Mohamed Hassan

We asked Mohamed…

I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…

You get the opportunity to solve meaningful, real-world problems.

Civil engineers design cities, safeguard communities, and help society tackle issues such as climate change.

This work is creative, practical, and incredibly rewarding.

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

...a mentor, a learner, and someone who believes that engineering should leave the world better than we found it.

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

Understanding that sound engineering decisions can enhance safety, minimise environmental impact, and benefit future generations.

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

Independent judgment and communication are crucial.

It’s not only about calculations but also about clearly explaining ideas and helping people make confident decisions.

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

If I were a civil engineer in the past, I would choose the Great Pyramid of Giza to learn how it was built.

I’d want to understand how it’s famously aligned so closely to true north, and how blocks weighing a few tonnes on average were moved and fitted with impressive accuracy using the primitive tools available at the time.

It’s a powerful example of planning, teamwork, construction and long‑lasting engineering.

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

Engineering is just following rules and repeating solutions.

In geotechnical engineering, the ground is unpredictable, and even two close sites can behave differently, making each project a unique challenge.

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

Yes. Civil engineering taught me to stay calm and focus on what I can control.

When deadlines are tight and challenges are complex, that mindset helps me make better decisions.

I use it in my personal life as well: pause, think clearly, and take the next step.

What motivated you to become professionally qualified? 

I wanted a recognised benchmark that reflects competence, ethics and responsibility to society.

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

Holding professional qualifications with the ICE provides me with an internationally recognised standard for competence and sound engineering judgment.

It enhances the client’s confidence in my decision-making when I lead geotechnical projects and manage risks on complex regional assignments.

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

It connects me to a global network of professionals and encourages continuous learning in the field.

Additionally, it provides a platform for giving back through mentoring and sharing hands-on experience from projects and published works.

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

The ICE assisted me through in-person professional development sessions as well as online CPD resources and guidance available on the ICE website.

My employer supported my growth by providing opportunities to work on major projects and delegating senior responsibilities, which enabled me to gather the necessary evidence and build confidence for my professional qualification.

What do you value most about being an ICE member? 

I value the ICE's commitment to professional standards and ethics, and I appreciate the opportunity to remain engaged with the wider profession through learning and networking.

I also cherish the chance to contribute by volunteering and mentoring, as I have done through ICE activities in the region.

How has being a member helped your career?

ICE membership has enhanced my professional credibility and enabled me to share practical insights with others.

It has supported my roles in mentoring and professional initiatives, and aligns with my work in knowledge-sharing through publications and leadership in sustainability recognised by the ICE.

Anything else? i.e. personal causes, hobbies

I’m passionate about integrating sustainability into geotechnical practice and mentoring early‑career engineers.