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Emma Klint-Pedersen

from checkout worker to Undergraduate Civil Engineer
I help plan construction projects by reading drawings and finding workers
Industry
Construction and infrastructure
Company
McIlwain - Sponsored by Construction Pathways
Job Level
Entry

Ask me about

  • How to apply maths and science in real construction projects
  • My experience with uni and work (being two years out of high school)

About me

I have always loved building things, whether it was playing with LEGO or getting hands-on with projects. Throughout primary and high school, I really enjoyed maths and science but wasn’t sure how to turn that passion into a career. Luckily, engineering was offered as a subject in high school, and that’s when everything started to make sense. I finally understood how the maths we learned in class could be applied to real-life problems.

By the end of Year 12, I decided to study engineering at QUT. I was also really lucky to get a job in my first year of university, which has given me many opportunities – from going to construction sites to participating in industry training, as well as mentee and mentorship programs. Now, in my second-year majoring in civil engineering, I’m excited to keep developing practical skills to contribute to building infrastructure that positively impacts communities.

About my role

  • Analytical
  • Curious
  • Passionate
  • Perfectionist
  • Sociable

I work as an Undergraduate Civil Engineering Assistant within the precontracts team of a construction company. In this role, I support the team by accurately performing quantity take-offs, which involves measuring and calculating the materials required for construction projects. I assist in procuring subcontractors by helping to identify suitable trades and managing communication to ensure timely and cost-effective service delivery.

Additionally, I review previous projects and prepares presentations highlighting the company’s past performance and successes. This helps to demonstrate the company’s capabilities and build trust with potential clients, encouraging them to select the company for upcoming projects. My role requires strong attention to detail, organisational skills, and effective communication to support smooth project planning and successful tender submissions. Through this experience, I develop practical industry knowledge and gains insight into construction project management before site work begins.

Education

  • Constructionarium Trainer
  • QUT Deans Scholars

Subjects

  • Accounting
  • English
  • Industrial Technology
  • Mathematical Methods (Maths B)
  • Physics

Awards

  • McIlwain University Scholarship
  • QUT Women in Engineering Scholarship
  • QUT Deans Bursary

Hobbies

  • Camping
  • Cooking
  • Hiking
  • Seeing family and friends
  • Surfing

Pets

  • 1 Dog

15 year old me!!

“It gets harder, but so do you. You’ll achieve more than you imagine and experience things you never thought possible. Keep pushing forward.”

My career journey

Curious to know how I got here? Here’s a snapshot of my career pathway.
  1. Worked at Coles
  2. Graduated high school
  3. Started university
  4. Began working first adult job
  5. Participated in an 8 day construction learning experience

My typical day

My employer

Through UNIQ You’s partnership with Construction Skills Queensland (CSQ) we have been able to welcome construction Advisors from CSQ’s Major Contractor Partners. Read more about this Advisors employer below. Established in 1961 McIlwain Civil Engineering is Australia’s oldest privately owned civil engineering company. The company has grown from a small haulage and plant hire business to a mid-tier civil contractor. With foundations built on family values and a strong commitment to care, reliability, respect, and honesty. McIlwain is known for connecting communities through sustainable assets and has a diverse and rich history of delivering infrastructure for communities including roads, bridges, public infrastructure, and urban development projects.