After graduating with a Bachelor of Electrical and Instrumentation Engineering from Curtin University in Perth, Australia, I was looking for a career that would offer more than just theory. I wanted real-world, hands-on experience, exposure to complex projects, and the opportunity to work alongside experienced professionals in the engineering industry.

DRA Global stood out to me because of its strong reputation in the mining and resources sector, and for the structured, supportive environment it offers to graduates. I wanted to be part of a company that challenged me to think critically and apply what I’ve learned in a real-world setting.

Since joining DRA, I’ve been fortunate to be involved in extensive design and onsite-field work, which has helped me develop a well-rounded understanding of the full project lifecycle. Collaborating closely with experienced engineers has taught me how to balance technical precision with practical, real-world application - a skill that is critical in our industry.

The diverse range of projects I have worked on has helped refine my interests and given me a much clearer direction for my long-term career. The culture at DRA, which is built around mentorship, openness, and teamwork, has made a big difference in my development, especially when you are still finding your feet.

Recently, I had the opportunity to travel overseas to Namibia for a commissioning assignment at the Rosh Pinah Expansion 2.0 Project, the country’s largest zinc mining operation which has been in production since 1969. This experience was made possible thanks to the efforts of many, in particular Darren Dalrymple and his team, who welcomed me onboard and provided valuable onsite exposure.

Spending time onsite as a graduate engineer was an invaluable experience, allowing me to see firsthand how engineering design translates into engineering construction. It pushed me to adapt quickly, apply my skills in a challenging environment, and collaborate with international teams under real-world pressures.

I gained experience troubleshooting technical challenges, from ad-hoc ladder rerouting to switchgear modifications. Each situation pushed me out of my comfort zone and revealed the real-world complexities that arise during construction and commissioning.

This exposure has significantly enhanced my design approach by sharpening my awareness of the practical challenges that must be considered during the design phase to ensure successful project execution.

This opportunity broadened not just my technical expertise, but also my resilience, leadership skills, and understanding of global project execution.

Explore career opportunities at DRA Global: DRA Global - Careers

DRA Global Limited (DRA or the Company) is an international multi-disciplinary engineering, project delivery and operations management group, predominantly focused on the mining, minerals and metals industry.

The Group has an extensive track record spanning four decades across a wide range of commodities. DRA’s teams have deep expertise in the mining, minerals and metals processing industries, as well as related non-process infrastructure such as, water, and energy solutions.

DRA covers all major mining centres with offices across Africa and the Middle East, North and South America, and Asia-Pacific.