Industry partner insights: Arcadis

Can you tell us briefly about your organisation and your role within it?

Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, digital, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We find solutions to today’s most pressing challenges, from the impacts of climate change to increasing urbanisation and digital transformation—all with the goal of accelerating a planet-positive future.

I’m an Associate Technical Director within the Environmental Services team in the Victorian business.

What motivated you to get involved in the Industry Project Program, and how has your organisation benefited from hosting students?

I think it is very important for environmental consultancies to actively engage with universities, both with academic staff and the student population. This allows Arcadis to stay informed about emerging approaches, methodologies, and ideas, while also fostering connections with the professionals of tomorrow.

What types of projects have students contributed to, and what skills or attributes have stood out?

Over the last three years, students have worked on a gas plant facility upgrade, a data centre, and a solar and battery energy storage system project.

It's great to see students bring their diverse skills and experiences to life through their contributions and collaboration on projects. It’s especially encouraging to see students eager to learn new things, particularly those from overseas who are new to Australia’s planning systems and environmental legislation.

Standout skills and attributes include verbal and written communication, presentation skills, negotiation, and the ability to analyse and synthesise technical information.

What were some key outcomes or learnings for your organisation from participating in the program?

• Connecting with and learning from the next generation of environmental practitioners.
• Building brand awareness of Arcadis among students and young professionals.
• Developing professional relationships with the University of Melbourne academic staff.

Would you participate in future projects, and what suggestions do you have for enhancing the experience?

Yes, I look forward to Arcadis continuing to participate in the program.

We thank Javier for his thoughtful reflections and for the continued support Arcadis has provided to our Master of Environmental Science students. Industry partnerships like this enrich the learning experience by offering students hands-on opportunities to apply their skills, gain insights into professional practice, and contribute meaningfully to real-world environmental projects.