Since graduating from Imperial I joined Laing O'Rourke on their Graduate Development Programme (2011 cohort). I started working on site at London Gateway Port, delivering all the services and utilities required for Berths 1 and 2. After 14 months I was moved into the Engineering Excellence Group (Research & Development) where I help to project manage research opportunities both internally and externally (Imperial College is amongst the external collaborators). I have also been heavily involved in developing the sustainability role that Laing O'Rourke plays within the industry and I have attended Constructionarium for the last few years as an Industrial Teaching Assistant.

What has been your most rewarding project you have worked on and why?

I was fortunate enough to be a part of the El Salvador trip during my penultimate summer at university (2009). Without a second thought I would list this as the most rewarding project that I have worked on as the impact that we had on the community we helped out there was incredible. Not only did it help develop my construction skills and knowledge but it has encouraged me to play a more active part in the local community where I live and to join RedR UK.

How has your degree helped?

Besides the fundamental requirement of having a degree in Civil Engineering to work in my current role at Laing O'Rourke, what I never appreciated until I left Imperial was the wealth of knowledge that Imperial has to offer. I am still in contact with various lecturers and professors at the university who are more than happy to help me when I need it. This is such a valuable resource that I can use and the staff are always willing to give me support, even after graduating!

What would be your advice to a student starting out on a career in Civil and Environmental Engineering? 

The role of a civil and environmental engineer in the industry is becoming more and more diverse, so make sure you explore all the opportunities before discounting it as a viable career path. Just considering people from my own year, they are working all over the world and involved with everything from delivering humanitarian aid in Uganda to redeveloping bank vaults for a hotel in London. I don't know many degrees that offer the same diversity.