(displays on homepage and search page)
Back to Search13,000 km from his birth nation of Iraq, Marvin Bedary has made Australia his home since he and his family arrived as refugees in mid-2017. His transition to life in Australia has been exciting, and at times challenging, with the adjustment to communicating regularly in English, building a professional network and adapting culturally. We spoke to Marvin to learn more about his journey through CareerSeekers and his new full-time role as a geotechnical engineer in our Melbourne office.
Why did you choose engineering?
Growing up I always had an interest in engineering, my big dream is to work on enormous construction projects – that is what motivates me. In 2012, I graduated from the University of Technology – Iraq with a degree in Building and Construction Engineering/Highways and Bridge Engineering. Since arriving in Australia, I have completed a Certificate IV in Academic English to improve my language and to enable me to study my masters. In February 2018, I began my Masters in Civil Engineering at RMIT University, Melbourne that I look forward to completing in December 2019. I am lucky to have the strong support of AMES Australia and my family, especially my aunts, who have helped and guided me along the way.
What are your greatest professional achievements?
In 2013, I graduated as one of the top students in my class at University and, based on my results, I achieved second place overall as an engineering graduate in Baghdad. Following this, I got a role to work as a soils lecturer and soil laboratory technician, the year after I was named employee of the year.
My most recent achievement is getting a full-time role with GHD’s geotechnical team in Melbourne. This was made possible through the CareerSeekers program where GHD initially offered me an internship as a geotechnical engineer.
Tell us about your work life at GHD
At GHD, every day is different – from project meetings to site investigations and project work it is all a fun experience for me. My managers support my development and provide opportunities for me to excel and learn new skills. I feel lucky to work in an office with such friendly colleagues, and I am proud to work with ambitious people who continue to deliver excellent results and openly share their knowledge and experience.
I work full-time and flexibly – in the office or on site. My managers trust me to produce high quality work and I work hard to maintain that level of trust. I love that my role enables me to be flexible so that I can enjoy my other passions in life like swimming, fashion design, listening to music and going for walks.
Where do you see your career in five years?
I would like to develop my skills in geotechnical engineering. I am also excited to take on more responsibilities within GHD and continue contributing to the success of GHD and my team.
Marvin was awarded RMIT University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor’s 2019 Postgraduate Coursework Prize which is awarded to the best student in the final year of a postgraduate coursework engineering program. Find out more here.
As part of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, GHD was one of the first companies in Australia to partner with non-profit organisation CareerSeekers which creates employment opportunities for asylum seekers and refugees, many of whom held professional careers in their country of origin. Since 2016, we have welcomed 25 CareerSeekers program participants across our offices in Australia.
GHD’s commitment to diversity and inclusion is embodied within our strategy and includes: championing gender equality, cultural diversity, LGBTI inclusion, adapting work practices to capture the benefits of generational diversity, reconciliation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as well as flexible working arrangements for our people.
