Georgina (Gina) Brill graduated from our MEng course in Mechanical Engineering in 1995. She is currently a Contracts Manager at Alan Baxter.

Why did you choose to study at Imperial?

Imperial has a great reputation as being the best but I also liked the feel of the place and that it was in London.

What did you learn during your time at Imperial, in class or out?

I learnt a lot in class obviously, but more importantly I learnt how to work with people and develop friendships. I also learnt how to think critically about a problem and work to overcome it.

Who did you find most inspiring at Imperial and why?

Dr Leda Braga. She was my personal tutor for a while (but left fairly early on in my time at Imperial), she was young and very accomplished already. It was inspiring to see a young intelligent woman doing so well early on in her career.

"I learnt a lot in class obviously, but more importantly I learnt how to work with people and develop friendships. "

What is your fondest memory of your time in the Department of Mechanical Engineering?

I have a lot of fond memories so it is hard to pick just one!

Please tell us a bit about the work you’re doing now.

I now work as a Contracts Director of a small structural engineering consultancy firm. My current role is actually quite wide, encompassing review and negotiation of professional services appointments, company secretarial work, running two charities, business continuity planning and general legal advice.

How has what you learnt at Imperial helped you in your career so far?

Early in my career I worked as an engineer and also did a lot of CAD work so my technical skills and drawing skills were very helpful. Now I no longer work as an engineer the technical skills are less important but my way of thinking (as an engineer) is still very important to my current role. I need to understand the construction process and understand the way engineers work.

What makes you proud to be an Imperial alumna?

Imperial has a great reputation, it is tough but I am proud to have got through it.