Senior Engineer at Arcadis

I greatly enjoyed my time studying at the University of Nottingham, with friendly and helpful staff, excellent facilities and an inclusive and varied Students’ Union. Studying at UoN has allowed me to acquire a degree from a University with an excellent reputation, which is respected by employers.

 

What did you do when you graduated?

I graduated in July 2019 from the University of Nottingham with an MEng in Civil Engineering.  I used the months after university as a final ‘summer holiday' break before commencing full-time working life in the September following my graduation.  I joined AECOM, a global engineering consultancy, as a Graduate Engineer in their ‘Streets’ team in Birmingham, having applied for this role prior to the Christmas of my final year at university.  I worked on several areas of highway design, including traffic modelling and analysis, traffic signs, kerbs, road markings and pavement treatment plans at preliminary and detailed design level to name a few, and had exposure to a variety of different projects of varying scale.

Where did your career take you next?

After working for AECOM for 18 months, I progressed from a Graduate Engineer to Highways & Traffic Engineer.  I prepared all elements of technical designs and reports for various highways and cycle schemes, promoting active travel and incorporating recent cycle design guidance. I worked on a variety of projects both in the UK and overseas and also expanded my Project Management and Commercial experience as a Delivery Manager of a bus rapid transit scheme in the West Midlands.  In April 2023, I made the decision to move company and accepted the position of Senior Engineer in the Birmingham Urban Highways team at Arcadis, another global engineering consultancy, as part of the Sustainable Mobility & Technologies department. In this role, I am further developing management experience in public transport and active travel schemes. 

What's your favourite thing about your job?

As a civil engineer, I possess the skills and have the opportunity to change the world around me and make it a better place for all. It is extremely rewarding to visit a completed project which I helped to manage and design.  Projects are varied and I am able to influence our progression towards net zero and then experience the satisfaction of seeing my designs come to fruition.

How did your time at University help shape your career?

Whilst at university, I was involved in the civil engineering society and held the position of Industry Representative.  In this role, I organised sponsorship for the society and a site visit. This allowed me to develop new skills and confidence for the future. I was also a Student Ambassador at Nottingham, helping with STEM events, careers fairs and open days. As an ambassador, I improved my communication skills with a range of different demographics, which increased my confidence when meeting new people and networking. For my third year, I was able to study abroad at the University of Arizona in Tucson in the USA.  This experience allowed me to develop as a person and gain further independence as well as an appreciation of the civil engineering industry in another country. 

Why do you think studying at UoN has made the difference to your career?

The careers service at UoN enabled me to have interactions with employers at Careers Fairs, which built my confidence and understanding of career options.   It was useful to access practice video interviews and mock assessment centres.  Participating in the Nottingham Advantage Award offered opportunities to develop my range of skills to enhance my CV.  Completing the modules allowed me to meet new people and gain confidence – which I now use in every aspect of my life.

What has your UoN experience meant to you?

I greatly enjoyed my time studying at the University of Nottingham, with friendly and helpful staff, excellent facilities and an inclusive and varied Students’ Union.  Studying at UoN has allowed me to acquire a degree from a university with an excellent reputation, which is respected by employers.

What did you enjoy about your social time here?

At Nottingham, I enjoyed being able to participate in societies and being part of a community of students. The city of Nottingham has a vast array of attractions, restaurants and bars in such a small area.  I enjoyed visiting new places and thoroughly exploring what Nottingham had to offer.  I particularly enjoyed walks around the beautiful University of Nottingham campus and lake and the nearby Wollaton Hall and Deer Park.