Mohammad Anas: From College Life to Civil Engineering Success
We recently caught up with Mohammad Anas to talk about his journey after College as he embarks on a career in Civil Engineering. Originally from India, Mo lived at the College for two years and was a Resident Advisor.
Congratulations on securing a position as a Civil Engineer at Arup Australia. Could you tell us about how you landed this role?
I landed my current role at Arup Australia through connections I made at an event I organised during my time as the Vice-President of the Curtin Civil Engineering Association (CCEA).
My previous internships, which provided experience closely aligned with the demands of my current role, also played a significant part.
Additionally, during my time at College, participating in and organising Faculty & Industry Dinners helped me immensely in improving my networking skills and teaching me how to ask the right questions to potential employers — skills that ultimately, I got to utilise during my job interviews.
As the Vice-President of Curtin Civil Engineering Association (CCEA), how did your leadership experience shape your career aspirations?
I would have to say that organising networking events allowed me to establish personal connections with engineers and recruiters, which would have been challenging as a regular student.
These events placed me in constant contact with senior industry professionals, making me a recognisable figure when they attended the events. This visibility made it easier for me to engage in meaningful conversations and build valuable relationships. Through these interactions, I learned what industry professionals expect from recent graduates and how they assess candidates for internships and positions at their companies.
What advice do you have for recent graduates entering the field of civil engineering?
Always be curious about the projects and ask a lot of questions.
My team appreciated my eagerness to learn, as it shows an interest in the bigger picture rather than just completing tasks. I also encourage current students to attend as many industry and faculty events as possible. These gatherings are invaluable opportunities to meet people who can help secure internships or provide connections in the industry."
What were some of your most memorable experiences during your time at College as a Resident Advisor?
Looking back at my time as a Resident Advisor, I fondly recall the Open Mic sessions, which brought the College community together.
I also cherished the experience of assisting with the organising the Faculty & Industry Dinners, which not only strengthened my connections with industry representatives but also allowed me to contribute to the College community in a meaningful way.
This year, Mo was one of the guests at our first Semester 2 Faculty and Industry Dinner, titled “Engineering: Things I Wish I Knew.” The event featured recent graduates and senior executives eager to share with our residents the insights they wished they had known or acted upon as undergraduates.
"My key takeaway from this event was the meaningful conversations around the table, where everyone had conflicting views and opinions, but we discussed them in a way that made sense," Mo said.