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A trip to Thailand changed the way Connor McLoughlin saw the world. Visiting family, he witnessed firsthand the challenges of living without basic infrastructure and realised engineering could be a way to create practical solutions that improve people's lives.
That sense of purpose continued to grow during his Aurecon internship, where he gained hands-on experience across transport projects, developed new technical skills and discovered the breadth of opportunities within civil engineering. Connor shares how the experience shaped his career aspirations and reinforced his desire to make a lasting difference.
I always said that I would be an engineer when I was older. Admittedly, I also believed for much of my life that I’d be playing professional football in the Premier League, so take my youthful ambitions with a grain of salt. That being said, engineering slowly cemented itself as my main career ambition over time because of two significant events.
The first was a trip to Thailand. While visiting family, it was the first time I became aware of the conditions that some of them were living in: a large family in a small fishing hut with no floors or running water. It was an eye-opener. These challenges aren’t distant issues – they were real and they were affecting people close to me. I found myself thinking about it constantly. It flipped a switch in me. I wanted to help my family and people in similar situations all over the world, but at that time, I didn’t know how.
The second moment came one day while watching an episode of Russell Howard’s Good News with my dad. This particular episode told Alfredo Moser’s story, a mechanic from a small village in Brazil who created a sustainable light source by filling a plastic bottle with water and a bit of bleach then installing it through the roof – this was his solution to the frequent blackouts experienced in his village. The Moser Lamp was a simple idea that helped not just his community, but millions around the world.
These moments stuck with me and became a turning point. I realised engineering could be a way to make a tangible difference. The idea of creating something simple yet impactful, solving real problems and helping countless people, was incredibly motivating. I knew that by becoming an engineer I would have the tools to turn that idea into reality and contribute in a meaningful way.
I applied to Aurecon because it gave me the opportunity to begin my career in engineering by first helping right here in Aotearoa. I was excited to improve the everyday experiences of Kiwis across the country, even in small but meaningful ways. It felt like a place where I could grow my technical skills and work with like-minded individuals who wanted to leave a positive legacy through their work.
Another thing is Aurecon’s culture. There’s a strong sense of community and the people are truly supportive which makes coming into work enjoyable. People don’t just support you in your work or professional development, but also in your personal growth. I really appreciated this as a young engineer in the industry and only starting to discover more about myself as a professional and building the future I want to attain.
During my internship, I got to work on a wide range of projects and tasks, which kept things interesting as no two weeks looked the same. I was involved in different stages of projects, from early inception through to closing and handover. Being able to try different things helped me figure out what I enjoy most. I particularly enjoyed the project management and quality assurance aspect of engineering, getting to interact with multiple people on a regular basis.
"It felt like a place where I could grow my technical skills and work with like-minded individuals who wanted to leave a positive legacy through their work."
My buddy probably had the biggest impact on me. He helped me develop not only as an engineer, but also in how I approached challenges and learning. I came into the internship putting a lot of pressure on myself, and a bit unsure about a lot of things, but he had this way of making things feel simple. He encouraged me to just ask questions, be curious, and trust myself more.
Besides my buddy, the relationships I built with my team leaders were a big reason I came back to Aurecon for a second internship. It’s not every day that people at that level make themselves so available. I could ask questions or just chat with them without it ever feeling like a typical boss – employee dynamic and more like being supported by people who genuinely cared about my growth.
The other interns around me also made the experience more comfortable. Through Limelight, Aurecon’s Early Careers Professional Network, it felt like I had a support group from day one. Being with others who were in the same boat and part of the Internship Program brought us closer. Now, those people are some of my best friends.
I’m excited to improve environmental sustainability in built infrastructure. Being able to design and deliver projects that serve communities while reducing environmental impact and protecting natural systems is something I find really motivating.
There’s a strong awareness of environmental issues within my generation and a real drive to do better than what’s been done. With advances in technology, better data, and a greater understanding of environmental challenges, we’re more equipped than ever to design smarter, more sustainable solutions.
Before this experience, I didn’t know much about transport engineering or what it involved, so I never saw it as a potential career path for myself. Now, having completed the internship, it’s something I can absolutely see myself pursuing.
One thing I’ve come to really appreciate about civil engineering is how broad it is, especially transport engineering. There are various disciplines within the sector which keep the work interesting and open a lot of opportunities to grow and develop skills in different areas over time.
The internship also gave me a new perspective on how my interests might evolve. It showed me that what I’m passionate about now won’t necessarily be the same in the future, and that my career path doesn’t have to be fixed from the start. That’s actually something I find really exciting, knowing that I’ll continue to grow both as a person and as an engineer, and that new experiences will shape what I enjoy and where I go next.
"Being able to design and deliver projects that serve communities while reducing environmental impact and protecting natural systems is something I find really motivating."
Do it. You never know where it could lead.
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