Expertise
Design, Project ManagementLocation
NetherlandsMy highlights
I worked on the new Botlek Bridge, the largest lifting bridge in Europe
Worked with a special launching gantry, a very cool piece of kit!
Being awarded my MBA in Holland has massively improved my understanding of management
My working day
Following a short night’s sleep after arriving in Hong Kong yesterday from Amsterdam, today and tomorrow I’ve got a number of meetings planned with the project client.
I meet with our Japanese partners over breakfast in the hotel where we discuss expectations for the coming meetings, then it’s time to travel to the site by metro.
Firstly there is an introductory meeting with the client’s engineers who we will be working with over the coming days. This is followed by a guided tour of the depot facility which is to be renovated. After almost two hours of questions, explanation, photos and discussion we return to the meeting room for a wrap-up.
We break for lunch, heading to a nearby shopping mall for some excellent Cantonese food. In the afternoon we’re meeting again with the same engineers, together with their senior managers.
The afternoon session is a workshop where we talk through the technical aspects of the planned renovation works, the schedule, the client’s requirements (must-haves) and wishes (nice to have) and the opportunities for our company Strukton, together with our Japanese partner, to collaborate with the client on this project.
As the Hong Kong working day comes to an end it is time to check in with the ongoing work in Europe. I answer emails and phone calls before and after dinner. Finally, around 10pm it is time to close the laptop and relax with a book before finally going to bed.
Tomorrow will bring another day of meetings before catching a night flight back to the Netherlands.
Civil engineering which provides great career opportunities and rewards, large and small, local or international, cutting edge and conservation. The industry is so varied and continually evolving that the opportunities will always be there for those who are up for the challenge.
How I became a civil engineer
As part of my studies, I was fortunate enough to spend a year studying in Austria. This started what has turned out to be quite an international career. Apart from my internship and studies in Austria, I’ve also worked in the UK as a graduate engineer, in Dubai and in the Netherlands.
In my current role, I am working on business development and projects across the world while based in the Netherlands.
I’ve also been lucky enough to work on a huge variety of projects both large and small, across many disciplines and in various different roles.
My favourites include the design and construction of Dubai Waterfront City, the replacement of a bridge in the historical city centre of Gouda, the Riyadh Metro rapid transit system and the new Botlek Bridge which is the largest lifting bridge in Europe.
Another interesting project I worked on was building 10km of new highway near Amsterdam which included a 3.5km viaduct (bridge over the road) constructed with the aid of a special launching gantry (a very big and cool piece of civil engineering kit!).
I’ve also been involved in the renovation and new build of railway rolling stock maintenance facilities in many locations across the world. One of the standout aspects of a career in civil engineering is the diversity that is part of each job, role or project.
Andrew's career story
After the usual route of taking A-levels I went on to study an MEng Civil Engineering with study in Europe (Austria) at the University of Bristol and Technische Universitat, Innsbruck.
In 2012 I became professionally qualified with ICE and three years later I completed my Executive MBA at the Rotterdam School of Management to broaden my understanding of management and business in general.