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Joan Torres (32 years old) is a CAD engineer and 3D modeler in our Abu Dhabi office. “Moving to Abu Dhabi and getting involved in the complex engineering behind Boskalis’ projects, really took me out of my comfort zone.” What started as a bold career move has evolved into an international career, filled with opportunities to learn, grow and contribute to challenging projects.
When Joan was looking for a new job in 2021, she didn’t immediately think of a career at a company such as Boskalis. “Although I had worked as a civil engineer in the Philippines, I mainly had experience in structural steel engineering. But Boskalis’ worldwide projects really appealed to me, so I applied anyway. When I explained that I was willing to learn, I was offered a contract and started as a junior CAD engineer on the Manila International Airport project in the Philippines. That’s where I rapidly started developing my skills as a CAD engineer.”
When the project in the Philippines was completed, Joan was asked to relocate to Abu Dhabi and start working for the Design, Tender and Engineering Department (DTED). She took on the overseas opportunity with both hands and joined the CAD engineering team. “It’s up to us to create digital 2D and 3D drawings and models to support Boskalis’ projects in various disciplines. Our work is highly essential, because translating engineering concepts into digital models is an important step in making sure the plans are actually feasible. It’s not just about drawing, but also about calculating and really understanding the do’s and don’ts behind the engineering.”
Unlike some of her colleagues – who are involved in dredging and land reclamation projects across the world – Joan remotely supports all kinds of projects in the Netherlands for Boskalis Nederland. She’s currently involved in the largescale dike reinforcement project Zwolle-Olst. “Beside the actual dike components, a lot of drawing and modeling has to do with cycle paths and other infrastructure that’s integrated into the project. I’ve always been interested in infrastructural engineering, so working on this project is a great opportunity for me to learn about different kinds of scopes.
Of course the job has its challenges: there’s not just a physical distance between me and my Dutch colleagues. I also have to defy a language barrier and get used to the Dutch culture and way of working while finding my way in project types that are new to me. I definitely had to step out of my comfort zone, but it has been worth every inch. Moving to Abu Dhabi was also a big step, but I really enjoy life here. I feel very safe in the city and enjoy being around such a diversity of cultures and nationalities. They really help me broaden my perspective on life.”
Looking back at where she started five years ago, Joan is amazed by the learning curve she went through and is still in the middle of. “I really enjoy broadening my knowledge and have to keep up with the continuous flow of new techniques and software. I’m happy with all the support from my colleagues in Abu Dhabi. I also appreciate the effort my Dutch colleagues put into making me familiar with the way of working in the Netherlands. Learning the Dutch language is one of the competences I’m working on, but mastering it will take some time.”
As far as ambitions go, Joan wants to keep on growing as a professional and raise every opportunity that comes along within Boskalis. “I believe that when you stay curious and keep on developing your skills, exciting opportunities will naturally follow. The endless possibilities to develop yourself within the company makes a career at Boskalis especially rewarding.”
Do you want to learn more about working as a CAD engineer in Abu Dhabi? Read the vacancy here.
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