Keihan Firoozbakht joined the ATC Williams Undergraduate Placement Program in December 2023, at the end of his third year of studies. After working full-time for twelve weeks over the summer break, he qualified to join the Graduation Momentum Program as a part-time staff member in 2024.
We spoke to Keihan about working at ATCW and what’s next as he completes his final semester at Monash University.
Why did you choose the ATC Williams Placement Program?
I learned about ATCW at a Monash University ACES Industry night. After chatting with the staff that night, they encouraged me to apply, and I was offered the position. Since I’m doing a double degree, I was ruled out of applying to many companies until my final year, but I really wanted to do a placement earlier than that.
What are you studying?
I’m doing a double degree in Civil Engineering and Commerce at Monash, so I move between the Clayton and Caulfield campuses. It’s been almost five and a half years, and I’m excited to be graduating in a couple of months.
How has the graduate program added value to you?
For the first eight months, I mostly worked in the ATC’s laboratory, which was a valuable and tangible experience. I learned important aspects of geotechnical and geomechanical components, such as soil mechanisms. When I started working in the office in my second year, I could understand how that translated into design.
I’ve also been on site in Northern Victoria twice now, at different stages of construction of a Tailings Storage Facility. The first time, I walked on the dam bed during construction, saw how the layers were being built, and got a reality check on just how big these structures can be. On the second visit, the dam was operational, with tailings covering the bed. It was exciting to see that progression.
How often are you working?
I’ve been able to scale my working days around my studies, which is great to have that flexibility. In the first year, I worked two days a week during the semester, four to five days over the breaks, and full-time between years. This year, my study load is lighter, and they have wanted me to work four days in some weeks to help meet deadlines, which has been ideal for me. I’ve been doing a preliminary design for a Parshall flume for a dam on a mine site in Western Australia, and I like that I’ve been able to see it through from start to finish.
What’s been your favourite part so far?
The first project I worked on, only six weeks into the vacation program, was a seepage drain for a gold and copper mine site in Mongolia. Being able to contribute to the preliminary designs of a real project was such a great feeling. That one is still a favourite because it offered immediate substance and value to my learning and gave me a sense of what to expect.
I also enjoy contributing to the Monash ACES industry nights and presenting to the room about the placement program and my experience.
What challenges and experiences have stretched you to grow as an engineer?
Being in the lab was more physically demanding than I expected. Some of the soil samples we test weigh 10 kg or more and need to be moved around the lab. I remember having to question a sample’s suitability for a permeability test because it contained large chunks. Learning to speak up and trust myself has been an area where I have grown.
An area of design work that isn’t covered in depth at Uni is how many guidelines need to be checked and followed. Learning to test assumptions and make adjustments for a specific case and scenario has stretched me at times. I am getting better at not overthinking as a result of gaining more experience.
How have you found the mentoring at ATCW?
The mentoring is always there and changes from project to project depending on the Project Manager, who are great at giving pointers and guidance. I am encouraged to ask for feedback all the time. I have regular coffee catchups with my Level 3 mentor, and we talk about general career matters as well.
What would you like to work on post-graduation?
If there is a role here after graduation, I’d be very happy to stay. I’ve enjoyed the water-related work I’ve done, so I might like to specialise in that area. Sustainability is drilled into us all at Uni, and I’ve had some professors with backgrounds in the water engineering side of civil.
What do you like to do outside of study and work?
I like to stay active with snowboarding, mixed martial arts and going to the gym. With winter approaching in Australia, I’ll head to Mt Hotham once the season opens. I’ve really enjoyed skiing in New Zealand and Japan and would love to go again.
You can connect with Keihan on LinkedIn.