Helen Davis

We asked Helen…

I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…

...of the variety. No two projects, or even days, are the same.

There are always opportunities to learn, be it advances in technology, changes in construction techniques or the development of new materials.

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

A team player, negotiator, mentor, organiser, problem solver and concept developer – and that’s just the day job!

What’s the biggest/most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego? How long did it take you?

I remember a few school holidays when I would build part of a village including houses, shops, cars and people.

It would grow larger each time another Lego kit arrived.

In the end it took a day or so to build, but this was then followed by a number of days of play.

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

Knowing that by providing essential infrastructure and reducing flood risk, what I do will enhance people’s lives, community and environment.

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

The range of people and perspectives needed to make up a successful project team and the value of working together to develop the best solution for everyone.

For me, teams can include:

• technical specialists, such as hydrologists and geotechnical, structural, mechanical, electrical and process engineers
• project managers
• environmental scientists
• ecologists
• landscape architects
• planners

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

Bazalgette’s sewerage system for central London – a huge undertaking that led to significant improvements in people’s health.

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

It’s not all about concrete and steel.

Engineering can be green, using natural, re-used or recycled materials, as well as restoring the environment and supporting biodiversity.

What are you doing to help address climate change?

Addressing the challenges of climate change is a key part of my day-to-day work as I seek to reduce flood risk.

It’s expected that the severity and frequency of floods will increase over time, something that I consider when developing and assessing flood risk management options.

I also think of how to reduce the use of natural resources and the whole life carbon footprint.

How has your work as an engineer enhanced the lives of people?

Reducing flood risk for people and businesses decreases the extent of flood damage and the need to repair buildings and replace household goods.

It also reduces the associated negative effects on mental health.

I’m also a mentor for Women in Flood and Coastal Erosion Risk Management, a networking group of professionals set up to support and connect women working in this sector.

I really enjoy being part of this initiative, encouraging women in a small group setting to gain confidence and fulfil their potential.

What motivated you to become professionally qualified? 

I first heard about the ICE while still at school and was encouraged to apply for a QUEST undergraduate scholarship – which I did and was successful.

This meant that I was aware of the professional qualification process from the very beginning of my career, and it was something that I was very keen to achieve.

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

It's recognised globally as the achievement of a certain standard covering academic and practical experience.

Employers look for it on your CV as do clients as part of the bid process.

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

Being part of knowledge sharing community and meeting like-minded people.

This includes not just finding out about the latest technology for my sector but being able to learn from other parts of the civil engineering industry in how they approach challenges.

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

My company had an ICE approved training scheme, so I benefitted from the support and guidance of a mentor called a supervising civil engineer (SCE).

They also arranged formal and informal training as well as, nearer the time, a mock review.

What do you value most about being an ICE member? 

Besides the knowledge sharing, I really value supporting others in their professional development.

This is as a SCE, lead SCE heading up my company’s training scheme, and a reviewer.

I’m also co-chair of the Civil Engineering Employers’ Training Group, an established employer group supporting the delivery of best practice in civil engineering professional development in partnership with the ICE.

How has being a member helped your career? 

Networking, learning from others and the ability to access to a huge number of resources that are available (publications, live meetings/webinars or recordings of presentations).

Anything else?

For the past three years I've had the pleasure of being one of the judges for the New Civil Engineer and Construction News Inspiring Women in Construction and Engineering Awards.

Turning to hobbies, I enjoy a long distance walk and exploring new places.