Introducing Jacobs Go! Program - Our Global Talent Exchange Program.

At Jacobs , we're excited to offer a unique opportunity for our employees to broaden their horizons and develop their careers through our Jacobs Go! program. This initiative enables 6-month secondments across different regions and countries within our global network.

Meet Zofia Piechówka-Krzemień, Jacobs Project Controls Professional and hear about her?amazing adventures experience.

?? Original location: Dublin, Ireland

?? Jacobs Go! location: Brisbane, Australia

It was always my dream to visit Australia. So, when I learned that there will be a Project Controls position opened as part of the 2023 Jacobs Go! Program, I knew I need to try and get the spot. Few months later it turned out I have made the cut. Cue to mid-July 2023 and I was off to Brisbane, Queensland.

My role in Brisbane office was both similar and a bit different to what I was doing as part of Electronics Europe Project Controls team. It was for Cross River Rail - a big transportation project for Queensland Rail, run through a Joint Venture of 5 companies, including Jacobs. It was a very interesting, but also a challenging experience. The complexity, very specific requirements and more client facing role were something new. Broadening my perspectives at work, learning how the projects are run Down Under and testing my knowledge and adaptability were my goals during the assignment. But I was also very excited to the prospects of sightseeing.

From world class beaches and surf spots of Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, through oldest rainforest in the world (Daintree), amazing Great Barrier Reef, remote Uluru, all four biggest sand islands in the world (K'gari, Stradbroke, Moreton and Bribie respectively), impressive scenery of Great Ocean Road, Philip Island with its cute penguins, beautiful South Australia coast, to the raw beauty that is Tasmania. I got to experience so much cool stuff - tried to learn how to surf and failed miserably. I have snorkeled for the first time in my life. I got to fly in a helicopter, also for the very first time. I even managed to find a spot to see the famous Sydney New Years fireworks!

But all of those things would not be the same, or even possible in some cases, without the people I have encountered on my way. Apart from me, there were 4 other Jacobs Go! assignees based in Brisbane, and what a happy coincidence it was. Having somebody in the same boat was such a good thing. Without Phoenix-Jane Hayward , Sampada Khadilkar , Sheena Salvosa and Nitin paul prathipati it would have not been the same. I am happy that I have met you and thank you for all the good times we have had together.

The people in Brisbane office were also very welcoming. Answering questions on spiders, snakes and sharks. Sharing tips on where to go and what to expect. Or even taking us on those trips themselves. Special shoutout to Ashlee Baines and Emma Blanch, PE . You guys were amazing hosts and I am so grateful for all your help.

To sum up - if you are on the fence about applying for Jacobs Go! in the future - don't be, just do it.

I feel that this program is amazing in allowing our huge company to get a bit closer together. In my day to day work I rarely work with people outside of Ireland, UK and Poland. This time I was able to work with people from multiple Australian offices, Philippines and India. Learned about their work ethic and culture. If you are on the fence about visiting Australia, especially Brisbane - could not recommend it more too! One last set of thanks goes to both my managers for making this happen. Gerard Keane in Dublin, for letting me apply. And Sean Laidlaw in Brisbane for picking me for the position.

At Jacobs, we're committed to supporting our employees throughout this journey, covering flights, accommodation, and visa expenses. ??????

I've been connecting with fellow Jacobs GO! alumni about their #Australian experiences, and I absolutely loved reading their responses. Thank you Zofia for sharing your experience for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I loved reading about your experience and it seems like you did not waste any time in exploring the beautiful Australia.

Over the next few weeks, I'll be sharing these remarkable journeys. Follow along to discover how Jacobs GO! is shaping careers and bridging cultures!

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