Sabrina Naseem
Graduate Civil/Structural Engineer, AECOM
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Construction Engineering
She may only be at the start of her career in construction engineering, but Sabrina Naseem has already been recognised by Engineering New Zealand for a piece of work she completed in her final year at university.
“My biggest achievement so far was placing first for the Engineering New Zealand GT Murray Award for the best student member presentation on an engineering research or design project. This was for a research project presentation that showcased the work of my classmates and I, with support from our lecturers and mentors, on the design of a future student accommodation centre in Devonport.
“I believe the new accommodation centre could be much more than a collection of concrete buildings, and I’m proud of receiving the Engineering New Zealand GT Murray Award.”
Having now completed her Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Construction Engineering, she currently works as a graduate civil/structural engineer at AECOM. It’s a role she wholeheartedly enjoys.
“Our department works on hydropower dams and power infrastructure. I’ve enjoyed doing civil engineering calculations for substation projects in Australia and New Zealand, as well as structural design work for the Central Interceptor. I’m loving it, and I always feel happy coming to work and seeing my team at AECOM. I love the diversity of projects my team is involved in, and enjoy working with engineers from different disciplines in the company.”
The right choice
Deciding to study construction engineering at university was easy, Sabrina says.
“I want to help build better places where people can work, visit and live. I chose to study at AUT because of its kind, friendly, and diverse group of students and staff. As a student, I received so much encouragement and support. I found the classes engaging and could ask for help when I needed it. Plus, there are so many great university clubs to be a part, including the AUT OffGrid Outdoor Club and Toastmasters.”
She had plenty of highlights throughout her three years at AUT.
“I loved doing my final-year industrial project and bringing together everything I had learnt during the degree to deliver a final group research report and presentation. I also appreciated the flexibility of the classes, which enabled me to work as an intern and gain industry experience while studying full-time. The degree was challenging, comprehensive and rewarding, and I’ll always look back and remember my time at AUT fondly.”
Advice for other students
Sabrina, who graduated from AUT in 2021, has some great advice for other students.
“My advice is to get involved and meet new people. It is your energy and attitude that determine your success. Then, when you do succeed, remember the people who helped you get there.”
For Sabrina, those people included her AUT lecturers and she is still thankful for their support and belief in her.
“I don’t think I fully realised it while I was at AUT but I’m very grateful to my lecturers. Their faith in me landed me internship and presentation opportunities. My lecturers instilled in me a great amount of confidence in my abilities. Their energy inspired me to achieve more than just passing my exams.”
