Darcy B.
About me
| Darcy B. | |
| Environment | |
| Environmental Economics & Environmental Management | |
| Undergraduate | |
| Halifax | |
| 2013 | |
| United Kingdom |
My employment
| Senior Manager, Business Case Development | |
| Transport for NSW | |
| Australia | |
| Government and civil service | |
| Large business (250+ employees) | |
| 2021 |
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A day in the life of a Senior Manager, Business Case Development in Australia
I was the first person in my immediate family to go to University and I didn't have a network to lean on to help me understand the different types of jobs available. I would like to help people navigate post-graduate life.
Briefly describe the organisation you work for
I currently work in New South Wales (NSW) State Government in Australia, in the Transport Department. I manage and develop infrastructure investments through business case development, economics and financial analysis. Transport for NSW owns and operates the States transport infrastructure and the organisation has a $50 billion pipeline of new capital projects over the next 5 years.
What do you do?
I develop the investment case for infrastructure projects assessing the costs / benefits and overall outcomes to justify investment approval. Example transport projects include; rail upgrades for the overhead wiring, new freight rail lines, new bridges, new motorways, and precincts (coordinated infrastructure in one location / precinct).
Before joining Transport for NSW, I have also developed business cases for water infrastructure (dams and water licences), schools, hospitals and energy.
Reflecting upon your past employment and education, what led you to your current career choice?
I graduated in 2013 (the height of the GFC) and it took me around 14 months after graduation to find full time employment. My undergraduate degree provided me with a great basis for different career paths as I developed a solid base in economics, along with policy development from the environmental management component of my degree.
I lived in Manchester and it was hard to find graduate roles, as most of the "best" jobs were in London. I didn't really know what career I wanted to pursue but I knew I liked the subjects of applied economics and policy development. I persevered with my job search and ended up securing my first graduate roll at Stockport Council on a Local Government Graduate scheme. This was a 12 month rotational program in the Policy and Performance Division. I then secured full time employment and stayed another 12 months. I then joined Mouchel Consulting (now Kier Group) where I stayed for less than 12 month. I moved to Australia in 2016 to pursue career opportunities! I managed to secure a job through Kier Group UK by exploring openings in their Sydney branch
Is your current job sector different from what you thought you would enter when you graduated?
I didn't know what sector I wanted to work in
Describe your most memorable day at work
My first day at my first job in Australia - It was daunting and scary but everyone made me feel so welcome
What extracurricular activities did you undertake at university and what transferable skills did you develop through these?
Halifax Netball.
I also had part time jobs throughout University which helped me develop customer service skills and management skills. I worked at York Racecourse for 3 years and also had flexible part-time work in a local bakery back home in Manchester.
What top tips do you have for York students preparing for today’s job market and life after graduation?
Its so hard to decide what career path to choose!! My advice is to be open minded when searching and interviewing for graduate jobs if you are unsure of your exact career path. Once you have your foot in the door and gain experience, its far easier to move roles within the company or look for new opportunities once you have your first 1-2 years post-grad experience.
What topics from students are you happy to answer questions on?
Work experience / internships, different types of jobs / markets available, moving overseas
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I was the first person in my immediate family to go to University and I didn't have a network to lean on to help me understand the different types of jobs available, or tips on securing graduate roles. I would like to share my experiences and hopefully help people navigate post-graduate life.
Next steps...
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