A civil engineer from Hong Kong, I love learning new skills. Thanks to this programme, I was able to participate in different projects at various stages of the construction process. I love playing football, exploring nature, and discovering unique cultures.
Arriving in Miami on a Saturday night, I was immediately struck by the city’s vibrant energy. The Downtown and Brickell areas were bustling with locals and tourists alike, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the restaurants, bars and crowded streets. The towering buildings and bustling nightlife reminded me a lot of my hometown.
The people I have met in Miami have been incredibly friendly. I have often found myself engaged in elevator conversations with fellow residents and coworkers. Miamians also seem to have a strong focus on health and wellness. It is common to see groups of people jogging or heading to the gym after work, which has motivated me to maintain a healthy lifestyle during my time here.
This year, I have been serving as a deputy method manager in the tender team at the CBNA head office. My primary focus has been on pre-construction method design for projects we are pursuing in North America.
One of the most significant projects I have worked on is a tunnel project in Toronto, Canada. This was a valuable learning experience for me, as it was my first exposure to TBM launching-related scopes. I have gained a great deal of technical knowledge and have also grown personally through collaboration with my team here, in Paris, as well as with our overseas partners.
Working on tenders has provided me with a broader perspective on construction projects. I have learned to gather information, brainstorm ideas and consider various factors and constraints before making informed decisions and plans. In some cases, information has been limited, requiring me to make justifiable assumptions based on my past experience and knowledge of other projects our company has undertaken. It is always gratifying when a sound solution is developed and implemented.
My colleagues here have been incredibly kind, funny and hardworking. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them and learning from their expertise.
Miami’s infectious energy and the active lifestyle of its residents quickly rubbed off on me. I found myself trading in my usual habits for a more disciplined exercise routine. Run clubs, football (or soccer, as they call it here) with coworkers, gym sessions, and even trying out new sports like pickleball and beach volleyball – it has been a blast! There is something truly liberating about exercising with a group of people who share your passion.
I also caught some live sports action. Watching the Miami Heat dominate the court and the Miami Marlins battle it out on the field was an unforgettable experience.
It is one thing to follow these teams from afar, but witnessing their greatness up close is another story entirely.
Taking a quick getaway to the Bahamas was a highlight of my trip. The turquoise waters, pristine beaches and vibrant marine life were simply breathtaking. My partner and I had the incredible opportunity to swim with pigs, encounter hundreds of iguanas, and even get up close and personal with wild nurse sharks. It is the kind of adventure you dream about but rarely get to experience.
When I was not soaking up the sun or cheering on my favorite teams, I was exploring Miami’s vibrant neighborhoods and meeting new people. Potlucks at friends’ homes and hanging out with locals from all walks of life have been a fantastic way to learn about different cultures and make lasting connections.
A civil engineer from Hong Kong, I love learning new skills. Thanks to this programme, I can participate in different projects at various stages of the construction process. I love playing football, exploring nature, and discovering unique cultures.
Two step • Raymond Yam
Arriving in Miami on a Saturday night, I was immediately struck by the city’s vibrant energy. The Downtown and Brickell areas were bustling with locals and tourists alike, enjoying the lively atmosphere of the restaurants, bars and crowded streets. The towering buildings and bustling nightlife reminded me a lot of my hometown.
The people I have met in Miami have been incredibly friendly. I have often found myself engaged in elevator conversations with fellow residents and coworkers. Miamians also seem to have a strong focus on health and wellness. It is common to see groups of people jogging or heading to the gym after work, which has motivated me to maintain a healthy lifestyle during my time here.
This year, I have been serving as a deputy method manager in the tender team at the CBNA head office. My primary focus has been on pre-construction method design for projects we are pursuing in North America.
One of the most significant projects I have worked on is a tunnel project in Toronto, Canada. This was a valuable learning experience for me, as it was my first exposure to TBM launching-related scopes. I have gained a great deal of technical knowledge and have also grown interpersonally through collaboration with my team here, in Paris, as well as with our overseas partners.
Working on tenders has provided me with a broader perspective on construction projects. I have learned to gather information, brainstorm ideas and consider various factors and constraints before making informed decisions and plans. In some cases, information has been limited, requiring me to make justifiable assumptions based on my past experience and knowledge of other projects our company has undertaken. It is always gratifying when a sound solution is developed and implemented.
My colleagues here have been incredibly kind, funny and hardworking. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with them and learning from their expertise.
Miami’s infectious energy and the active lifestyle of its residents quickly rubbed off on me. I found myself trading in my usual habits for a more disciplined exercise routine. Run clubs, football (or soccer, as they call it here) with coworkers, gym sessions, and even trying out new sports like pickleball and beach volleyball – it has been a blast! There is something truly liberating about exercising with a group of people who share your passion.
I also caught some live sports action. Watching the Miami Heat dominate the court and the Miami Marlins battle it out on the field was an unforgettable experience. It is one thing to follow these teams from afar, but witnessing their greatness up close is another story entirely.
Taking a quick getaway to the Bahamas was a highlight of my trip. The turquoise waters, pristine beaches and vibrant marine life were simply breathtaking. My partner and I had the incredible opportunity to swim with pigs, encounter hundreds of iguanas, and even get up close and personal with wild nurse sharks. It is the kind of adventure you dream about but rarely get to experience.
When I was not soaking up the sun or cheering on my favorite teams, I was exploring Miami’s vibrant neighborhoods and meeting new people. Potlucks at friends’ homes and hanging out with locals from all walks of life have been a fantastic way to learn about different cultures and make lasting connections.
