(displays on homepage and search page)
Back to SearchWe often see the ‘highlights reel’ of someone’s career achievements, but it’s important to also recognise the tough decisions, hard work and regular setbacks that typically shape the journey. Clair Millar is Manager – Contamination Assessment & Remediation, Victoria, and Liz Tinlin is Technical Director – Bridges, Western Australia. Here they share insights into their career journey.
When I was growing up I wanted to be…
Clair: It was always something technical or science-based and related to the natural environment. I changed my mind about becoming a vet after completing work experience during high school at the local vet (mainly after observing in the surgical room).
Liz: For me it was more creative, I initially wanted to be an architect.
Why engineering?
Clair: In my final years of high school I was considering environmental courses. Both engineering and science appealed to me, and I ended up doing a double degree – Environmental Engineering & Geology.
Liz: When I was applying for university courses the employment market for architects was not great. I thought engineering would be a useful degree, so I decided to give it a go – if I didn’t like engineering I thought that I could always transfer to architecture, but I loved engineering!
The best part about being an engineer is…
Clair: My engineering and science degrees each taught me different ways to approach problems, and to see the world around me from different perspectives – appreciating both the built environment and the natural environment.
Liz: Seeing the projects I’ve worked on come to life – it’s always a proud moment driving my children over bridges I have designed.
Career plans: Hype or necessity?
Clair: I’m happiest when I am learning and being challenged. When I see that I need a new challenge, I focus on areas for development, and set myself specific goals to get there. Early in my career I was technically-focused, and right now I’m learning a lot in a people and business leadership role.
Liz: My career plan has involved me actively looking for my next project or role and then working to make it happen. Overall I have a loose idea that I want to be a design manager for major projects, but currently I’m taking a detour as a team lead.
Your best career progression advice
Clair: Get a mentor, with a purpose. Looking at the managers around me, I identified someone whose career path and management style I connected with and asked if he would be my mentor. We worked together over a year with very specific goals. When my current position was advertised I felt much more confident to speak to my experience, career goals and why I was ready for this position.
Liz: Don’t be afraid of change. My current team lead role is different to what I’ve previously done but it has helped to diversify my skills. Previously I was managing a small team within a large project, now I’m leading a large team that is delivering a large number of smaller projects.
What’s next?
Clair: Two years in, I’m still learning and finding my feet as manager of a large group of fantastic people – I expect my current role will keep me happily challenged for a while…so my next step is still to be confirmed.
Liz: I’m happy in my current role but who knows what opportunities (or amazing projects) might come up – there are already some projects in the pipeline that I’m tracking.
About Clair Millar
With more than 15 years’ experience in environmental consulting, Clair is the manager of our Contamination Assessment and Remediation group in Victoria. Clair lives and works in Melbourne but loves travelling and seeing new places; she usually has an overseas trip in the planning stage or booked. Clair enjoys photography, both at home and while travelling. Connect with Clair on LinkedIn here.
About Liz Tinlin
Liz is a bridge team lead and has more than 14 years’ experience in structural design, construction support and project management. Liz works in our Perth office, but she grew up in country Victoria and has lived in Melbourne and Sydney. Liz has two children and two large dogs. Her hobbies include long distance running and skiing.
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.
Manager – Contamination Assessment & Remediation, Victoria
+61 3 8687 8715
Email Clair Millar
