Assistant Structural Engineering at JBA Consulting

My year at the University of Nottingham has helped me make a shift from contracting and site work (which is what I was doing before) to consulting and design. My undergraduate degree was a lot more theoretical, while my master’s course at University of Nottingham focused on practical applications of Engineering which has come in very handy in my job. 

 

What did you do when you graduated?

After I completed my Civil Engineering BTech (Bachelor of Technology) undergraduate degree in India, I joined Sobha Constructions LLC as a Graduate Engineering Trainee and then became an Estimation Engineer.  

I moved to the UK in September 2021, to do my Structural Engineering MSc at the University of Nottingham. I applied for graduate roles quite early on into the course and was lucky enough to secure my job as Assistant Structural Engineering at JBA Consulting, in their Haywards Heath office in West Sussex, two months into my course. So, I got my job before I had finished my master's degree. 

My first day at JBA Consulting was only a couple of weeks after my project submission, so I had a very busy time finding a place to stay in Haywards Heath whilst saying my goodbyes in Nottingham. 

Where did your career take you next?

I’ve now been at JBA Consulting for over a year and have continued to work in the structures discipline. I've gained experience in the structural analysis and design of various structures in reinforced concrete and steel. I’ve typically worked on the design of bridges and coastal defence projects. helping with the production of scheme drawings and specifications at the detailed design stage. 

What's your favourite thing about your job?

I love it when assets I have designed are built and I can see pictures or go to see them. It's tangible evidence that what I’m doing is helping other people. 

What was your favourite thing about your master's degree?

I really got into liking bridges after a module called ‘Bridge Engineering’ and decided that this is what I’d like to focus my career on. A variety of group design projects during my course have helped me collaborate with different people in my job, when working with big projects involving multiple offices. 

How did your time at University help shape your career? 

My undergraduate degree was a lot more theoretical, while my master’s course at University of Nottingham focused on practical applications of Engineering which has come in very handy in my job. Also, the ‘Tall Building Design’ module helped me with thinking of a structure in its behaviour (instead of thinking in terms of specific beams, columns and other elements). 

What has your UoN experience meant to you?

My year at the University of Nottingham has helped me make a shift from contracting and site work (which is what I was doing before) to consulting and design, which is what I want to do. My professors were all helpful and made things fun to learn. Also, the year has blessed me with some friendships which I suspect shall last life-long. 

What did you enjoy about your social time here?

I came to Nottingham right after the big lockdowns and so it was great to hang out with new people in the open after being cooped up inside for so long. Also, the University of Nottingham crowd is very diverse and there’s always people who have the same interests as you. I got introduced to new hobbies and different ways of thinking. 

What advice would you give someone considering studying Structural Engineering?

I’d say it’s helpful to brush up on your initial solid mechanics and develop a foundation in software like MATLAB and Python. Look for opportunities to gain practical experience in the field such as internships, which will not only enhance your understanding of structural engineering principles, but also provide valuable hands-on experience that can make you more employable in the future.  

Also, consider joining professional organizations such as ICE or the IStructE as student members. These organisations provide networking opportunities, access to resources and a platform to stay updated with the latest developments in the industry.