Kevin Kuang
Consulting Geologist - GHD
Bachelor of Science (Geology) & Master of Science (Earth Science)
November 2021
Kevin Kuang is a Consulting Geologist at GHD. As a consultant, Kevin works in a wide range of sectors (from Mining to Transport and Water Infrastructure), assisting clients with any geological or geotechnical challenges they may have.
Kevin generally works on projects for GHD’s Mining, Geotechnical Engineering and Geosciences, and Dams and Tunnels teams. On any given day, Kevin’s tasks may include:
Planning, management and supervision of geotechnical investigations
Conducting geotechnical/geological investigations
Creating and refining site-specific geological models
Conducting dam safety investigations
Earthwork/construction supervision and QAQC
Spatial analysis and map creation using GIS.
Kevin following a successful hike to the top of the Cathedral Ranges, Victoria.
Why did you choose this career pathway?
When I finished up with high school and was deciding my subjects for my first year of university, I had no idea what I wanted to do, besides the fact that I wanted something sciencey.
In first year at the University of Melbourne, there are so many subjects to choose from and I was interested in many different disciplines. So in my first year, I decided to test out my options, and selected all the subjects! I tried out a bit of Chemistry, Maths, Biology, Atmospheric Science, Anthropology but in the end, Geology was the field that stood out and one I was most passionate about.
Kevin (L), Dr Mark Quigley (M) and Andrew Wilson (R) excavating a paleoseismic trench across the Willunga Fault trace near Mt Bold Dam, South Australia.
What are the best parts about your job?
What are the hardest parts?
The best part of my job by far would be the variable nature of it. As a consultant, our work is largely tied to the challenges that our clients face and how we can help them. As a result, you never know where you’ll be working next, whether it is within an operational gold or coal mine, or drilling at a wastewater treatment plant (one of the few times I’m grateful for my hayfever).
I would say that the best part of my job would also be the hardest. From time to time, we would get requests from clients for high-priority work at short notice, so I need to drop everything that I’m doing and focus on this new issue. Despite the challenges associated with this, I look forward to work like this as this often presents a great chance to do something new.
Kevin working with his supervisor, Dr Mark Quigley, during fieldwork on the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia.
How did you get to your current role?
When I finished my undergraduate degree, I did what almost every other student did, and threw my resume and cover letter at every single Graduate Program that I could find. This was quite a challenging process, applying at so many companies and not hearing back from the overwhelming majority of them. Unfortunately, I was unsuccessful at getting a Graduate position.
Luckily, I had a fallback plan and decided to continue studying as a Masters student. I count myself lucky that I found a fantastic supervisor in Dr Mark Quigley (affectionately known as Dr Quigs), an Associate Professor of Active Tectonics and Geomorphology at the University of Melbourne. He proposed an interesting project: he was approached by a company called GHD to sub-consult for them in their comprehensive safety review of Mt Bold Dam. As part of the investigation, we conducted research into the paleoseismology and landscape evolution of the Willunga Fault, which traces within a kilometre of the main dam structure.
It was during this project where I got my first taste of life as a consultant, having never considered it as a potential career pathway. My interest piqued, I landed an internship with GHD to suss out what consulting is all about while working with their Dams, Tailings and Hydropower team. In my 12 weeks as an intern, I think I managed to impress them enough, and was offered a place in their Graduate Program when I finished my Masters Degree. 3 years later, I’m still here with GHD.
A bucket wheel excavator in an open cut coal mine, which Kevin got up and close with while completing a geotechnical inspection of operating batters.
What does your career progression look like from here?
As someone who has just commenced their career following university, there are many different branches that I can take going into the future. For the time being, I am focused on building upon and consolidating my skills (both technical and professional skills) in order to progress my career within the consulting industry. I am keen on taking on new projects that may come my way to maximise my exposure and continue to earn my way up the company ladder.
Kevin in front of snow-capped Cradle Mountain, Tasmania.
What advice would you give to students in your study area trying to decide on a career path?
For any prospective students, I would say “try before you buy!”
There are so many fields out there in the world. Every time you try something out, you might find something that you enjoy or something that you detest, but you won’t truly know until you give it a shot.
When you’re studying, that’s the best time to try things out. If you can, I would recommend that you look out for any summer vacation or internship programs as that experience is invaluable, and something that I consider instrumental in landing my Graduate job. These programs are often the best way to get a taste of what your future career might look like.
Supervising the excavation of a paleoseismic trench across the Willunga Fault, McLaren Flat, South Australia.
Anything else you’d like people to know about your job?
While I joined GHD as a geologist, there are many more aspects of the job than pure geology. In fact, it’s rare that I get to work on a project that is purely focused on geology. There are often many other disciplines that also play a part in our projects. For example, when conducting a geotechnical investigation, I could be filling the roles of a project manager, site supervisor, Health Safety and Environment supervisor, contamination sampler and client relationship manager in addition to my usual role as a geologist.
Connect with Kevin