Molly Kirven

We asked Molly…

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

When I get out of bed each morning, I’m excited knowing I can positively impact the world through sustainable engineering.

I’m able to contribute to a reduction in the carbon emissions we produce through construction. 

I would recommend a career in civil engineering because …

It’s a flexible and adaptable work environment, allowing you to advance your versatility and skillset in a range of disciplines.

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

One great thing is the various careers and paths that you can take within the construction industry.

Construction goes beyond designing and building a project.

There are many different types of engineers, designers, advisors, leaders, and roles available to shape your career into something authentic and unique for you.

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

I wish I’d worked on the Hinkley Point C marine works.

I recently visited the site, and I was in awe at the vast scale of the works and expertise used to construct each component of the project so far.

Working on a project of that scale would come with pride and achievement due to its impact on the UK energy sector.

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

One myth is that civil engineering only covers designing and constructing infrastructure such as bridges and buildings.

In reality, civil engineering encompasses a wide variety of disciplines including sustainability, environment, social value, geotechnics, quality, utilities, power, rail, water resource management, and many more.

All of which are crucial in shaping and improving the infrastructure built for our society.

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

A career in civil engineering has significantly improved my confidence through the varying opportunities I’ve been presented with and actively looked for. 

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

To me chartership is one way of celebrating your achievements, milestones, and competency to date. 

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

Being professionally qualified with the ICE means I have the recognised standards of knowledge, skills, and competencies needed to perform current and future work effectively and ethically.

It also demonstrates commitment to continuous learning and professional development which can enhance your career performance within the industry.

What motivated you, or is motivating you, to become professionally qualified?

I was motivated to become professionally qualified because it means my skillset, learning, and experience is at the recognised standard of a professional engineering body.

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

Balfour Beatty has been a supportive company to work for regarding ICE professional development.

My supervising civil engineer, Michael Chalkley, has especially been a great encouragement and inspiration, gaining his ICE Fellow status this year.

What do you value most about being an ICE member?

I value the access to further continued professional development that the ICE provides through industry learning and opportunities available such as webinars.

How has being a member helped your career?

It’s enabled me to view engineering as more than technical learning.

The IPD attribute system has helped me to appreciate other elements. For example, sustainability and commercial matters.

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

My Lego building journey is in its early stages with sets I’ve made including Everyone is Awesome and the Harry Potter Knight Bus.

However, future builds I would love to accomplish are the Lego Globe, and Harry Potter Diagon Alley Weasley Wizard Wheezes.

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

I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also a human navigating this journey called life.

I’m growing, learning, and finding my path – aiming to be the kindest and best version of me I can be.

Anything else? i.e. personal causes, hobbies

I’m an avid book worm – I enjoy dystopian fiction books and self-help non-fiction books.

I’m also a train spotter with my dad.

My personal favourite freight train is the class 66 fleet, with special mention to the class 66721 ‘Harry Beck’ train.