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Amanda Thomas

Sydney
Associate | Structural Draftsperson
What is your favourite thing about working at Northrop, and what keeps you passionate every day?

I really value the autonomy and variety I have in my role at Northrop —it allows me to not only perform my responsibilities but also participate in diverse activities like contributing to committees, social engagements, delving into technical challenges that can enhance our work, and coaching fellow staff members.

The people I work with in Parramatta are truly fantastic. I find great satisfaction in the camaraderie and collaboration within my team.

What inspires and motivates you at work? How do you use this in your role leading people to inspire others?

What inspires and motivates me at work is the continuous process of discovering and developing people’s strengths over time. Whether it’s recognising the potential of juniors or being inspired by the leadership of others throughout the day, I find myself continuously learning and adapting. Witnessing the growth and dedication of my colleagues fuels my own enthusiasm and commitment to fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.

How do you envision the future of our industry in terms of sustainability and carbon reduction, and what role do you see Northrop playing in that transformation?

Looking ahead, Northrop is poised to integrate asset data into our models, a development that will enhance our ability to manage projects and provide clients with advanced, informed decision-making tools. This capability is expected to be operational within the next 6 to 12 months, allowing us to offer enhanced products that align with sustainability goals and contribute to carbon reduction efforts.

What advice would you give to young professionals aspiring to take on leadership roles in the consulting profession?

Stay committed to continuous self-improvement and the development of your strengths. Also stay persistent in your journey and be open to new opportunities – say yes! Sometimes, what may not appear as an opportunity initially can broaden your skill set, deepen your interests, and expand your mindset. Engage wholeheartedly in experiences because you never know where they may lead you.

On a more personal note, what is a hobby or interest outside of work that you are passionate about, and how does it influence your approach to your career?

That’s an easy one, yoga! I value its wholistic benefits for both mind and body. I’m a trained yoga teacher and make it a point to attend a class every week and meditate daily. Yoga instils in me a balanced and moderated approach, helping me maintain a level-headed perspective in my career.

Can you share a pivotal moment or project in your career that significantly shaped your professional development and perspective?

There are a few that stand out. A memorable experience was applying my specialised bridge modelling skills to develop a Revit bridge model for a Northrop project without any existing framework. This project was a source of pride for me.

Another pivotal moment was transitioning into management and taking on the Silverwater gaol project. It was a transformative experience where I learned crucial skills in managing costs, resources, and navigating complex project dynamics and teams.

Lastly, working on the Western Sydney Airport project has been instrumental. The coordination, quality standards, and ongoing data exchange challenges over the past two years have greatly contributed to my growth and perspective in the field.

Can you share a project where your engineering skills positively impacted the community or environment?

BARC Blacktown animal rehoming centre is an animal rehoming centre that aims to improve animal recovery and increase community acceptance and adoption. This is also within my own local community and I intend to do Paws n Paintz where a percentage of proceeds are donated to BARC!

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