From UTS student to shaping Sydney’s infrastructure: Meet UTS Alum Vedant Patkar

It’s 7am and work is already underway on Blacktown City Council’s Railway Terrace Road Upgrade project. Contractors are arriving on site, deliveries are being coordinated and crews are preparing for the day’s works. Among the team helping keep the project moving is Vedant, a Graduate Civil Engineer with Abergeldie. 

Just a year ago, Vedant was completing his final year of engineering studies at UTS. Today he’s helping deliver a major infrastructure project funded by the NSW Government, applying the technical knowledge and professional skills he developed during university to solve real-world challenges. 

We spoke with Vedant Patkar about his journey from university to industry, the skills that have helped him succeed, and his advice for current engineering students looking to launch their own careers. 

 Hi Vedant, thanks for chatting with us. To get started, can you tell us what you studied at UTS? 

I studied a Bachelor of Civil Engineering (Honours) at UTS. My Honours research project looked at using the moon’s soil as a sustainable construction material to build and strengthen infrastructure on the moon. The degree also included a Diploma in Professional Engineering Practice, which allowed me to complete two 6-month industry internships. 

Can you tell us about the internships you undertook while studying? 

My first internship was with a local stormwater engineering consultancy during my second year, where I gained experience in engineering design through the use of AutoCAD and DRAINS. I then joined CPB Contractors for my second internship, spending most of my fourth year working on the Warringah Freeway Upgrade and gaining practical experience in construction and project delivery. Having exposure to both design consultancy and contracting has given me a broader understanding of the industry, and I’m now building on that experience in my role at Abergeldie. 

What did you do while you were at university to ensure you built your job seeking skills? 

I attended a one-on-one resume review with the Peer Career Advisors (PCAs) at UTS Careers, which gave me practical feedback before submitting graduate applications.  

I attended careers fairs, industry panels and networking events to better understand the industry, hear directly from professionals and build connections. I found networking particularly valuable, as several of my professional and volunteering roles came through connections and referrals, which showed me how important building genuine relationships can be when looking for opportunities. 

I regularly used the UTS Careers website for resources on resumes, cover letters and interview preparation, including the mock interview tool.

What was most useful about seeing the PCAs for an express appointment? How was your experience with them? 

The resume review was incredibly helpful because it highlighted things I hadn’t noticed. One of the PCAs, Julieanne, took the time to explain not only what I could improve, but why those changes mattered, which gave me a much better understanding of how to showcase my experience on my resume. I was able to apply that feedback directly to my resume and felt much more confident when submitting applications. 

How did you land your graduate position? 

When I applied to Abergeldie Complex Infrastructure, the initial application involved submitting my resume, a cover letter, and a self-recorded video introduction. After progressing through the initial stage, I had an interview with the HR Manager, followed by an interview with the Project Construction Manager the following day.  

My previous internship experience, particularly my time on the Warringah Freeway Upgrade, and my genuine interest in construction helped me stand out. I was fortunate to receive a few graduate offers before graduating and ultimately chose Abergeldie because I felt it was the right fit for the type of hands-on construction experience I wanted to gain. 

Did you face any challenges? 

I found graduate recruitment very competitive. I applied for over 40 graduate roles and tracked each application in a spreadsheet, but only heard back from a handful of companies. Most applications also involved online assessments and recorded video interviews, which were new experiences for me and took some time to become comfortable with. 

How did these challenges make you stronger and more determined? 

The first few recorded video interviews took me a few hours to prepare for, but with each application and interview, I became more comfortable, refined my responses and learnt how to communicate my experiences more effectively. 

What transferable skills did you learn at university and part-time work that help you in your role? 

Beyond technical engineering skills, university taught me the importance of effective communication and collaborating with people from different backgrounds and professional environments. My part-time roles, internships and leadership positions also strengthened my organisational skills, problem-solving and ability to work effectively as part of a team. These skills are particularly useful in my current role, where I’m constantly coordinating with site supervisors, subcontractors, suppliers and engineers, managing multiple tasks and resolving issues as they arise.  

I’ve also found that building strong working relationships, being adaptable and communicating clearly are just as important as the technical side of engineering. 

Do you have any advice for current UTS students who may want to follow in your footsteps? 

Say ‘YES’ to opportunities, even if they seem outside your interests or comfort zone. I was always on the lookout for new programs, events, roles and experiences, and sometimes never knew where they might lead. They helped me discover new interests, develop new skills and make meaningful connections. Looking back, many of the experiences that shaped me started with simply being willing to give something a go. 

Vedant’s journey shows how taking advantage of opportunities, building practical experience and seeking support along the way can help turn career goals into reality. From student to graduate engineer, he’s now contributing to projects that shape the communities around us every day. His story is a reminder that every career begins somewhere, and often, the first step is simply reaching out for support.