Jake Deng

What does your position at BYCA consist of?

I started with Bouygues in October 2017. I’m an engineer for the NorthConnex project. I’m part of the traffic team under Project Wide and Logistics, which consists of developing Traffic Management Plans (TMPs) to facilitate the civil construction teams’ work on the road surface.

What makes you excited about your job?

As a grad, this is a great position to start with, because I get involved in a vital decision-making process for the civil teams’ work across the project. It gives me a broader understanding of civil construction and traffic in construction, and that bigger picture is helpful to figure out how I want to evolve in the future.

How you would describe your experience within BYCA?

My experience has been invaluable. I’ve learned so much about traffic engineering, as well as construction methodologies for implementing the scope of works via safe traffic management. I’ve also gained some AutoCAD skills along the way, which is a bonus no matter if you do design or construction later on.

Additionally, working in a multicultural environment – and NorthConnex is the perfect example - brings different knowledge and methodologies from various perspectives, which has broadened my horizons. Daily work also brings its share of cultural jokes, which can brighten your day!

Any advice for your younger self back when you were a student?

• Do lots of research about the companies that do what you want to do.
• Start any job that is related to engineering or construction to get yourself involved in the industry.
• Connect people via LinkedIn or any other ways through university help programs.
• Attend networking events and don’t be afraid to talk to people about yourself (this is very important) and about what are they looking for. It’s the only way to see if you can fit in their needs and contribute.