Hi everyone! Having worked at L&T Construction since December 2022 as a Diploma Engineer Trainee, I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with various levels of management – from Deputy General Managers (DGMs) to Senior Engineering Managers, Assistant Engineering Managers, and fellow Graduate Engineer Trainees (GETs). Based on my experience and observations, I wanted to share insights about what it’s really like to work as a GET at L&T Construction.
The Real GET Experience
When you join L&T Construction as a GET, you step into a world of practical engineering that goes far beyond what you learned in college. Your role will vary depending on your department and branch, but here’s the fundamental truth: your primary responsibility is to support your managers and execute the tasks they assign to you, especially during the training period.
Working with Different Management Levels
During my time here, I’ve had the chance to work with:
- Deputy General Managers (DGMs)
- Senior Engineering Managers
- Assistant Engineering Managers
- Fellow GETs
This hierarchical structure provides an excellent learning environment where you can gain insights from professionals with varying levels of experience.
Department-Specific Roles
Let me share what I’ve observed in different departments, particularly in L&T M&M (Minerals and Metals):
Engineering & Design Research Center (EDRC)
Mechanical and Material Handling
In this department, you’ll work on:
- Engineering calculations for material handling equipment
- Creating comprehensive parts lists with technical specifications
- Developing various types of drawings:
- Process Flow Diagrams (PFD)
- P&ID (Piping and Instrumentation Diagrams)
- General Arrangement (GA) Drawings
- Fabrication drawings
What’s interesting is how everything starts with basics and gradually becomes more detailed as information flows in from different departments.
Quality Department
Quality teams focus on:
- Mechanical equipment inspection
- Civil works quality control
- Preparing detailed inspection reports
- Obtaining necessary clearances and approvals
Planning and Execution
This department handles:
- Project planning
- Implementation
- Progress monitoring
The Learning Curve: What to Expect
From my experience, here’s what you can expect during your journey:
Initial Phase
- You might feel like you’re doing simple tasks or “just copy-paste work”
- Focus on accuracy and attention to detail
- Use this time to understand company processes
Growth Phase
- Tasks gradually become more complex
- You learn from feedback and corrections
- Understanding develops about critical areas needing attention
Key Responsibilities
Based on my observations and experience, GETs typically handle:
Project Support
- Assist in planning and monitoring
- Help with execution
- Support timeline management
Technical Work
- Prepare technical documentation
- Assist in calculations
- Help with drawings and specifications
Quality Assurance
- Participate in inspections
- Help maintain quality standards
- Assist in documentation
Coordination
- Work with different departments
- Communicate with contractors
- Support team activities
Tips from Personal Experience
Embrace the Basics
- Don’t underestimate seemingly simple tasks
- Build a strong foundation
- Pay attention to details
Learn from Feedback
- Take corrections positively
- Understand why changes are needed
- Apply learnings to future work
Observe and Absorb
- Watch how senior engineers work
- Learn from different management styles
- Understand company processes
Be Proactive
- Ask questions when unclear
- Show initiative in learning
- Volunteer for new responsibilities
Career Growth Opportunities
Working at L&T Construction offers excellent growth potential:
- Exposure to large-scale projects
- Learning from experienced professionals
- Opportunities to handle increasing responsibilities
- Chance to work in different departments
Conclusion
Working as a GET at L&T Construction is a journey of continuous learning and growth. While initial tasks might seem basic, they form the foundation of your engineering career. The key is to maintain a positive attitude, learn from every experience, and stay committed to professional growth.
Remember, every senior engineer started exactly where you are. Your success depends on how well you utilize this learning period and build upon each experience. The complexity of your work will naturally increase as you demonstrate competence and reliability in your assigned tasks.
For those considering joining L&T Construction, prepare yourself for a challenging but rewarding journey that will shape your engineering career in meaningful ways.