Heidi joined GRM’s Young Professional Program in January 2006 after seven months of part time work experience with the company while completing her university studies.

She graduated from the University of Queensland in 2005 with a Bachelor of Social Science, majoring in Development Studies and a Bachelor of Business Management, majoring in International Business. She received commendations for high achievement in each semester of study at university and upon graduation was placed on the Dean’s Honour Roll. Heidi developed a passion for development issues and an eagerness to work in the industry following her involvement in several charities and NGOs at high school as well as from her personal travel experiences.

While based in GRM’s head office in Brisbane, Heidi was involved in the successful tender for the Timor-Leste Public Sector Capacity Development Program and worked on the team as Project Coordinator. She traveled to Timor-Leste in July 2006 to help establish GRM’s project office in Dili and to assist in the commencement of the program. She was also Project Coordinator on the Mekong Tourism Development Project in Vietnam and Cambodia, the Fiji Tourism Masterplan as well as a large joint venture health project in Papua New Guinea.

In 2007 Heidi relocated to Dubai where she continues working with GRM on a range of projects such as the Design of the Abu Dhabi Farmers’ Association, the Soil Survey for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the Desert Agriculture Project, which Heidi recently visited in remote southern Oman. The project is a fully irrigated farm which produces hay for sale to the local Bedouin for their camels and goats. In addition to her project management responsibilities, Heidi also regularly contributes to competitive tenders and other business development activities.

Heidi identified GRM as an ideal place to begin her career in development. “GRM provides a fantastic opportunity for graduates to gain real-world experience in all aspects of development and project management. With projects and offices around the globe, GRM offers a very dynamic working environment and countless opportunities to develop professional and personal skills, to travel, and to learn from the best within the industry.”