Cover Letter

Cover Letter – Industrus Engineering Graduate Program

Dear Sir or Madam,

I am writing to apply for the Industrus Engineering Graduate Program as advertised through UTS. I am a recent graduate of the University of Technology Sydney, where I completed a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Civil Engineering alongside a Bachelor of Business (Accounting). During my studies, I completed 12 weeks of industry work experience at Capital Engineering Consultants, where I gained practical experience in drafting, site inspections, and professional engineering practice. My academic background, combined with experience across engineering, accounting, and leadership roles, has prepared me well to contribute as a graduate engineer. Please find my responses to the selection criteria below.

Commitment to ethical conduct and the highest standards of professional accountability

While working on live residential projects as an Assistant Draftsperson and Student Engineer, I produced AutoCAD drawings and contributed to dilapidation reports where accuracy and compliance were critical. I ensured all drawings followed engineer mark-ups, relevant standards, and regulatory requirements, and I reviewed documentation carefully prior to submission. During site inspections, I adhered strictly to safety procedures and recorded observations objectively. When compliance or detailing issues arose, I escalated them to supervising engineers to ensure decisions were made appropriately. This approach ensured my work met professional and ethical standards and supported reliable outcomes for clients and engineers.

Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate with engineers and stakeholders from different fields

In roles requiring regular engagement with technical and non-technical stakeholders, I communicated clearly and confidently to support accurate outcomes. During site inspections and reporting work, I explained observations and processes to clients in clear, practical language while coordinating directly with engineers to resolve design queries and revisions. In my accounting role at 111 Accounting and Taxation, I regularly communicated procedural and documentation requirements to clients in relation to their Tax, ensuring understanding and timely responses. These experiences strengthened my ability to adapt my communication style, confirm understanding, and maintain professional relationships across various disciplines.

Ability to engage with a creative, innovative, and proactive environment

Across my academic and professional experiences, I consistently demonstrated initiative and problem-solving skills. My Honours thesis involved independently researching and evaluating practical sustainable engineering strategies beyond standard solutions. In a consultancy environment, I also identified opportunities to contribute beyond my drafting responsibilities by supporting administrative and bookkeeping tasks during busy periods. In coaching roles, I adapted training approaches to improve individual and team performance. These experiences reflect my ability to take ownership, think critically, and contribute effectively in dynamic and fast paced environments.

Demonstrated ability to use and manage information

Managing technical and confidential information accurately has been a key responsibility throughout my studies and professional roles. In an engineering consultancy, I produced AutoCAD drawings and managed documentation related to site inspections and dilapidation reports. In accounting roles, I maintained client records, entered data into internal systems, and assisted with tax and compliance documentation while ensuring confidentiality and accuracy. Academically, I conducted structured research and data analysis for engineering projects and my Honours thesis. These experiences demonstrate my ability to organise, interpret, and apply information reliably in professional environments.

Ability to manage your own performance in a professional environment

While completing full-time engineering and business studies alongside multiple part-time roles, including engineering, accounting, retail, and coaching, I was required to manage competing deadlines and performance expectations. I used weekly planning and prioritisation to balance academic submissions with professional responsibilities, particularly during peak assessment periods and busy work weeks. At Capital Engineering Consultants, I tracked drafting and reporting tasks against deadlines set by supervising engineers and adjusted my workload when priorities changed. I actively sought feedback on my drawings and site documentation and applied it to improve accuracy and efficiency over time. As a result, I consistently met deadlines, maintained reliability across roles, and developed strong time-management, organisation, and self-discipline skills in professional environments.

Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and to show leadership when required

Collaboration and leadership have been central to my professional and extracurricular experience. In an engineering consultancy, I worked closely with engineers and colleagues to coordinate tasks and support the timely delivery of drawings and reports, while independently managing my assigned responsibilities. As Head Coach of the Wentworthville Magpies senior cricket team and Captain of Seven Hills Cricket, I led teams, supported individual development, and worked closely with assistant coaches and stakeholders to achieve shared objectives. These roles strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively and demonstrate leadership when required.

I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills, experience, and work ethic align with the objectives of the Industrus Engineering Graduate Program. Thank you for your time and consideration, and I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to your team.

Kind regards,
Sheehan Das