Case studies: Civil engineer: Iain Jarvie

Iain studied civil engineering at Strathclyde University where he gained an M.Eng. He now works in the rail division of a global engineering consultancy. He will soon gain chartered engineer status as a result of wide ranging experience.

During my final year of study, I applied to major engineering consultancies. I secured a graduate trainee post with Atkins after a rigorous selection process including online tests, a telephone interview and an assessment centre with group activities, a technical test, a presentation and an interview. The presentation I gave about my work experience with an energy company in a civil engineering role was well received. The selectors considered my experience of meeting sales targets for a mobile phone company relevant to the consultancy’s customer focus.

My first graduate trainee job involved modelling the likely stress on the concrete of a road bridge in the event of an accident damaging a pillar. Results were reported to the Highways Agency, which advised on appropriate design measures.

From that I moved on to a survey of Network Rail’s assets, examining the condition of stations. This was an extensive project, requiring me to re-locate to London for six months. I was then given responsibility for managing the project while other staff carried out surveys in a wider area. That experience enabled me to meet several objectives along the route to chartered status.

My next job was working on the outline and detailed design of the Glasgow Airport Rail Link. It was great experience but implementation of the project was not funded due to public spending cuts. Putting that disappointment behind me, I moved on to design pipe supports for power stations for British Energy.

Returning to the rail sector, I worked on a feasibility study for upgrading the Edinburgh-Glasgow railway infrastructure. As this is an extremely busy route, much of this work of examining bridges, etc., was done at night.

For the last two years I have worked on a new railway station for Dalmarnock to accommodate an influx of passengers for the Commonwealth Games. This involves liaison with many stakeholders, all with budgetary constraints. As assistant project manager I keep a close check on progress in relation to the timescale and expenditure.

Currently I spend 80% of my time in the office on varied tasks: making calculations for designs; progress chasing; reporting to clients; and preparing tenders. Public sector procurement regulations require us to tender for each stage of the project. This is a competitive process and we cannot rest on our laurels.

I enjoy collaborating with a team of colleagues to produce innovative and cost-efficient solutions. Because the rail sector is more secure than other sectors, more competitors are bidding for work, making it a challenging but stimulating environment.

On gaining chartered status I envisage a career in project management, not necessarily in rail projects or in the UK as there are many options with a global company.