A Day in the Life of Jackie Cao – Graduate Civil Engineer

Hi everyone! My name is Jackie Cao, and I am a graduate civil engineer at GDC Consultants Ltd. Today, I am excited to share with you a glimpse into a typical day in my life at GDC, highlighting the diverse and dynamic tasks I handle and the incredible learning opportunities I have here.

After waking up, I spend about half an hour preparing breakfast while checking the company’s emails for any new tasks from my managers or urgent messages from clients. If there are urgent emails, I prioritize responding to them. After breakfast, I either drive to the office or head straight to a site, depending on the tasks assigned the previous day. On days when I don’t need to be out in the field, I arrive at the office by 8:25 AM, starting my day with a cup of rich, invigorating coffee to keep me energized.

One of the first tasks of the day is to check and respond to emails from clients and colleagues. For instance, if a client wants to book an inspection, I confirm the type of inspection and schedule it accordingly. If it’s a pre-pour inspection, I arrange it for the morning to give the client enough time to pour concrete later in the day. When I need to visit multiple sites for inspections in a single day, I organize the schedule based on the locations to maximize efficiency and minimize travel time.

Every morning, I have a brief meeting with Tom to report on my work and receive new tasks. While handling emails or tasks, I prioritize them based on their urgency and importance. For more complex issues, I discuss them with Tom or brainstorm solutions, sometimes reaching out to clients to explain our plans through emails or calls. I generally prefer using emails or texts to ensure clear communication and to keep a record of our correspondence.

Sometimes, I receive soil testing tasks from John. Before heading to the site, I review the SFA documents to determine the required tests, such as the number of boreholes and Scala tests, and whether additional tests like soak tests are necessary. After confirming the details, I email the client to inform them about the testing schedule and ensure access to the property. I also conduct a desktop review to understand the soil type and contour data of the test site, confirming these with John. Before leaving, I check all testing equipment in the vehicle, ensuring we have the necessary tools, like the Shear Vane for clay soils.

At the site, I use the plans to locate test points, marking them with paint before starting the soil tests. I record all data on the site sheet, take photos, and shoot videos explaining the testing process. Once the data is collected, I send it to John for review and only leave the site after all data is verified. If issues arise, such as the soil being impenetrable, I immediately contact John for further instructions. Back at the office, I organize my site notes, photos, and videos, upload them to Dropbox, and inform our geotechnical team in Sri Lanka about the test completion.

Lunch sometimes means eating with colleagues and chatting about weekend plans or other interesting topics. If working on-site, I bring a lunch box prepared the night before. If the site is near the beach, I enjoy my lunch with the sea breeze.

When tasked with inspections by Kasia or Tom, I first confirm the schedule and details with the client. Using the approved consent drawings, I review the inspection specifics and consult Tom for guidance on the process and key details. On-site, I interact with the workers to understand the site conditions and ensure that construction aligns with the approved plans. After the inspection, I handwrite a Site Inspection Record Sheet and provide a copy to the site manager. Back at the office, I upload the record sheet and site photos to Dropbox, and I also create a PDF version for easier future reference.

As the day winds down, I review my work and plan tasks for the next day.

As a graduate civil engineer, GDC has provided me with a fantastic platform for growth and opportunities, setting me on a promising career path. Though I have only been here for just over three months, I have learned a lot that wasn’t taught in university. The work atmosphere is excellent, and my colleagues are incredibly patient and helpful, guiding me to grow quickly in my career. I am truly grateful to every member of the GDC team.

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