Expanding horizons
It was during Andy’s bachelor’s degree when the opportunity to take part in an RMIT study tour to Dubai and Hong Kong caught his eye.
“One of the site visits in Dubai was organised by Multiplex’s Dubai office,” he said.
“Being able to see major projects in person crystallised so much of what we were doing as part of our studies, and we had the opportunity to talk with the Multiplex team while we were there.
“Prior to joining the study tour, I knew that Multiplex was the premier construction company in delivering complex buildings in cities,” Andy said.
“I had always been eager to join the company as well as having the desire to work overseas, and I expressed this interest when I was on the study tour in Dubai.”
On return to Australia, Andy stayed in touch with a member of the Multiplex team in Dubai: “I was really persistent. I'd send him an email every two to three months to ask him how the market was doing and whether any new projects have been secured.”
A few years later, Andy joined a second RMIT study tour to Singapore as well as back to Dubai, where he learnt more about the market and the potential for any opportunities.
Andy’s determination paid off and within six months he was successful in his application for an opening at Multiplex in Dubai, and he made the move from Melbourne to the UAE in 2012.
From one success to another
After several years in various roles in Dubai and a portfolio of award-winning construction projects under his belt, Andy was the recipient of the Multiplex John Roberts AO Scholarship.
Named after the company’s founder, the scholarship supports emerging leaders to increase their knowledge and find better ways of working that they can share with their colleagues.
“It was this opportunity that enabled me to meet people from other regions at Multiplex, including back in Australia, Canada and here in the UK,” Andy said.
“That was in 2016 and I’ve been here ever since.”
A continuous learner
When he’s not onsite in Glasgow or in the office in London, Andy continues to learn and is currently undertaking an Executive MBA at the London Business School.
He’s also active in giving back to the profession as a member of several industry advisory boards and committees, including his role as the Past Chair of the NextGen London Committee for the British Council for Offices, and his current position as Chair of the UK Chapter for the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.
Andy continues to give back to RMIT, and now talks to students on RMIT study tours himself.
“For students looking to have an international career, my advice is to get some exposure to industry early on and while you’re still studying, in whatever role that might be,” he said.
“My very first role was a construction labourer, which enabled me to put something down on my CV and subsequently set me up for a successful cadetship application.
“I would of course always recommend taking up the chance to join a study tour and using it as an opportunity to build your network,” Andy said.
“You can also reach out to people that you might know that have worked overseas. And don’t be afraid to contact them directly to see what opportunities might be on offer.”
RMIT has launched an official UK Alumni Chapter to enable RMIT graduates to connect with each other digitally and in-person, share ideas, offer support, and continue to strengthen RMIT’s global alumni community. Meet more RMIT alumni in the UK like Andy Campbell by joining the Chapter Official LinkedIn Group.
Story: Karen Matthews
