In our ‘day in the life’ blog series, we aim to showcase the work of our talented team and help you get to know the faces behind our projects a little better. This month, we sat down with Ignacio Labra, a Graduate Civil Engineer in our Hunter office, to chat a bit more about the dynamics of his role and his best advice for anyone considering a career in the field.
Tell us a bit about yourself and what interested you in Civil Engineering.
I am a Chilean, sports lover who is always seeking new experiences. Chile is a highly seismic country, and I vividly remember being on the 24th floor during an 8.8 magnitude earthquake. Since that day, I’ve been deeply impressed by how structures can withstand such massive forces. That moment sparked my fascination with engineering and the resilience of the built environment.
What does a typical workday look like for you, and what brings you the most enjoyment in your role?
Assessing Development Applications, liaising with applicants and contractors, and inspecting various elements in construction are part of my daily responsibilities. What I enjoy most about my role is witnessing how an idea transforms into something real and tangible. Being present throughout the building process, from its inception as a concept, to being drafted, organised, executed, and ultimately materialised, is what I find most rewarding.
What’s it like being part of Barker Ryan Stewart’s Certification team as a Graduate Engineer? Are there any standout projects you’re currently working on?
It’s a great experience and the best way to continue learning. Everyone demonstrates a high level of professionalism in all aspects of their work. I’ve been involved in Dungog projects for almost a year, where rural areas are being developed with impressive respect for the environment and surroundings.
What’s been the most memorable aspect of working at Barker Ryan Stewart so far?
It has been a great opportunity to be hands-on in projects that directly impact the community.
Looking back at your career so far, is there anything that has surprised you about working in Civil Engineering?
Yes, it surprises me how relevant soft skills are in a Civil Engineering company. Every day, I see the importance of developing soft skills more effectively in hard-skill careers.
Finally, what advice do you have for anyone considering a career in Civil Engineering?
Stick to the process rather than to the recipe. This is a dynamic environment.
