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CIVIL PEOPLE
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NIKITHA SHIVAKUMAR
Nikitha Shivakumar is a Site Engineer with Haslin Constructions working on the Sydney Metro project. She took out two Awards at the recent CCF NSW People Awards – for Women In Civil Contracting and Engineer Of The Year: Contracts Over $2 Million.
Congratulations on your wins at the People Awards. Tell us about what that meant to you?
Getting those awards genuinely feels ureal. I did not expect that. It’s been very, very rewarding. I came to Australia five years ago and I didn’t know what I was getting into. I knew I wanted to study and have a great career, but I didn’t know what bumps in the road there would be. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve loved every bit of those challenges I’ve faced.
How did you start your career in the civil industry?
I completed my Bachelors in Civil Engineering in India and came here for my Masters, completing that in 2020 at UNSW. My Bachelors was coursework. My thesis was on wastewater engineering and I also researched how we can sustainably use stormwater – reuse it for agriculture. Research was very interesting, but I wanted to get industry exposure and see how industry actually works. I found project management really interesting and decided after graduating that my first job would involve that.
What do you think are the best skills you bring to your job?
I think the first skill would be commitment. I’m 100% committed to the work. And a can-do, positive attitude. Also being motivated, bringing a strong game every day. Just be honest in your work. That’s the best skill.
How did you get the role at Haslin?
I had a strong resume and CV. Unfortunately - or fortunately - it was during COVID that I graduated. I couldn’t go back home and it was really hard to stay here without a job. I was trying many different companies, but the intake was limited because of COVID … Haslin really did appreciate all the work I’ve done so far and they wanted me on board immediately, which was really good. That’s why I say I’m really grateful to Haslin. It’s really nice that they consider international residents and give them an opportunity.
How important do you think diversity is in the industry?
I think in terms of gender diversity, in countries like Australia, men and women can play a wide range of roles regardless of gender. Women are not restricted from doing certain things. It’s really important that this awareness keeps continuing until we achieve 50/50 men
— HASLIN CONSTRUCTIONS
CCF NSW 50 by 50
and women in the industry and women can do any kind of job. My mother’s opportunities were very restricted and she couldn’t pursue her talents because of other responsibilities. We don’t want that happening.
What are the particular challenges of your current project?
We’re working for Metro, so it’s station upgrades and there’s an additional service building we’re doing for the trains. There are different scopes – you have civil, landscaping, electrical. My hardest challenge on this job has been learning the electrical and mechanical side of the project. Besides that, we have many subcontractors – six to seven right now working for us. Engagement with them, as well as clients, all stakeholders, is a challenge. Also dealing with the designers and getting design issues resolved, then passing that information on to subcontractors so they are clear.
There’s a lot of approvals you have to go through. Because it’s a train station, you’re working around a lot of live electricals - it’s the methodologies you need to go through to get them approved. Even taking a simple thing like a lane closure – getting approvals for that.
What is the best advice you could give someone who is thinking of joining the Civil industry?
The civil industry is a very large sector, like a deep ocean. There’s so much to learn and grasp every day. Anyone joining the industry should be very proactive and be willing to take in as much as possible. Every day there will be a new thing to learn – don’t restrict yourself. Have an attitude of wanting to learn, not just what you’re doing but what others are doing - you’ll find what your own interest is and you’ll give 100% to that. And don’t hesitate to seek support from others. I would also add, there are new challenges every day. There are days I second-guess myself! But just trust the process, keep working hard and set goals and try and achieve them.
What Nikitha’s boss says... Niki’s contribution to the Metro project is invaluable. She takes every hurdle in her stride. Niki’s unique approach to the project serves her well getting the most out of every subcontractor she manages along with earning the respect of not only our client but everybody that works alongside her.
– Craig Gocher, Niki’s Manager on the Metro Project
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