NEWSROOM

Alumni profile: Caroline Hope

19 November 2019

Caroline Hope is a recent Engineering graduate who is currently working at Beca as a Process Engineer and undertaking a number of leadership roles in both Beca and Engineers Without Borders. While studying at University, Caroline participated in programmes delivered by the Business School’s Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship which helped her further develop the skills and networks necessary to fast-track her career. She has recently been nominated as a finalist for Young Engineer of the Year, for the Engineering New Zealand ENVI awards.

Caroline is balancing her dual interests in community development and improving the sustainability of engineering design and construction processes. Through her project work with clients she has led work in carbon accounting and integrated this into mainstream design delivery. She also serves as the National Team Lead for Engineers Without Borders In-Schools outreach programme. Caroline says “I absolutely love my role as it’s an opportunity to share my passions for design, water and construction, while exposing school students to the opportunities in STEM-related careers. Through reaching schools with students from diverse backgrounds, it is our hope that we are contributing to diversifying the engineering sector to ensure engineering design teams are more representative of the communities we are designing for”. 

During University, Caroline participated in the Velocity student entrepreneurship programme. “Velocity was a fantastic challenge and has given me a foundation for many opportunities to pop up – from hackathons to internal pitches. The base of knowledge around how to use lean canvases, considering all facets of business, can help me provide a new angle to team discussions in the innovation space”.

Caroline also valued the opportunities the Centre provided for mentorship and networking, including her experience in the Centre’s women’s mentoring and peer support programme Innovation Squad, where she encountered Slingshot founder Annette Presley. “Her mantra of feel the fear and do it anyway has stuck with me over the last few years. Her passion for seeking to fail, getting back up and moving forward is a fantastic growth mindset to have. I am hoping to catch up with her again soon”.

Caroline’s advice for those wanting to make the most of their time at University to develop their leadership and innovation skills are:

• Grow networks through attending events, joining clubs and community groups. It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and challenge your interpersonal skills.
• There is no better leadership course than taking on a leadership role. Learning by doing is hard but a fantastic learning style as you can test your methods and get immediate feedback.
• Hold on to your connections and develop genuine mutually-beneficial relationships with those who you want to learn from. Ask “How can I add value to their life?”
• Annette’s advice above and to add to that – when you are finding things difficult, challenging or not good enough it’s likely that you are learning quicker and a lot further along than you think.
• Getting involved in the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is an epic way to develop your skills and build a foundation for your career ahead!