Professional Practice within intercultural and global contexts
During my time at VSL Australia, I became increasingly aware of how professional practice is shaped by intercultural and global contexts. Civil and construction projects often involve international stakeholders, diverse workforces, and global supply chains. My experiences showed me that technical competence alone is not enough, engineers must also be culturally aware, respectful, and adaptable.
While working as an Undergraduate Site Engineer on a 10 ML precast tank construction project in Rockhampton, QLD, I collaborated with colleagues from a variety of cultural and religious backgrounds. One colleague had strict dietary requirements, which meant I needed to be mindful when food was ordered on site or during group meals. I made a point of confirming these details directly with them to ensure they were comfortable.
This small adjustment taught me that respect and consideration for cultural differences is essential in building trust. By creating an environment where everyone felt included, the team was able to work more cohesively. I learned that intercultural awareness not only prevents misunderstandings but also strengthens professional relationships and improves project outcomes.
I also observed how global trends influence local engineering practice. For example, VSL introduced a carbon emissions calculator and developed low-carbon products in response to international sustainability commitments. These tools reflected how worldwide priorities, such as carbon reduction, shape the way companies in Australia plan and deliver projects.
This reinforced for me that engineers must remain informed and adaptable, responding to both technical requirements and cultural expectations. Global standards and intercultural collaboration are increasingly embedded in how projects are designed, delivered, and evaluated.
These experiences taught me that professional practice in a global context relies on both technical expertise and cultural intelligence. In future roles, I intend to continue developing strong intercultural communication skills, remain informed about international sustainability standards, and contribute to project environments built on trust, inclusivity, and respect.
Vearinama Kila 