Liz's YP conference experience

19/10/2023

Downer recently held its annual Young Professionals (YP) Conference near Wellington in New Zealand.

The YP Conference invites our cadets, graduates, scholarship winners, and some interns throughout New Zealand to come together for two days of networking, learning, and, of course, some fun.

Seventy-five young professionals attended, alongside some of our senior leaders from the business. Elizabeth Parsons, student of Engineering and Architectural Engineering at Auckland University of Technology and Downer Transport & Infrastructure intern, shares her experience here. 

As a young professional in the early stages of my career, I was fortunate enough to receive an invitation to the Young Professionals (YP) Conference. While the event primarily targeted graduates, cadets and scholarship recipients, it also welcomed interns, some senior leaders and guest speakers. 

This year, the YP Conference took place in the serene surroundings of Silverstream, Wellington, nestled amidst the Misty Mountains, which offered some great photo spots. As a first-time attendee and an intern, the conference was an incredibly valuable experience that opened a world of connections and insights.

Over two days, I found myself surrounded by fellow YPs who had already navigated a range of graduate rotations. Their wise words and insight into the professional world were a spring of knowledge that I could tap into and helped me gain a clearer perspective on my upcoming rotations and what I could expect.

One standout event from the first day was the unique ‘speed dating’ experience. It allowed us to hear from a diverse array of professionals, each representing different topics such as iRex Engineering NZ, Wāhine Kotahitanga, Downer’s programme for women in the construction industry, and StandOut, Downer’s community for staff identifying as LGBTQIA+. 

Day one concluded with an on-trend Barbie-themed dinner filled with various activities. My personal favourite was creating our own Mojo Dojo Casa house, and even though my table didn't emerge victorious, we did craft an impressive playdough golf course.

An awards ceremony celebrating the achievements of many of the graduates, cadets, and scholarship winners rounded out the night. Congratulations to all of the YPs recognised!

Despite the big day prior, day two started with an early morning hike before two different site visits — one to Transport & Infrastructure’s Paraparaumu Transport Hub and the other to the Utilitie’s team Porirua Wastewater Storage Tank site. These visits gave us great insight into the different types of work Downer undertake. 

Day two and conference concluded final presentations on respect, values, work-life balance, and goal setting for personal and career growth.

Personally, my greatest takeaway was the insight I gained through conversations with graduates with experience in areas I’m interested in. While doing online research and sending emails can provide a basic understanding of a career path, face-to-face conversations gave me a deeper level of confidence and clarity about what a graduate role with Downer will offer and how it will benefit my personal goals and career growth.

I'd like to express my gratitude to all the attendees who made me feel welcome and generously shared their insights. Their willingness to go above and beyond to help me understand graduate and cadet roles, as well as their genuine interest in my future aspirations, left me feeling truly cared for. And of course, to the organisers who made the conference possible. I’m eagerly looking forward to next year’s reunion where I can return as a graduate.