve stress and challenge yourself mentally. I wanted to share this with other women, while also expanding my network. It’s great that Jacobs gives us the opportunity to connect with colleagues and build our networks through different initiatives and activities.
Zainab Mustafa
Graduate Process Engineer
How did you end up in the career you are in today?
I enjoyed math and chemistry in school, so I thought I’d study chemical engineering. After that I’ve taken every opportunity that came to me and found myself with this amazing job!
Right after I completed my bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, I was offered an exciting industry PhD scholarship where I got to work with an industry partner. The next four years took me through intensive research in membrane science and engineering where I focused on a narrow, technical research field. As I completed my PhD thesis, I realized I now wanted to both broaden my understanding of water technologies and also give back to industry with my expertise in membrane filtration. So naturally I was ecstatic to be offered a role at Jacobs as a process engineer in the water sector.
How has your career progressed?
Even though I am only a year into the role, I have learned so much already about the broader strategies and policies that drive water infrastructure projects. I have had the chance to contribute to the design of a wastewater treatment plant and learn about the breadth of technologies that are applied in industrial water treatment.
Have there been any notable highlights?
The most notable highlight of my career so far was when I submitted my PhD thesis a year ago. It was an incredibly difficult journey for me and featured a lot of personal and professional growth. When I finally got to the finish line, I proved to myself that I could accomplish whatever I set my mind to. I now remind myself that what seems to be utterly impossible, is in fact possible as long as I am determined to achieve it!
4 fun facts about me are…
- I have three pet cats who get more adorable by the day.
- I love watercolor painting; it de-stresses me.
- I’m learning to play piano (I’m still not very good.)
- I can speak a bit of Italian (ciao.)
What do you enjoy most about being part of #OurJacobs?
One of the things that really stood out to me when I first joined Jacobs was the Culture of Caring. I quickly realized that this was more than just a wholesome section of our group meetings. It was a core part of how we engaged with one another and approached our work. What I enjoy most about #OurJacobs is having the chance to work with wonderful people in a caring and supportive working environment where I can be myself and make the most of every day.
Why did you want to participate in the Muay Thai Kickboxing program?
During the days of tireless thesis writing, I lost track of my exercise routines (and to be honest many other facets of a balanced lifestyle too.) I was eagerly looking for an opportunity to get back on a fitness routine and was simultaneously navigating my way as a new graduate at Jacobs. So, when the opportunity arose to start Muay Thai over a 12-week period and to have the opportunity to network with some amazing women at Jacobs, I didn’t hesitate!
Ana Barradinhas
Associate Water Engineer
How did you end up in the career you are in today?
I love people and our communities, water and waterways, ingenuity and curiosity. My journey in the water sector began when I was studying environmental engineering in Portugal. It wasn't until I started taking courses related to water treatment that I truly discovered my passion for this field, and I chose sanitary engineering as my degree major. I was fortunate to spend part of my academic time in the Netherlands, the Disneyland for all things water. Today, I'm proud to work in this field and be part of a community of professionals who share my passion for water.
How has your career progressed?
I have worked as an engineer in different roles throughout the various phases of a project lifecycle: client side, designer, consultant, project manager and project engineer. These experiences shaped my profile into a generalist engineer marked by periods of specialized technical work. Toward the end of 2021, I joined Jacobs as an associate water engineer where recently I have taken a secondary role of team leader for one of the water teams under water and wastewater Infrastructure.
Have there been any notable highlights?
A recent highlight was my time working for a large contractor, notably my involvement on the delivery of Design & Construct (D&C) projects in the Hunter Region. I was lucky enough to be part of two very challenging projects, spanning from design, construction and commissioning of beautiful wastewater treatment plants. It was very gratifying to see the “keys” being handed to the client!
What excites you most about your job?
I thrive on the energy that comes from working alongside my colleagues, clients, and collaborators, and I love the fast-paced environment that keeps me on my toes. Whether I'm tackling a challenging project, solving client issues, or taking on something new, I am always pushing myself to grow and learn. Best of all, I get to do all of this in the water sector!
4 fun facts about me are…
- I have lived in four countries.
- I used to practice Capoeira long time ago, afro-Brazilian martial art that combines elements of dance, acrobatics and music.
- Almost all my holidays and travels include being surrounded by water, whether it's through scuba diving or cruising on boats.
- I don't need caffeine to energize me - just put me in a room full of people. Though, I still drink coffee.
What do you enjoy most about being part of #OurJacobs?
The sense of community and support that we have for each other. Jacobs truly values its people, and it shows in the way that we treat one another. We have a culture of caring that extends beyond our work and into our personal lives. I feel proud to work for a company that prioritizes its people and fosters a culture of caring, collaboration, and growth. As part of #OurJacobs, I’m part of the Eastern (New South Wales) Careers employee network committee.
Why did you want to participate in the Muay Thai Kickboxing program?
My dear colleague Chelsea Hayward didn’t really give me a choice, to be honest haha. I was quite excited with the idea to meet fellow Jacobs’ colleagues outside the office environment. I enjoyed the Muay Thai kickboxing program so much that I’m still taking classes. The classes are lots of fun, high-intensity, and held in a dimly lit room with loud music, what could possibly go wrong with that combo?
Wellbeing at Jacobs
At Jacobs, the wellbeing of our people is fundamental to our success. When we’re each able to be well, our collective power is limitless.
A world where you can is only achievable when we’re each functioning at our highest abilities. We can’t be our true selves, get our work done, and develop and grow unless our ideal states of being are sustained. We embed wellbeing into all, so we’re able to deliver on our purpose – today and into the future.
Wellbeing is foundational to everything we’re able to do and accomplish. We continually evaluate our wellbeing programs and benefits to best support our people.
