A diverse workplace enhances productivity, fosters innovation, and promotes a positive culture. At UGL, we are proud of our rich and diverse workplace, with many of our employees coming from a wide range of cultural backgrounds.
Engineers Australia recently hosted an engaging panel event in Sydney, bringing together around 50 migrant engineers eager to connect, share experiences, and gain insights into the Australian engineering industry. Representing UGL, Sharnie Hoskin, Talent Acquisition Lead, joined the panel to share her perspectives and offer valuable advice on how migrant professionals can navigate careers in engineering.
The event featured a diverse lineup of panelists, each contributing unique insights into the challenges they have faced and the successes they have achieved as migrant engineers.
Speaking about the panel, Sharnie shared:
“Each panelist offered meaningful reflections on their career pathways, highlighting the hurdles they overcame and how they achieved success,” said Sharnie. “The level of engagement from the audience was inspiring, with many seeking mentoring and career development advice."
Sharnie discussed common obstacles that migrant engineers encounter when seeking to enter the Australian workforce. These barriers include:
• The frequently cited phrase, “You don’t have Australian experience,” which presents a significant hurdle for many candidates.
• A limited number of companies offering visa sponsorship opportunities, restricting access for talented professionals.
• A lack of constructive feedback on job applications, often leaving candidates uncertain about how to improve or tailor their approach.
Sharnie emphasised the importance of job seekers tailoring their CVs, staying persistent, and actively pursuing networking opportunities. She also encouraged hiring managers to think beyond conventional criteria when assessing candidates who may lack Australian project experience but bring valuable international expertise. She urged organisations to invest in upskilling and mentoring to unlock the full potential of diverse talent.
“Giving back to the industry and supporting others in their career journey is incredibly rewarding,” said Sharnie. “At the event, I met two young engineers who were at a turning point in their careers. By connecting them with senior leaders in UGL’s engineering team, I hope they’ll gain the guidance they need to make confident decisions moving forward.”
A recurring theme throughout the evening was the importance of networking and collaboration in the engineering industry. Despite its scope, the panelists noted that the engineering world is a tightly connected network. Building relationships with colleagues, mentors, and industry professionals can open doors and create unexpected opportunities.
By supporting initiatives like this, UGL not only contributes to shaping individual careers, we also help strengthen the engineering sector as a whole.