Jeffrey

Graduate Engineer, Geotechnical

Hong Kong

What is your name and role at AECOM?

My name is Jeffrey, and I am a graduate engineer in AECOM’s geotechnical team in Hong Kong

How long have you worked for AECOM?

I joined AECOM after graduating in 2024. I have been working at AECOM for 1 year.

Describe your role and day-to-day work? 

My role is to deliver geotechnical solutions for slope upgrading works and natural terrain hazard mitigation works to reduce the risks and consequences of landslides in Hong Kong. This includes conducting ground investigation result interpretations and slope stability analyses for the design of soil nail systems, flexible barriers and rigid barriers. I have also prepared landscape proposals to minimize the environmental impact of construction works. Additionally, I regularly conduct slope inspections to ensure the slopes and flexible barriers are in good condition before the wet season.

Thinking about the projects you are involved in – what impact have you had to improve social outcomes for communities? 

Our team is dedicated to minimizing the risks and consequences of landslide hazards in Hong Kong. Under climate change, we are facing more extreme rainstorms, which induce more extreme landslide events and threaten public safety. Through routine slope inspections and maintenance, upgrading substandard man-made slopes and placing debris-resisting barriers to protect important facilities from debris flows, my work will help enhance the resilience of the Hong Kong slope safety system, ensuring public safety under extreme weather

How has your work at AECOM contributed towards having a positive impact on the environment? 

Since my designs are mostly within natural terrains, it is inevitable that construction works will cause damage to the environment. Minimizing environmental impact therefore is one of the key factors in my decision-making. The locations of my proposed works are carefully positioned to avoid tree felling. To compensate for the loss of vegetation during construction and restore the natural habitat, I worked closely with landscape designers on the slope landscape designs so that my designs will blend into the greenery view after completion of works

Do you have any interesting experience around collaboration, multi dis work, and thinking and acting globally at AECOM?

Being a fresh graduate, it is often that I am not familiar with other disciplines, so I would have to reach out to colleagues from other teams. For example, I had frequent communications with landscape designers on slope landscape designs and tree preservation proposals. They are very experienced and willing to answer my questions, which strengthens my knowledge of other disciplines. As a designer of slope upgrading works, it is crucial to ensure that my design can be implemented and constructed on site, so I had frequent communications with the resident site staff (RSS). As I had limited site experiences, they always provided valuable comments, allowing me to provide my design in higher quality. When working with other colleagues, I can always sense that everyone is working on the same goal to provide a better environment and future to society. This motivates me to work harder every day at AECOM.

Are there any other interesting or unique opportunities you have had through your work at AECOM? Or interesting experiences with clients or building client relationships?

I was lucky to have the opportunity to help with the Geotechnical Expert Forum organized by my business line. Through the event, we were able to strengthen our relationship with different clients, as many of our clients were enthusiastic with our latest developments and technologies and would seek opportunities for future collaborations.

How has AECOM helped you in your career development? 

When I first joined AECOM, I was astounded by the friendly environment around the office. My colleagues encouraged me to treat myself as a ‘blank paper’ and not to be afraid when making mistakes. They are also very friendly in answering my questions. Through the trial-and-error period, I was able to strengthen my critical thinking skills and develop my engineering judgement through my experiences.

Moreover, AECOM has provided many resources, including lecture videos at AECOM University, face-to-face workshops, seminars and site visits. I was able to build up my knowledge and experience through these platforms. As a graduate, I had the opportunity to organize multiple events with other graduates, including the Christmas Party, which helped me develop my leadership, teamwork skills, as well as close friendships with my colleagues. Furthermore, AECOM is very supportive whenever we want to try new things. For instance, I recently rotated to tunnel team from slope team and am working on a new overseas project, which I am very excited about. I am fortunate that AECOM provides opportunities and resources to develop as a professional engineer and contribute to society.

What’s your proudest moment at AECOM?

My mindset is quite simple: I’m proud whenever I see positive feedback and progress on every task I complete. I am happy to see my design being implemented to contribute the society