A student’s journey into building services engineering

Conor Bowens’ internship at Mint Building Services gave him an inside look at the precision and teamwork behind every project. Guided by our team, he now sees each building as a marvel of human achievement.

13 November 2024

For Conor Bowens, a regular nine-to-five at Mint Building Services has turned into an eye-opening journey through the world of engineering. But behind that routine, his experience is anything but ordinary. Conor’s days have been packed with on-site work, where he’s constantly moving from one location to another, observing the diverse phases of Mint’s projects across Singapore.

From viewing empty office buildings to bustling construction sites, Conor’s been immersed in real-world engineering, hopping in and out of cars to visit locations like the Hard Rock Hotel. He says, "Just being on-site and traveling around Singapore has been an incredible experience. It’s taught me a lot about the industry and what it’s actually like to work at a firm."

Opening the door to opportunity

Conor’s journey to Mint wasn’t a typical application process. "I wanted some work experience under my belt for college admissions and to understand what the industry is really like," he explains. With a father in real estate, Conor had a starting point, but he didn’t have direct connections in specialised engineering. Fortunately, his father introduced him to Mark Donlon, the managing director of Mint Building Services.

"I looked into Mint, put together a resume, and sent it to Mark via my dad. After a few emails back and forth, he offered me a placement," says Connor. This introduction laid the groundwork for an opportunity that would give him insights into a career he’d only glimpsed before.

Discovering the precision of engineering

The level of precision and standardisation in engineering caught Conor by surprise. "I was amazed by how technical and standardised everything is," he admits. From managing tenders to implementing designs and handling logistics, he quickly realised that engineering isn’t just about ideas; it’s about making sure everyone is aligned with protocols and that updates flow smoothly.

"The language was hard to decipher at first, with all the abbreviations and technical terms that firms use," he says, noting how even the smallest details are formalised and meticulously managed. "But it has to be that way. In construction and civil engineering, people’s lives are at stake, so health and safety are taken to the max."

Navigating the takeoff process from over-precision to practicality

Conor’s experience with Bluebeam software and CAD programs from his previous studies gave him a head start. "I’d done design and tech at O Levels, so I was familiar with CAD software. It was easy to go through legends and understand the basics," he recalls. But translating that knowledge into a practical project proved challenging.

He describes how his initial draft of a takeoff—an itemised document used for budgeting and planning—was overly precise. Fortunately, Hassan Peer, Mint’s senior project manager, stepped in with some advice.

"Hassan came to talk to me and said, ‘It doesn’t need to be that specific.’ For example, if there are downlights, it doesn’t matter what type as long as it’s a downlight." This lesson helped him understand the balance between precision and practicality, allowing him to produce clear, digestible sheets that communicate essential information without unnecessary detail.

With Hassan’s guidance, Conor became more fluent in translating technical drawings into sheets that are easy to interpret, tallying up budgets and costs with confidence.

A new perspective on the built environment

Before joining Mint, Conor saw buildings as just concrete structures that made up the cityscape. Growing up in Singapore, he says, "Buildings were just these concrete structures." But that perception shifted after he started talking to engineers and architects.

"Now, I have a real appreciation for all the planning, technicalities, and teamwork that go into constructing a building," he shares. "Especially here in Singapore, I find the architecture so fascinating. It’s marvelous that humans were able to sprout these structures from the ground."

Conor’s journey at Mint has given him new eyes for the built environment. Now, when he sees pipes, lighting fixtures, and structures, he no longer sees just a building; he sees a marvel of human effort, precision, and creativity—something he may never look at the same way again.