Mark Baker
So Mark, what attracted you to civil engineering?
The idea of having a tangible, and often impressive, finished article as the result of a huge project and being able to say, “Hey, I helped design that!” was a big draw to the profession. I guess I´ve always liked the idea of engineering being the practical application of subjects I´ve spent years studying at school too.
Can we ask why did you become a student member of ICE?
I wanted to gain access to the support the Institution offers and to keep up to date with what was going on in the civil engineering community.
That´s great! How actively involved are you with ICE?
I´m an undergraduate QUEST scholar for the ICE but I also want to get involved in the Ambassador´s to schools programme. There are so many opportunities out there for young people who are interested in civil engineering. I was lucky enough when I was younger to manage to stumble onto a few of them. Despite that I still wish I had someone telling me they existed and how to get involved with them. I´m hoping to use this opportunity to give something back.
Do you feel being a member of ICE has given you any benefits?
As well as the obvious benefits of giving me access to a wealth of resources, I think there are also the members being in a community who are willing to offer help to each other. You don´t find that kind of support everywhere!
So any ideas what you want to do when you graduate?
Ideally I´d like to take a bit of time out to travel – I´m interested in perhaps doing a short placement with Engineers Without Borders. This is a decision I would make with the support of my partner company, Buro Happold.
What are your aspirations for the future?
In terms of my personal life, I´d love to travel around East Asia – I have a huge interest in the culture there. In terms of my career, I´d like to get started on my professional development as soon as possible after graduating, hopefully become a chartered engineer with the ICE. The idea of gaining a position of responsibility is a big drive.
Do you have any other interest apart from being a budding civil engineer?
In my spare time, I have a huge love for martial arts, particularly Hung Kuen Shaolin Kung Fu and Wing Chun. I´m also a keen guitarist.