Hora Behnejad

We asked Hora…

I would recommend a career in civil or infrastructure engineering because…

Engineers have a real impact on people’s lives, today and in the future. 

They work closely with communities to improve quality of life.

That’s what inspired me to become an engineer, and it’s why I’d encourage others to consider a career in civil engineering too!

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

A grade 5 pianist, a badminton player (since the age of 9!), and a lover of languages - I speak Farsi, English and Spanish fluently.

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

That civil engineering is just about buildings.

The truth is, it goes far beyond that. Civil engineers shape the infrastructure that supports daily life, from flood management and clean water systems to transport networks and sustainable energy solutions.

With many of the buildings that will exist in 2050 already built, according to the UK government’s Future Buildings Standard, the real challenge is adapting and improving what we have.

That’s where civil engineers have the biggest impact.

How does your role contribute to addressing climate change?

At WSP, we follow the future-ready approach, designing projects that not only meet today’s standards but also anticipate the challenges of tomorrow.

I’m also really interested in exploring how natural materials, like bamboo, could help transform the way we build.

Bamboo is the fastest-growing plant on Earth. Some species can grow about a metre a day!

It also absorbs carbon as it grows, which makes it an exciting and sustainable alternative to traditional materials like steel and concrete.

How does your role contribute to making the industry more diverse and inclusive?

I care deeply about making engineering a place where everyone feels that they belong.

When I was president of the UCL Women’s Engineering Society (UCLWES), I focused on creating a supportive space for women while making sure conversations about inclusion involved everyone.

As a woman from an ethnic minority background, this is something very personal to me.

Now, as a STEM ambassador, I continue this work by mentoring students. I talk to them about the many different routes into engineering and show them that anyone, no matter their background, can be an engineer!

What role does digital technology play in your job?

Digital technology plays a big role in my job.

I use CAD software every day on design projects, and technology is constantly improving, which makes our work more efficient and precise.

Tools like AI are incredibly powerful, but we also need to use them carefully to make sure our decisions stay safe and smart.

What is motivating you to become professionally qualified? 

I’m just starting my chartership journey, but I’ve always wanted to become a Chartered Engineer with the ICE. It’s a great way to show the hard work I’ve put in and my commitment to engineering.

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

Being professionally qualified with the ICE would open up more doors for me, letting me take on bigger projects and more responsibility.

It would also be a huge confidence boost, showing myself and others that I can do this!

How is the ICE and your employer supporting you to become professionally qualified? 

WSP is really supportive of its staff working towards professional qualifications.

Even at the start of my journey, they’ve given me all the resources and guidance I need.

The ICE has also been fantastic, providing advice, support, and really useful resources every step of the way.

What’s the biggest difference you’ve noticed from studying to working in engineering?

Studying engineering can sometimes feel like being in your own bubble.

It’s only when you start working as an engineer that you really see the value of everything you learned at university.

Suddenly, all those theories and calculations come to life as you apply them to real-world projects. It’s a completely different experience, and really exciting!

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

The most complex thing I built out of Lego was a helicopter. It took me about a day to finish.

But when I was younger, I was obsessed with play magnets and loved building bridges out of those!