Agata Otto

We asked Agata…

I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…

Civil engineering offers many opportunities.

Depending on the company, you may be able to participate in large-scale, impactful projects.

It’s an honour to be able to help current and future communities improve their lives.

We do this by providing sustainable buildings and travel, improving current environments and responding to and preventing natural disasters.

Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also…

...a determined individual who’s passionate about innovation and sustainability.

My goal is to become a leader in engineering and mentor other women.

As a member of the Women's Engineering Society, I’m committed to educating and motivating the future generation of female engineers.

I feel that sustainable and inclusive design is essential for the durability and resilience of civil engineering projects.

What’s the biggest/most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego?

I’ve always preferred to make buildings with Legos, but the most complex thing I’ve created is a car as an addition to the building, which was a fun challenge.

What about being a civil engineer gets you out of bed each morning?

The opportunity to make a positive difference in the world.

I'm driven by the potential to make people's lives better through innovative infrastructure and to encourage women to pursue their dreams.

What’s one great thing that you love about civil engineering that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?

How it brings together expertise from other disciplines to produce high-quality, compliant designs.

Which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?

The design of Singapore's Marina Bay Sands hotel because of its intricate yet stunning design, as well as the upgrades to the building's surroundings.

That, together with the Jewel Changi Airport development, absolutely amaze me.

Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.

The notion that it’s all about hard hats, concrete, and hi-vis vests.

While working onsite is part of the job, a large portion of our work takes place in offices.

As designers, we spend the most of our time drafting proposals with software, interacting with multiple teams, managing paperwork, and occasionally visiting sites to gather information.

This profession combines office work and fieldwork, creating a diversified and dynamic work environment.

Has civil engineering helped you overcome any personal hurdles/difficulties?

Civil engineering has helped me build confidence while presenting information and networking with others.

I've learnt that asking for help is not a sign of weakness, and as a presenter, I can be respected and listened to.

This has greatly improved my communication abilities and professional interactions.

What motivated you to become professionally qualified? 

The aim to advance my knowledge and make a positive difference.

I obtained Engineering Technician status, and I’m now working towards becoming an Incorporated Engineer.

This progression reflects my commitment to improving my skills, taking on more responsibilities, and contributing to more complex and meaningful projects.

What does being professionally qualified with the ICE mean for your career?  

It demonstrates that I’ve met demanding technical standards and professional ethics requirements. This increases my credibility and reputation in the industry.

This qualification opens doors to advanced career opportunities and gives me access to a significant professional network and educational resources.

Becoming ICE-qualified also enables me to shape engineering processes and influence industry standards.

What’s the best thing about being professionally qualified with the ICE? 

Being professionally qualified with the ICE exposes me to a network of like-minded individuals who are dedicated to growing the field and continuously improving engineering processes.

It makes every day an opportunity to contribute to meaningful change.

How did the ICE and your employer support you to become professionally qualified? 

The ICE and my workplace were helpful in my journey to become professionally qualified.

My colleagues, who acted as my sponsors, supported me throughout the process.

They guided me through the EngTech certification requirements, providing practical assistance and criticism in line with ICE criteria.

What do you value most about being an ICE member? 

Having access to industry updates and new concepts.

Attending CPD workshops keeps me up to date on breakthroughs and fuels my love for innovation.

I also appreciate the presentations and resources on completing the end point assessment.

How has being a member helped your career? 

Being a member of the ICE has tremendously helped my career by raising my profile in the business and allowing me to take on projects that were previously out of reach.

Anything else? i.e. personal causes, hobbies

Aside from my job and studies, I continue to engage with architecture and design, researching new ideas and being inspired by innovative construction methods.

This drives my commitment to my apprenticeship and allows me to offer creativity and dedication to my engineering projects.

I hope to become a fully qualified and competent building structures engineer in the next stage of my career.