Graduates 2002

Lorreta O'Neill - Structural Engineer, Sheehy & Partners, Brisbane

As a student at La Trobe University, Bendigo Lorreta said:

“I chose to study engineering at Bendigo because of the subject variety with a focus on Mathematics and Science, the course structure with the inclusion of a industry based learning requirement and the possibility of receiving scholarships (especially relevant for rural students). The graduate employment rates are fantastic. I hope to work as either a structural or transport engineer with opportunities to travel.

After graduating in 2001 she worked as a structural engineer with Thoms Gibcus McGrath Group in Ballarat (a job that she got prior to finalizing her degree) and this is how she described her job:

“The opportunities provided to me are fantastic. I have had a large variety of jobs to complete, all of which have been interesting and have varying degrees of difficulty. The jobs required structural design of residential, social and industrial buildings, such as additional structures for primary schools, an Aged Care Facility, residential slabs, industrial sheds, retaining walls and shade structures.

“Other projects include the design of an arched concrete footbridge and a composite steel beam/concrete bridge over the Monbulk Creek in Wantirna, which will provide access for vehicles and pedestrians to a Golf Club. The job required some research on elastomeric bearings and composite beam design.

Lorreta has realised her hopes of a career with opportunities for travel, and is now with Sheehy & Partners, Brisbane.