Kristy Fok

How have your technical skills developed throughout SYSTRA’s graduate programme?

As a mechanical engineering graduate, I had no railway knowledge prior to the graduate programme. Through undertaking a wide range of tasks, my understanding of the railway system has significantly improved. I’ve also become aware of industry standards and the theory behind track designs. Furthermore, I used a completely different set of CAD software when I was at university, so all the software we use at SYSTRA was new to me when I joined – now I am confident at using these tools independently through a series of training sessions I had and the help of my colleagues.

How have you grown personally since embarking on a graduate programme?

I’ve became more confident in myself and more willing to express my opinions since embarking on a graduate programme. I believe this is a result of knowing that people I work with are willing to listen to what I have to say and take my thoughts into consideration.

What advice would you offer to someone who’s unsure if a graduate programme is right for them?

Think about the kind of person you want to become. Generally speaking, a graduate programme is a good choice if you want your work to have immediate impact on the world around you and you prefer learning on the job. If you want to become highly knowledgeable on a specific subject area first, other options such as postgraduate studies might be a more suitable option. There are so many different paths and options nowadays, and there is no one path fits all. If you are unsure, speak to different people and research thoroughly to understand better what you will gain or lose from each option. Take financial aspects into consideration too, but always try to choose what best aligns with your aspirations and makes you happy.

How does SYSTRA stand out as a great place to work?

Everyone at SYSTRA is eager to share their knowledge and experiences. I’ve learned something new from my colleagues almost every day since I started working here. It is a very supportive environment, and it makes me stay motivated knowing that I am becoming more knowledgeable every day.

What’s your favourite thing about your job right now?

Being involved in big rail projects and the diversity of tasks I am given. It’s always exciting to gain different experiences.

Diversity is powerful. What unique perspective do you offer as a graduate at SYSTRA?

Bringing a fresh perspective on everything. As a junior member in the team, I ask many questions to better understand the tasks I am given and the general workflow. Sometimes this raises awareness on hidden issues and areas of improvement, as a result leading to better delivery of our work.

What would an entirely green future look like? How should our industry contribute?

It would involve prioritising sustainable practices in a well-connected network of public transport, including high speed and regional railway that is highly reliable, affordable and accessible to all communities. In my opinion, good user experience is as important as sustainable designs. An entirely green future is only achievable when people actively choose sustainable options over alternatives, and our industry can contribute by making sure our services are always more preferable.

You can spend your lunchbreak with anyone you admire – who would you choose?

It would be Zdzisław Beksiński. It would be interesting to know if his background in architecture had any influence on his creative process.

What is your next big career goal?

I think my next big goal will be obtaining Chartership.

What excites you about your career future?

The opportunity to contribute to a diverse range of projects excites me. With more knowledge and experiences, I wish to take on greater responsibilities in future projects. It will also be exciting to see how I will grow personally through my time at SYSTRA.