John Hammond

We asked John…

I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…

I would recommend a career in civil engineering because it offers a stable, globally relevant career where you create essential infrastructure, develop leadership capabilities, and leave a lasting impact on society. 

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

...a programme director, leader, problem solver, proud parent of four children, and devoted husband.

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

Being a civil engineer has given me a wonderful opportunity to shape the physical world, leave a legacy, and make a positive difference to many lives.

Large critical infrastructure programmes and projects continue to excite me.

I am happiest when directly involved in delivering such programmes.

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

I love that there are numerous career pathways.

I started my career with three fantastic contracting companies and then have followed a programme management path with two equally amazing consulting organisations.

My pathway is mostly about working with people to achieve collective success.

I have learned a lot about effective communication, judgement, and teamwork.

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

Hong Kong Chek Lap Kok Airport and supporting infrastructure.

It has everything that excites me about civil engineering.

Long span structures, tunnels, highways, metro - and that’s before you consider the land reclamation undertaken for the airport site itself.

It’s a once in a generation piece of critical infrastructure.

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

“It’s only about technical skill. Soft skills don’t matter.” 

The more successful among us are those who can clearly articulate complex engineering solutions to non-engineers and stakeholders to get their buy-in.

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

We are all wired differently. I wasn't a natural communicator or team player as an undergraduate.

A career in engineering and giga programme management has helped me to improve these skills.

What motivated you to become professionally qualified? 

Becoming a Chartered Engineer and then a Fellow of the ICE has given me an enormous amount of personal satisfaction.

I'm proud to continue the work of many illustrious Fellows that have come before me.

I enjoy giving my time to the next generation of engineers. I hope that being a Fellow gives a level of credibility when making a positive difference to the careers of others.

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

It signals credibility to employers and clients.

It demonstrates that you have committed to a learning journey post-graduation.

It gives you access to increased responsibility and senior leadership roles.

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

Peer recognition at a high level which is also recognised internationally.

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

I was fortunate that my first employer post-graduation invested significantly in formal ICE graduate training schemes.

I had exceptional supervising and delegated engineers who helped me to succeed in collaboration with the ICE regional training leads of the time.

More recently, when I became a Fellow, I had the support of other Fellows working in the same company which I am incredibly grateful for.

What do you value most about being an ICE member? 

Belonging to a professional community that influences society and the built environment.

How has being a member helped your career?

It gives you access to increased responsibility and senior leadership roles.

It has been a pillar of my commitment to continuous professional development and learning.

I enjoy being part of a group that has reach across the globe and being able to learn from that group.

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

It’s difficult to recall my childhood days.

Back then, one tended to be more creative and I'm sure I built numerous large buildings and ‘skyscrapers’.

More recently with my own children, there was a significant focus on Star Wars objects designed to fly. Usually, they could be built within a couple of days.

Both resonate with my lifelong interests in structural engineering and aviation. The latter was inspired by my father, an ex-RAF serviceman.

Anything else? i.e. personal causes, hobbies

Outside of engineering, I enjoy road cycling and golf.

I spent many years coaching junior club rugby union.

I'm a STEAM ambassador and have presented at several school careers days.

I also established a partnership with Heriot Watt University developing business applications of AI and robotics.