From calculating the movement of galaxies to construction materials testing, Sean’s career path hasn’t followed a straight line, but it’s taken him exactly where he needs to be.
With a strong interest in science and a fascination for the cosmos, astrophysics felt like the natural choice for Sean when he began his studies.
“I’ve always been interested in science, and astrophysics is the coolest science,” Sean said.
But after completing his degree, finding a career in the field proved challenging. Sean took on further study to become a high school teacher, but by the end of his first year in the classroom, he realised it wasn’t the right fit either.
That’s when a casual chat with a mate changed everything.
“I heard from my mate Sean Thomson that he ‘worked in a lab,’ so I asked if Coffey was hiring and ended up getting an interview.”
Since joining the construction materials testing industry, Sean has found plenty of opportunities to grow, both professionally and personally. And while testing soil and concrete might seem worlds apart from astrophysics, his background has still come in handy.
“The general mathematics and analytical skills from my studies have helped when learning the more technical side of this industry,” he explained. “But there is still quite a difference between astrophysics and soil!”
Starting out in a completely new industry wasn’t without its challenges. One of the biggest hurdles Sean faced was building the confidence to carry out fieldwork on his own, especially when dealing with clients and tricky test results.
But now, a few years into his role, Sean’s settled into a position that gives him the balance and variety he didn’t know he was missing.
“Don’t underestimate the importance of variety in your work,” Sean said. “Astrophysics is interesting, but I’m not sure how much I would have enjoyed being cooped up in an office all day every day. Now, I have a good mix of inside/outside and physical/mental work.”
And working alongside friends from outside the industry? That helped, too.
“It was nice having some colleagues that weren’t complete strangers.”
Sean’s story is a great reminder that career paths don’t always follow a straight line – and sometimes, the unexpected turns lead to the most rewarding destinations.
At Coffey Testing, we’re proud to have a team with diverse backgrounds, varied skillsets and fresh perspectives. Whether you’re starting out or switching it up, there’s a place for you here.
Explore current opportunities with Coffey Testing:
https://www.coffeytesting.com/careers
