Meet Sarah Bacon

After returning from a year on her overseas experience, Sarah gives us some insight into what motivates her, why she came back to Beca and her transition from process engineer into a project manager role in our Auckland, New Zealand office.

What attracted you to Beca initially?

The people. In my last year of university I received a Beca Part IV Engineering Scholarship and during the awards ceremony I met the Industrial Section Manager and Operations Manager at the time, along with a number of other managers from other business lines. Everyone I spoke with showed such passion and enjoyment for their job.

On your first day at Beca, what stood out to you?

Everyone I met was so friendly and welcoming and they were always happy to answer any questions I had. There were also a huge number of internal acronyms to learn!

You left Beca and spent some time overseas recently, what made you come back to Beca?

Ultimately it was the Beca culture and the people. I think it’s so important to enjoy and get along with the team you work with on a daily basis. I also enjoyed the challenging and diverse range of work, the healthy work-life balance and the opportunity to travel with work.

What sort of projects have you been involved in?

I’ve been involved in a huge range of projects in a number of different countries; from commissioning an infant milk formula dryer in Hokitika, New Zealand, upgrading a confectionery plant in Victoria, Australia, designing a new craft brewery for Emerson’s in Dunedin, New Zealand, to managing procurement for a nickel furnace in Indonesia.

What has been your favourite accomplishment at Beca?

The role of job manager and construction coordinator for Project Spark, which involved relocating sparkling wine equipment for Lion to consolidate their Auckland manufacturing operations.

What gets you out of bed every morning?

Working with a team of talented and passionate people, constantly being challenged in the work I do to grow myself professionally and having the opportunity to learning something new every day.

How does the work you do ‘make everyday better’ for our clients and communities?

Food and beverage products are such an essential part of life for our community members. I help my clients to safely, efficiently and cost-effectively produce these products.

What advice would you give to developing professionals?

Always put your hand up when an opportunity presents itself as it generally pays off. Make an effort to grow your professional networks and relationships as they’re really important, especially when working in a consultancy.

What does the next 12 months hold for you?

Since returning from my year overseas, I’ve moved into the Project Management team within the Industrial section. I spent my first few years in a technical process engineering role but quickly discovered I’m more motivated when working with a team to deliver a project – I’m very people orientated. At Beca, you can really own your career and have the opportunity to map your own unique career path. I’d also love to take some of the learnings and influences from my travels over the past year and bring them back to Beca.

Beca’s Industrial team are hiring – what are you looking for in a new colleague?

Someone who has great written and oral communication skills, works well in a team environment, has a social nature, thinks outside the square and challenges the norm.

Outside of your work at Beca, what do you love to do?

I enjoy going for multi day hikes – so far I’ve finished 6 out of 9 of the Great Walks in New Zealand. I’ve explored 43 countries and there’s still a long list of other places I’d like to visit – I enjoy discovering new cultures, trying new languages, and tasting different foods. My other hobbies include photography, playing social sports, and exploring the café culture and restaurants that Auckland has to offer.