Tell us
about your career path since graduation.
After
graduating in 2016 I joined the Environment Agency. I have been seconded to
different departments and companies around the country, enrolled in many
different duties; from structural inspector, ECC-Site Supervisor, Assistant
Site Engineer, Flood defence designer and ECC-Project Manager & Contract
Administrator.
How has
your degree helped/influenced your career path?
I
graduated from my civil engineering undergraduate programme in Spain in 2015, but
it was my masters in Plymouth that gave me a clear understanding of what I am
really passionate about; working by the coast, producing documents for first
time that followed an assurance process, investigating and innovating new
approaches for providing sustainable structures and supporting the ambition of
a net zero carbon future.
Has your
career path changed since graduation?
I think
civil engineering and the technical element of the work is fundamental to
design safe, innovative, and improved concept designs. However now I understand
that it is not just about design and construction, but changing the traditional
ways of doing things to achieve a sustainable future. I have enjoyed working in
on projects that encourage improved practice through government investment in a
sustainable procurement approach.
What is
the most difficult thing which you have faced in your career?
Language
has been my biggest barrier. As a native Spanish speaker I have not always
found it easy to express myself in English and my writing skills have added an
additional challenge to achieving chartership. However obstacles just make
sweeter victories!
What is
the best, most exciting or fun thing that you have done in your career?
I got
several local awards for representing the Environment Agency internationally in
France, for improving the Building Information Modelling tool used by the EA,
and for bringing the graduate community together in the south and central
England. These were great achievements and felt very exciting.
Last
month my work was mentioned in the North West EA magazine for building a
sustainable Reno mattress at Croston Dam despite the working window
constraints, it got the final sign off approval by the panel engineer, which I
was very happy about.
I have
designed several flood defences that used a low carbon footprint, and worked
with contractors and partners to implement a H&S system of work on site.
Recognition of your work is always incentivising, but the satisfaction of
improvement is a great feeling.
What
advice would you give to anyone wanting to get in to the same line of work?
Do not
get stressed about not knowing exactly what you want to do for the rest of your
life, things will come along or change to the right path. And if you really
know what you want to do and find someone that tell you that you are not good
enough show them that they are wrong, perseve and work hard to achieve
your goals.
What
lessons/skills did you gain from your course?
I learnt
from professionals and very well recognised engineers about coastal
engineering, offshore renewable energy, modelling and so many other useful technical
skills that helped me later on in my career. It was a pleasure to work with such
supportive and knowledgeable mentors.
The
coastal engineering programme supported me to write formal engineering reports and
to work as a team for the first time in English.
What is
your favourite memory of studying at Plymouth?
Well…. not
everything was about studying, Plymouth is such a special place, from the Barbican
to the Lighthouse. I met such amazing people from all around the globe that I
am still in contact with. The unhealthy kebabs at 1am, the beautiful fish and
chips near the Aquarium. I was introduced to Salsa dancing for the first time on
the Barbican in spring 2016 and now I could not imagine a world without
it.
Do you
stay in touch with other University of Plymouth alumni or lecturers?
Yes, I
do. Now they are living in Brazil, Galicia and Barcelona, but it is always a
great excuse to spend a few days abroad.
Would you
recommend undertaking a course with University of Plymouth , and why?
Definitely,
it may change your life like it changed mine.