Jonathan Joel Holmes vividly recalls walking through Suva for the first time and in awe of the city’s landscape and buildings. This experience would eventually lead Holmes into the world of Civil Engineering.

The 25-year-old from Vuna, Taveuni with maternal links to Motusa in Rotuma said his father played a key role in his decision to pursue studies in this field.

“I remember the first time I came to Suva with my dad as a child and was amused with how the city looked,” he shared. “At one point, we went by the Reserve Bank of Fiji and I remarked to my dad that it was ‘such a big house’. What I didn’t know was that it was the tallest building in Fiji at that time.”

“My dad insisted I pursue studies in a field that was in demand, highlighting that Fiji was a developing country in terms of infrastructure.”

Holmes then undertook studies at the Fiji National University’s (FNU), College of Engineering, Science and Technology (CEST) and graduated in 2018 with a Trade Diploma in Civil Engineering.

He said some lecturers inspired and challenged him to “go beyond the books and think outside the box”. In addition, Holmes’ mentor and cousin, Kerryn Chung, had graduated from the Fiji Institute of Technology (which is now CEST) with a Diploma in Civil Engineering and was a Gold medallist in the class of 2008.

She later went on to the Queensland University of Technology and graduated with first class honours. “She inspired me because she also started from humble beginnings and always had the mindset that God had given her the ability to be the best in all her endeavours,” he said.

“This is what motivated me to do my best in this field. Seeing someone from my family do well in Engineering (Civil) also pushes me to go the extra mile when it comes to structures and development.”

“Words of advice from my structural lecturer Dulce De Asa that I will also never forget is the phrase ‘no matter how complex the problem is, the principle always remains the same’.”

Holmes is employed at Engineered Designs Limited since graduating in 2018 and works as a technician, performing site inspections and reporting, as well as structural drafting.

“Though I work as a draftsman/technician, it’s mandatory to understand the basic principles in the design of a building because when it comes to structural detailing, we are sometimes required to apply these principles without being told,” he said.

“Working for one of the Pacific’s leading consultants is mind blowing and this is evident in its projects. Learning under Director Vijay Krishnan is a huge opportunity anyone in this field can have.”

Holmes said his long-term career plans include being a fully qualified Engineer majoring in structural engineering and studies relating to coastal protection against climate change.

“I believe protecting our shorelines and the people that live near them has to be a priority for the future and I would like to be an influence in that area with the knowledge I have obtained from structural and civil engineering.”

Holmes said it would be amiss if he did not acknowledge his family members in Fiji and overseas for their support, as well as his friends from high school and university for their encouragement.

“I also thank God for His supernatural strength and wisdom rendered throughout the course,” he said. He also encouraged others to pursue their academic ambitions, saying “if it is what you desire, then let nothing stop you from doing so”.

The Fiji National University will host its Virtual Open Week between September 13 to 17. The week-long online event will provide students, parents and guardians with an opportunity to learn about the wide range of study programmes available in Higher Education and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) at FNU, speak with academic experts on career pathways, participate in quizzes and win attractive prizes.

For registration and more information regarding the FNU Virtual Open Week visit www.fnu.ac.fj