Where are they now?

Kelli Hardy (nee Miles)

What year did you finish school? 2002
What are your memories of MSCW? Woodwork classes being fun and social.
How do you think your experiences at MSCW helped you become the person you are today? Not being Catholic I was concerned about what that might mean for me, transitioning into high school can be scary enough let alone when I didn’t know anyone and was going to a Catholic school. I met Monica Murphy and she was lovely and welcoming, then having Christopher Holt as Principal really set the scene for a caring environment. What I found was a welcome, open, respectful and fun place to learn and grow. I found the chapel a calm place, the rosary a ritual that means different things to different people. Ultimately, I think I was taught a lot about kindness, respect and compassion.
Was there anyone at MSCW or in your life who had a positive impact and on reflection, influenced you to follow the pathway you have chosen? I don’t recall my pathway being something clear to me at school, I do recall doing the career test papers and finding nursing, physiotherapy or engineering to be my preferred pathway. I think having Monica and Chris as leaders in the school helped me understand the kind of person I could be. My parents were always supportive, first heading to uni then encouraging me to continue and finish. There were many moments of “I’ll just change direction and do ‘something’ else” but I never knew what that might be. In each of my jobs I have had influencers…fellow graduates helped pave the way and remain close friends. I have a mentor and now close friend from my first job who has guided me in both work and personal realms to grow – these kinds of people are unique. At the time I don’t think you realise the impact they have on you…its later down the track.
What did you do after leaving MSCW and where are you or what is your role now? I finished school and went to Victoria University to study Civil Engineering, I took my first Graduate Engineer role at KBR in Brisbane where I worked in transport, water and environmental teams. Highlight during this time was working in New Caledonia on a boat taking water samples behind a dredge as well as the graduate coordination role I had which led to lots of networking and building of long friendships. After three years there I moved to Newcastle to work for AECOM as a Civil Engineer. During my 9 years there I was able work onsite at a mine, a power station, a waste emplacement facility and in office moving into project management works. I was able to take time off to have my two children, Mia and Sam (10 and 8) and I worked part time after having them. I have now been working for Aurecon for the past 4 years – building on my project management role and still working in a part time capacity. I have flexibility of hours, diversity of projects, challenges with cost management and scheduling but the best part is the people I work with…its amazing the breadth of skill people have to offer, and I enjoy working in environments where I get to help them be their best whilst delivering design. I currently manage a $22million bypass project that is based in the Hunter Region.
Greatest accomplishments and/or defining moments? I am a chartered engineer, the process requires self-reflection and is evidence based. I remember when I could demonstrate my skill set I had a huge feeling of pride and achievement. I am now an owner in the business that I work, this was not a goal that I had set out to achieve but the journey getting here has been so interesting and I take great pride in the fact that I am now a formal leader in the business. I think the big accomplishment these days is working on maintaining a balance with life and work. Finding something that brings a buzz to your day means it’s a great way to set yourself up for success. Mentoring young professionals is a joy and I feel that I am starting to feel a sense of accomplishment as more people reach to me for guidance/support/direction and I can gain a sense of having an impact.
What advice would you like to give any of our current MSCW students, especially those considering a similar pathway? Opportunities are around you always, taking on a challenge with a positive attitude and smile on your face goes a long way. Create networks of people that are maybe outside your ‘norm’ because you never know what might present itself and don’t be afraid to pivot when you need. Enjoy the ride, laugh along the way.
Anything else you would like to include (eg. future pathways plans)? Professionally, the next two years is focused on successfully delivering the bypass project and attaining a Major Project Manager status. Personally, I am busy planning adventures for my kids and I, setting us up for success and for me this is teaching them to be kind (to yourself and others), doing their best and being proud of that (win, lose or draw) and working on some healthy boundaries around my work/life balance to make sure I am having fun with life.