Civil Engineering student Rhon Joshua Buan didn’t have to wait long to break into the industry – with the help of his tutor he landed his first job before even graduating. After completing his studies, Rhon transitioned into a full-time role as a Civil Engineering Technician at Infill and has been there ever since. He spends his time designing civil infrastructure, preparing engineering documentation, conducting site inspections, and supporting a range of land development projects.
Learning on the job
The exposure to so many aspects of land development is one of Rhon’s favourite parts of the role. “Being in a team, I collaborate closely with planners, surveyors, and engineers—so I’m constantly learning. It’s super satisfying to see projects go from an idea to construction and know I played a part in that.
”Infill is a land development consultancy based on the Kāpiti Coast, working with clients on a range of civil engineering, urban planning, and land surveying projects.
Life at Infill
“My day usually starts with checking in on project tasks and emails. I might spend time working on subdivision designs in 12d Model, preparing drawings, coordinating with other professionals, or going on-site for inspections. There’s a good mix of fieldwork and design, which keeps things interesting and helps me build a broad skill set.”
“I’ve enjoyed working on a variety of projects that have helped me apply what I’ve learned and build confidence in real-world settings. Balancing Council standards with practical site constraints has been both challenging and rewarding.”
A programme that prepares you
The two-year New Zealand Diploma in Engineering – Civil builds a strong technical foundation in surveying, hydraulics, geotechnical and highway engineering, and water and waste system design. The curriculum also emphasises civil and structural drawing, report writing, mathematics, and engineering fundamentals.
“One of the biggest things was learning how to clearly communicate technical ideas – both in writing and face-to-face. I also gained practical field experience with surveying equipment like Total Stations and GPS and learned how to conduct penetrometer tests for geotechnical support. That kind of hands-on training has been directly useful in my current role.”
Support that opens doors
Rhon’s tutor presented him with the opportunity at Infill in the final year of his New Zealand Diploma in Engineering – Civil. With the support of his friends and family, and a reference from his tutor Maria, Rhon applied for and successfully landed the Student Civil Engineering Technician role.
Advice for future engineers
To anyone interested in studying Civil Engineering with Whitireia and WelTec, Rhon says “Honestly, go for it. The programme is practical and industry-relevant, and it really prepares you for real-world challenges. If you enjoy problem-solving and want to be involved in building the infrastructure that shapes communities, it’s a great place to start.”
Study Civil Engineering at Whitireia and WelTec →
Become an engineering technician, specialising in civil engineering. Learn highly sought-after skills that allow graduates to work on engineering projects in Aotearoa and around the world.
