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Meet Reece, a dynamic and driven project advisor with a knack for building strong relationships and delivering results. With experience across rail, roads and utility, Reece thrives on tackling challenges and adapting to new environments.
Recently promoted to Advisor, Reece is currently completing her Bachelor of Construction Management. She also holds a Diploma in Business Administration. Beyond her credentials, she’s a team player who is always eager to learn and grow, while supporting her colleagues to achieve success together.
Career Inspiration: What inspired you to pursue a career in civil engineering, and what drew you specifically to infrastructure projects?
I started in an admin role at a civil construction and consultancy company and because we were a smaller business, I had the opportunity to take on more responsibility. From there I transitioned to a part-time role with Inland Rail. Being in a smaller company gave me more exposure and more responsibility, and this led to my interest in infrastructure. When I joined Infrasol, which subsequently merged with RP Infrastructure, my manager, Joe Osborne, encouraged me to do a Bachelor Degree. Having started in the industry first, I have been able to connect my real-world experience to my university coursework which has been really beneficial.
Role Highlights: Can you share a project or achievement you’re particularly proud of and why it stands out?
I am currently working on Queensland Hydro which has been a standout as it’s the first role where I feel I am able to make a real technical contribution. Knowing my work directly supports the project’s progress is incredibly rewarding. I’ve realised how much I can apply my experience and skills, especially in areas such as report writing which has become a major part of my role. I also enjoy providing technical advice to our clients, and it’s a skill I take great pride in. This has been a bit of a full circle moment for me – I’m lucky to have managers that believe in me and support me and say, “you can do this”.
Passions at Work: What aspects of your work excite or motivate you the most?
As cliche as it sounds, it’s contributing to the bigger picture. Knowing how much work goes into projects behind the scenes… it is rewarding to see firsthand how infrastructure projects can have such as positive impact on communities. And I live north of Brisbane and I am excited about the Direct Sunshine Rail project which our team are working on.
I also enjoy helping to build a healthy team environment. I like bringing positive energy to the workplace, contributing to the collaborative and friendly culture.
“A supportive workplace makes all the difference. I’m lucky to have managers that believe in me and support me and say, ‘You can do this!’, which has led me to believe in myself.”
Balancing Act: How do you manage the demands of both studying and working? What strategies help you stay focused and motivated?
I think that having good time management and discipline is important. I don’t always have the time to sit down and complete a whole lecture in one go, so I often break my study into smaller chunks to help me fit it into my routine, watching part of a lecture at the gym or on my train commute.
Another important thing for me is maintaining an open line of communication with my manager. I flag important uni deadlines early and I have learnt that it’s OK to speak up when I’m feeling stretched. I always aim to be clear about my capacity. If something urgent comes up and I’m already juggling multiple tasks I’ll let my manager know, so we can reprioritise if necessary. Knowing what can wait and what needs immediate attention has made all the difference in balancing my responsibilities successfully.
Outside of Work: What are your passions or hobbies outside of your career?
Spending time with friends and family is a priority for me as is maintaining a healthy work life balance. I dedicate at least a half day on weekends to study but always make time to recharge. You can’t work and study seven days a week or you’ll burn out. I also love being active. Going to the gym in the morning helps to set the tone for my day and ensures I start the day doing something for myself.
“To all the young engineers – back yourself! I have learned to trust my abilities and recognise what I bring to the table, whether it’s a different perspective or skills others may not have.”
Advice for Aspiring Engineers: What advice would you give to young women, considering a career in civil engineering or infrastructure projects?
Back yourself. Things are changing but it is still a male dominated industry and that can be intimidating at times. I have been the only woman in project meetings, and I have learned to trust my abilities and recognise what I bring to the table – whether it’s a different perspective or specific skills others may not have
Finding a mentor also helps. They don’t have to be in your direct team, but having someone you can talk to when you need guidance, and support makes a real difference. On site currently, I reach out to some of the other women who I think have great careers. I look up to them and I’m impressed, they’re so knowledgeable and wise and I hope I can be that person for someone else one day.
And last but not least – don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking for help or clarity doesn’t make you less capable. It helps you progress and get the job done.
Working at RPI: How does RPI support your career development?
RPI is really supportive of my learning and development. I’m grateful and fortunate to be in a very collaborative team and have a manager that really believes in me. Being in a team where you know you’re supported and valued is so important.
I’ve found some great role models within the business and I’m lucky to have been able to work alongside them on some great projects, learning on the job by watching how they do things. This support has helped me earn my recent promotion, and I’m grateful to be in an environment where career development and progression is supported.
Reece Godfrey is an Advisor at RP Infrastructure with almost nine years of project administration experience. Reece is currently studying a Bachelor of Construction Management at the University of Newcastle.