Interview with Annikka Burge

Why are you studying your current degree, and where?

Ever since I was young, I have always had a fascination for civil engineering megastructure marvels. I remember learning about wind eddies in skyscrapers from a documentary when I was around 11 years old, after which I played those episodes on repeat. I was hooked. In high school I found a deep passion for physics, and I now study a combined degree of Engineering (Civil) and Science (Psychology) at 悉尼新南威尔士大学 . I have a particular interest in consulting, human factors, and human-centred design, which optimise engineering designs to meet human behaviours and needs.

What is your most memorable achievement up to this point?

When I was Co-President of UNSW Civil and Environmental Engineering Society (CEVSOC) , we achieved phenomenal internal successes such as restructuring the society of 50+ members. However, I am most proud of my conflict resolution and team management skills throughout this time. As a big advocate for mental health, I found deeply enriching moments throughout the year where I could connect with my team on a very human level and guide them through some of the biggest challenges the society has seen in half a decade. I also ran two workshops throughout the year surrounding mental health and stress management, which I find crucial to maintaining a work-life balance. Those interpersonal skills are perhaps less visible, but no less important to the fabric of an organisation and how it operates.

What skills and values do you think E3 Advisory upholds, and how do you embody and showcase these in your application?

There are three guiding professional principles at E3: efficiency, effectiveness, and economic value. In my application, to show my alignment with these principles, I focus my existing work experience into these key areas, such as my pro-bono consulting and design consulting work. E3 also shines with technical specialties in strategy, transactions, disputes, and commercial work, where there are a variety of consulting projects to get involved with. However, I always advocate for soft skills, such as teamwork, leadership, conflict resolution, client-facing skills, and others, that showcase that you are a well-rounded person.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

Funnily enough, something my year 6 teacher told me has stuck with me for life. “When you are in the wrong, do not hold on to your own ego. Do not make excuses, but instead, accept responsibility for your own mistakes.” It was arguably the best piece of advice I’ve heard in my life. It has held me accountable for my own growth and self-development ever since.

Why did you apply for the E3 Advisory Undergraduate Scholarship?

I applied for the Undergraduate Scholarship as part of an internship application at E3. Having worked in pro-bono consulting for 2 years, and design consulting for a year, I wanted to gather a rich understanding of the various sectors of consulting within advisory as well. The scholarship was a delightful surprise on top of my internship.

Internship and graduate applications can be exciting but also daunting. What was challenging and what was enjoyable about the E3 Advisory application process?

I found the case interview component the most challenging, but also the most rewarding component of the application process. Not unlike a case crack, you are presented with an engineering problem to solve in only a few hours. What I enjoy most about these problems is thinking on your feet and adapting quickly, especially when your interviewers can ask about any element of your solution! I find it brings out deep parts of your creativity and problem-solving skills that you don’t find elsewhere.

I also found the E3 video interview immensely rewarding, as I was able to synthesise my experience into a digestible format, and experiment with my visual PowerPoint skills as well. It can be a little daunting to record yourself though!

What do you see as the future of the infrastructure industry and how do you hope to impact it as a young professional?

The evolving landscape of the infrastructure industry is adapting to new technologies such as AI and addressing the rising pressures surrounding sustainability concerns globally. There is also a burgeoning interest in human-centered design, with a focus on creating inspiring and motivational designs that cater to the evolving needs of people.

Engineering feats must go beyond mere functionality, considering how diverse stakeholders will interact with designs and acknowledging the influence of human behaviour in shaping cohesive and harmonious spaces. I aspire to be at the forefront of these emerging areas, advocating for designs that align with community values, cater to diverse user groups, embrace emerging technologies, promote green spaces, prioritise human wellbeing, and more.

What is your advice for breaking into the infrastructure industry and what challenges do undergraduates face in this endeavour in 2024?

One of the challenges is predicated on the recent economic downturn in activity, as there has been some market tightening outside of our control. However, engineering broadly remains a booming sector, and work within the infrastructure domain has persisted over time, with ongoing project timeframes.

I think the greatest struggle for many undergraduates is breaking into the industry for the first time. So, my single greatest advice is to build authentic and genuine human connections within the industry. Networking events are a great start, and if you really make a good impression, it is possible to break into the industry and job market purely from networking programs. However, a long-sighted approach to building up your professional brand is what I would recommend.

What is your hobby outside of work?

Two of my biggest hobbies that help balance out my busy schedule are: helping with not-for-profits and settling into various gym routines, especially with friends. I also love travelling and seeing the world. I have been fortunate to see many beautiful places with friends and family outside of Sydney.