I would like to begin this post with a quick experiment. Imagine you have just visited your friend in Australia and are now on your way to the airport for the flight back home. Your Australian friend kindly offers to give you a lift there. Would you decline the offer - perhaps to save him/her the trouble? Or would you accept it?
If you had declined the offer, you just might have offended your friend without even realising it. Here’s a recount of how I came to know about this particular aspect of the Australian culture:
When I was visiting my brother in Sydney last year, I got to meet his landlord’s family. We got along very well and the trip was a pleasant one. On the day of my flight back to Singapore, my brother and I had just finished dragging my bag out into the hallway in preparation to leave for the airport when the landlord dropped by. He offered to give me a lift to the airport. However, I felt it to be troublesome for him and quoted this as a reason while politely declining the offer. He made the offer again, but this time, my brother accepted it for me before I could decline.
After the landlord left, my brother explained to me that, in Australia, people might be offended if we declined such offers. This was because part of their culture is in helping out their friends and family in ways like these. Declining their offers would appear as if we were not accepting their friendship and kindness. This was new to me as, in Singapore, we decline such offers simply because we do not want to inconvenience our friends and family. It has been hardwired into us. However, the same gesture is interpreted in a different way in Australia, thereby showing a difference between the two cultures.
I was lucky my brother was there to smooth things over before I risked offending the landlord.
Sunday, September 26, 2010
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Cover Letter
Cover Letter
1st September 2010, Wednesday
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in to apply for the Civil Engineering position in the 2011 Transportation Engineering team that was advertised on the AECOM job portal. As such, I have attached my resume and academic transcript to the e-mail accompanying this cover letter, for your reference. I am highly interested in the area of transportation, as I find it to be a highly dynamic and engaging field, and hence highly compatible with my approach to engineering projects.
Having recently completed a highly-sought-after internship at AECOM Singapore Private Limited (Singapore Concourse) Transportation Department, I have obtained a deep working knowledge as to the functions of the department, as well as AECOM policies. During the course of this internship, I found underground transportation networks, such as underground rail networks, to be my primary area of interest. Being the type of person who passionately pursues her interests, being given the opportunity to work in this field would see me actively engaging the project and spurred to see it to successful completion.
Having played competitive floorball during my junior college and university life, the strong spirit of teamwork I have developed has translated into better team dynamics. I strongly believe this will allow me to work effectively and professionally with the transportation team, thereby boosting productivity and ensuring smooth working relationships. During these past few years, I have taken the initiative to develop my interpersonal and people-management skills, honed in my capacity as the deputy sports director of the NUS engineering club during the organisation of university-level sporting events. I believe this will aid me in my future career path, where well-oiled workplace relationships and management of personnel will contribute to a pleasant working environment, and hence boost productivity for the company.
In addition, I am capable of producing quality work even when working independently, as has been recognised in my university assignments. I take the initiative to learn new things and continually improve myself, as I believe that doing so will allow me to contribute more effectively to my team. This was reflected during my internship at AECOM Singapore Private Limited (Singapore Concourse) where I learnt how to use the software PLAXIS (2D) on my own accord so that I could assist in more project tasks and request for more responsibilities. I am highly task-oriented and complete all work to the best of my ability. I maintain high levels of work-ethic principles, including giving importance to punctuality in attendance and meeting deadlines.
I am confident that working at AECOM will be mutually beneficial as I have full confidence in my abilities to positively contribute to the success of future projects, while in turn being nurtured into an even more capable and professional engineer by the AECOM working environment. I would really appreciate the chance to further show you how my work ethics and skills make me highly well-suited for this position. I can be contacted at any time via phone and email. Thank you very much for giving due time and consideration to my application. I have attached my resume and academic transcript for your perusal and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
_________________
Job Advertisement
(key points in bold)
Requisition/Vacancy No. 50560BR
Position Title: Graduate Civil Engineer - Transport
Job Category INTERNSHIP / VACATION STUDENT / GRADUATE / SPONSORSHIP
Capability: Transportation
Office Region Australia
Office Location AU - Adelaide, SA
Job Description
Do you have a Civil Engineering Degree and want to work for a leading global design firm?
AECOM now has an opportunity for a Civil Engineer to join our Transport Engineering team in 2011
It’s a big challenge. If that challenge excites you, step this way…
At AECOM, our people are united by a common purpose: to enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural and social environments. In practice, that means planning, designing and managing projects including the parks, communities and places that connect us, the industries that support us and the major infrastructure that moves us. In fact, all the facilities that countries need to sustain economic and social growth. It also means protecting the natural environment and leaving proud legacies for tomorrow.
AECOM is a global company with local presence. We thrive on finding smarter solutions to some of the world’s most challenging projects across buildings, design, environment, water, mining, planning, energy and transportation. AECOM is 45,000 people in over 100 countries. In Australia and New Zealand we are 3,600 people in 20 offices.
Why is AECOM one of the best places to take your next step forward?
It could be our supportive and collaborative work environments? Or our dynamic teams led by some of the best minds in the business? Or maybe it’s more to do with our award winning projects across a range of industry sectors? There’s a world of opportunity and benefits when you work with AECOM. That’s why we’re more than just a place to work.
What’s on offer?
Our Adelaide office is looking for a final year Civil Engineering student to join the AECOM Transport Team. Working in the Transport team gives you the opportunity for board and diverse opportunities within a supportive environment. Projects we are currently working on are:
• Darlington Transport Study
• Northern Expressway
As a graduate with AECOM you will gain experience in the following areas:
• Traffic engineering
• Transport planning
• Highway design
• General civil design work
• Opportunities to work on major Transport projects
What you need to do?
You will need to submit a cover letter discussing your achievements, university experience and career ambitions, your resume and academic transcript.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Adelaide Graduate Recruitment Team
Writer's name and contact details
Recipient's Address
1st September 2010, Wednesday
Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing in to apply for the Civil Engineering position in the 2011 Transportation Engineering team that was advertised on the AECOM job portal. As such, I have attached my resume and academic transcript to the e-mail accompanying this cover letter, for your reference. I am highly interested in the area of transportation, as I find it to be a highly dynamic and engaging field, and hence highly compatible with my approach to engineering projects.
Having recently completed a highly-sought-after internship at AECOM Singapore Private Limited (Singapore Concourse) Transportation Department, I have obtained a deep working knowledge as to the functions of the department, as well as AECOM policies. During the course of this internship, I found underground transportation networks, such as underground rail networks, to be my primary area of interest. Being the type of person who passionately pursues her interests, being given the opportunity to work in this field would see me actively engaging the project and spurred to see it to successful completion.
Having played competitive floorball during my junior college and university life, the strong spirit of teamwork I have developed has translated into better team dynamics. I strongly believe this will allow me to work effectively and professionally with the transportation team, thereby boosting productivity and ensuring smooth working relationships. During these past few years, I have taken the initiative to develop my interpersonal and people-management skills, honed in my capacity as the deputy sports director of the NUS engineering club during the organisation of university-level sporting events. I believe this will aid me in my future career path, where well-oiled workplace relationships and management of personnel will contribute to a pleasant working environment, and hence boost productivity for the company.
In addition, I am capable of producing quality work even when working independently, as has been recognised in my university assignments. I take the initiative to learn new things and continually improve myself, as I believe that doing so will allow me to contribute more effectively to my team. This was reflected during my internship at AECOM Singapore Private Limited (Singapore Concourse) where I learnt how to use the software PLAXIS (2D) on my own accord so that I could assist in more project tasks and request for more responsibilities. I am highly task-oriented and complete all work to the best of my ability. I maintain high levels of work-ethic principles, including giving importance to punctuality in attendance and meeting deadlines.
I am confident that working at AECOM will be mutually beneficial as I have full confidence in my abilities to positively contribute to the success of future projects, while in turn being nurtured into an even more capable and professional engineer by the AECOM working environment. I would really appreciate the chance to further show you how my work ethics and skills make me highly well-suited for this position. I can be contacted at any time via phone and email. Thank you very much for giving due time and consideration to my application. I have attached my resume and academic transcript for your perusal and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours faithfully,
_________________
Job Advertisement
(key points in bold)
Requisition/Vacancy No. 50560BR
Position Title: Graduate Civil Engineer - Transport
Job Category INTERNSHIP / VACATION STUDENT / GRADUATE / SPONSORSHIP
Capability: Transportation
Office Region Australia
Office Location AU - Adelaide, SA
Job Description
Do you have a Civil Engineering Degree and want to work for a leading global design firm?
AECOM now has an opportunity for a Civil Engineer to join our Transport Engineering team in 2011
It’s a big challenge. If that challenge excites you, step this way…
At AECOM, our people are united by a common purpose: to enhance and sustain the world’s built, natural and social environments. In practice, that means planning, designing and managing projects including the parks, communities and places that connect us, the industries that support us and the major infrastructure that moves us. In fact, all the facilities that countries need to sustain economic and social growth. It also means protecting the natural environment and leaving proud legacies for tomorrow.
AECOM is a global company with local presence. We thrive on finding smarter solutions to some of the world’s most challenging projects across buildings, design, environment, water, mining, planning, energy and transportation. AECOM is 45,000 people in over 100 countries. In Australia and New Zealand we are 3,600 people in 20 offices.
Why is AECOM one of the best places to take your next step forward?
It could be our supportive and collaborative work environments? Or our dynamic teams led by some of the best minds in the business? Or maybe it’s more to do with our award winning projects across a range of industry sectors? There’s a world of opportunity and benefits when you work with AECOM. That’s why we’re more than just a place to work.
What’s on offer?
Our Adelaide office is looking for a final year Civil Engineering student to join the AECOM Transport Team. Working in the Transport team gives you the opportunity for board and diverse opportunities within a supportive environment. Projects we are currently working on are:
• Darlington Transport Study
• Northern Expressway
As a graduate with AECOM you will gain experience in the following areas:
• Traffic engineering
• Transport planning
• Highway design
• General civil design work
• Opportunities to work on major Transport projects
What you need to do?
You will need to submit a cover letter discussing your achievements, university experience and career ambitions, your resume and academic transcript.
We look forward to hearing from you!
The Adelaide Graduate Recruitment Team
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