Case studies: Engineer: Lucy Gardner

Lucy is an engineer working at Arup in their Melbourne rail team. She studied Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering (MEng) at the University of Cambridge...

I started working for Arup as a pre-university trainee in its UK Midlands office. I applied through the Year in Industry scheme straight after my A-levels. I did a ten-month placement split between the rail and bridges teams.

Following my placement, I became an Arup-sponsored student throughout my time at university, so I returned to Arup in my summer vacations to do six to eight-week placements in a variety of disciplines and offices.

In 2007, during my final year at university, I applied to work in Arup's rail team through the standard online application form process. Since my previous involvement gave me a clear advantage, an interview wasn't necessary and I was offered a job.

In July 2009 I requested a short-term (eight-months) secondment to the Manchester office to gain some experience in detailed design. After this, I was offered a long-term (two-year) assignment to the Arup office in Melbourne, to take part in rail projects there.

I studied a broad engineering degree, two years of structural, civil, mechanical, electrical etc, and then specialising in the final two years. This means I have a good foundation of knowledge even though I did not specifically study railway engineering.

My job provides a lot of variety and I will either be working on one very large project as part of a big design team or on a variety of smaller projects. The design ranges from pre-concept (defining the problem) through feasibility to detailed design and construction. I produce design drawings using CAD programmes, and these will usually be accompanied by reports which I also prepare.

My role can be different on each project. Typically, I attend client meetings, prepare bids for new work, write project plans, monitor project finances, lead team meetings, etc.

On my current job as assistant design manager I have to ensure that the various disciplines produce coordinated designs. This is particularly challenging as we are working in an alliance, so there are numerous design consultants working on designs simultaneously.

Initially I undertook small pieces of work with significant supervision but after graduation was given an increasing amount of responsibility and, within a few months, was taking on the role of assistant project manager for a series of small feasibility projects. My move to Melbourne has provided me with a big step up in responsibility and it is my aim to achieve Chartered status. In the longer term I would like to be the project manager for major railway infrastructure projects. Ideally I would continue to see the world with my job, perhaps a placement in the USA or Canada.

There are plenty of things to love about my job. I have a great work-life balance; engineers are in demand all over the world so my job can take me anywhere. I meet lots of different people, and probably the best thing about it is that every day is different. I also get to see my designs brought to life as they are constructed on site.

Probably the most challenging aspect of the job is getting other people to appreciate the work that we do as engineers. It seems to be a very difficult job to market to the general public which means that often we don't get much respect or recognition. On a day-to-day basis it can be difficult explaining engineering problems to other stakeholders who don't have an engineering background.

The best thing about working in this sector is that there is a huge variety of major infrastructure projects all over the world.

I think it's good to keep an open mind about which discipline of engineering you want to do. Try to get a variety of work experience placements so that you can try the job out for real rather than basing your decision solely on university modules. Railways might not sound very glamorous but it's a fantastic job.