Professionally Qualified Member Profiles

Technician Member Name: Matthew Nixon Age: 29 Qualifications:  BSc (Hons) Civil Engineering  HND in Civil Engineering  Engineering Technician (Eng Tech) Technician, Institution of Civil Engineers (2004)(TMICE) What inspired you to become a civil engineer? Having enjoyed Design & Technology at school, I initially pursued a career as a shop fitter and cabinet maker. This job and further education studies in Building Studies gave me a greater appreciation for the built environment and so I decided to pursue a career in civil engineering.     What do you do on a day-to-day basis? I work for the Structural Engineering Team for Stoke-on-Trent City Council which has a long established reputation for providing comprehensive, excellent services to many of the departments within the City Council. Together with our colleagues in civil engineering we work to promote high standards in the design, procurement and construction of engineering schemes in the City. My days vary from being out on site to being behind my desk in the office. When I am outdoors it is because I am carrying out routine inspections or providing supervision and instruction on site. Office work consists of writing up inspections, writing reports, checking calculations or assisting with a various design projects. Greatest achievement/project? One of the first schemes I worked on when I joined City Council was the Biddulph Road Bridge which forms an impressive gateway into the City of Stoke-on-Trent. The bridge is 50m long, 3.5m wide and weighs 64tonnes. The deck of the bridge is hung by cables from two large arches and forms a vital link in Route 55 of the National Cycle Network which is used by pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists.  What is the benefit of being professionally qualified? Being recognised and belonging to an Institution gives you a sense of identification and of achievement. It´s also a benchmark employers recognise that has been earned through individuals being committed, determined and hard working. It is also satisfying for the individual.

Member

Name: Graham Hill  
Age: 55
Qualifications:  
OND Civil Engineering
HNC Building (Structures)
HNC Supplementary Studies (Struct Design)
Incorporated Engineer (IEng)
Member, Institution of Civil Engineers (1989)(MICE)

What inspired you to become a civil engineer?
I found that science and engineering held a greater interest for me at school, so decided to continue my education through the technical college route. I was fortunate to be offered sponsorship in higher education and further higher education, which helped be greatly in reaching Incorporated Engineer status.

What do you do on a day to day basis? 
I am a Civil/Structural Engineer in Local Government - An Incorporated Engineer with experience in management, administration, design and supervision associated with a variety of civil and structural engineering projects in the UK and some experience of projects overseas. I applied for job role through an advert in NCE. Previously I was employed as a Civil/Structural Engineering Technician with a large Consulting Engineer practise.

I work within a small Civil Engineering team of 5 people, which is part of a larger building and maintenance department. The Directorate  (in which the dept forms a part) links closely with other disciplines of property management and valuation, electrical engineering and parking services.

Why would you recommend civil engineering to others?
The best thing about being an Engineer as opposed to any other profession is that you can use your intuition and think laterally, invariably there are several ways to problem solve which can be quite rewarding particularly when faced with unforeseen obstacles. Civil Engineers are held in high regard because they can think clearly and objectively, and can manage and deliver on time.

Civil Engineering is becoming more highly valued and often Engineers are chosen to run and manage complex schemes because they have the necessary attributes gained through wide ranging training, experience and management.

What is the benefit of being professionally qualified?
It enables me to undertake a wider ranging role within my organisation, coupled with greater responsibility. I think it also gives confidence to my employer and others that I can offer reasoned assessments and judgements which can have a benefit to others.

Member - Chartered Civil Engineer Name: Suzanne Bland Age: 31  Qulaifications:  MSc(Dist) DIC Engineering Geology BSc(Hons) Geochemistry Chartered Engineer (CEng) Member, Institution of Civil Engineers (2003)(MICE) What inspired you to study engineering?  I was inspired knowing that it was the most practical application of my skills and knowledge and that it leaves a lasting legacy that positively influences the quality of life of many people. What do you do on a day to day basis?  I am a Project Manager for the Environment Agency, working on major flood risk management schemes. I got this job by responding to an advert in NCE. At the same time I also sent out my CV to senior people I´d met in my previous job and through ICE Committees and events. I spent the previous eight years working for KBR in variety of roles, from Graduate Engineering Geologist to Project Manager to Assistant Business Development Manager. This also included a one-year secondment to the Environment Agency as a Project Engineer.. Why would you recommend civil engineering to others? It´s a fantastic career; it´s varied, involves lots of problem solving and developing practical solutions and there is plenty of time spent outdoors. Civil engineering is essential to sustain and develop our culture in both the developed and developing worlds.  Exciting projects like those required for the Olympics bring exciting new challenges and need people who are prepared to think laterally and come up with innovative solutions. My advice to those considering becoming a civil engineer is to have an enquiring mind, question your studies and pay special attention to physics and/or maths.  Above all, enjoy your time at university or college and make sure you get a work placement in a company. This will give you the practical experience of the job and will make all the difference when you join the industry. What is the benefit of being professionally qualified? ICE has definitely helped me throughout my career; the Membership Development Officers (as they now known) are a fantastic resource and full of very good advice and knowledge about ICE. I have used all the services they provide, from the library, the website, OGGS, to regional events. Having been on the Graduate & Student National Committee (GSNC) I´ve debated this many times and mentored people heading towards it. I always say that it´s your professional benchmark, once you´re professionally qualified that can´t be questioned. My advise to those considering becoming professionally qualified is to keep going for it.