Student story

Chris, who completed a Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Civil) in 2023, says his decision to study engineering at Otago Polytechnic was largely based on his experiences working in civil construction overseas.

Having finished high school, he spent the summer of 2019 in Calgary, Canada, where he met a group of Australians and New Zealanders working for a civil contractor.

“That opened the door into what would turn out to be something I really enjoyed,” Chris reflects.

“During the pandemic I decided it was time for me to look into continuing my education and capitalising on my experience. That led me to finding out about the programme at Otago Polytechnic, so I made the move back to Dunedin.”

As a child, Chris was always interested in how things worked, as well as solving puzzles. However, while he was “okay” at maths and physics in high school, his passions were more in line with subjects such as history and classics.

There have been a few different people who have helped guide me into engineering – mainly family and friends but others, too.

“My dad was a big influence. He was a physics teacher/principal and encouraged me to take STEM subjects to leave my options open. Family friends, who were involved in various trades, also encouraged me to work in construction.

“My partner was also a huge influence, helping me look for something in education that fitted me and my career goals. She supported me throughout the whole process.”

Now a graduate Civil Engineer with Fulton Hogan, Chris first began working with the firm part-time during his final year. That experience led to a fulltime role in 2024.

“I think the Engineering programme at Otago Polytechnic did a really good job helping me understand the applications of the stuff I was learning. It made the course easier to understand and more enjoyable.

“I gained a real appreciation for the built environment and the engineering behind it. I think it's exciting to add that extra layer of understanding when looking at buildings, bridges or roads.”