Omar Ahmed

We asked Omar…

I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…

I would recommend a career in civil engineering because it’s creative, exciting, and lets you make a real difference in the world.

Imagine designing things people use every day, like homes, schools, bridges, or parks and then seeing them come to life!

It is such an awesome feeling to know you are helping shape your community.

The job’s never boring, either. One day, you are out on a construction site checking progress, and the next, you are brainstorming cool ideas or solving problems with your team.

There is always something new to learn, especially with all the new materials and eco-friendly ways of building popping up.

But the best part? You get to leave your mark on the world. Civil engineering is all about creating things that last and make people’s lives better.

So, if you are into problem-solving, being creative, and doing something meaningful, this might just be the perfect job for you!

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

Being a civil engineer gets me out of bed each morning because I love the idea of making something real and lasting.

Whether it’s designing something that will help people or seeing a project come to life, the excitement of creating and problem-solving keeps me motivated.

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

I’m a civil engineer, but I am also a husband and dad, balancing work with family time.

Whether I’m building something impressive or just hanging out with my loved ones, it is all about enjoying life and having fun with both!

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

How much maths and problem-solving are at the heart of everything.

It’s not just about knowing formulas, it’s about using math skills to find solutions to real-world challenges, like making sure a bridge can hold heavy traffic or designing a building that can stand up to strong winds.

Engineering principles help guide those decisions, and it’s amazing to see how math and creativity come together to solve problems and make things work!

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

I would love to work on the NEOM project – it’s all about creating a new, sustainable way of living and working, and it is moving forward every day!

It’s super exciting to think about how it’s going to shape the future.

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

That civil structural engineering is all about numbers and calculations.

While maths and calculations are a big part of it, structural engineers also need to be creative and understand materials, environmental conditions, and safety to design effective and innovative structures.

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

Being an engineer has really boosted my confidence in life.

It has taught me how to tackle problems and trust myself to find solutions, which has helped me get past personal challenges too.

I used to be shy, but working as an engineer has also helped me improve my communication skills along the way!

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

What motivated me to become professionally qualified is the chance to challenge myself and grow in my field.

I have always been passionate about engineering and creating things that have an impact.

Becoming qualified gives me the opportunity to take on more challenging projects and make a bigger difference.

Plus, it's also a great way to keep learning, improve, and achieve personal goals along the way.

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

Being professionally qualified and chartered with the ICE means a lot for my career.

It’s a big recognition of my skills and experience in civil engineering, showing that I have met high standards and can take on more responsibility.

It opens new opportunities for career growth, gives me credibility with clients and employers, and allows me to contribute to important projects with more confidence.

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

The best thing about being professionally qualified with the ICE is the feeling of success and getting recognised for my hard work.

Since it is a well-known international qualification, it opens more career opportunities, lets me take on bigger, more exciting, and impactful projects, and gives me more credibility with clients and employers.

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

The ICE and my employer have been super supportive in helping me get professionally qualified.

The ICE provided access to loads of webinars and conferences, which have been really helpful for learning new things and staying updated.

I also had great mentors who gave me advice and shared their experiences to help me grow.

And a huge shoutout to my wife (a Chartered Engineer) who has been there every step of the way, guiding me and supporting me through the tough times.

What do you value most about being an ICE member? 

What I value most about being an ICE member is the sense of community.

It’s great to be part of a group of people who are just as passionate about engineering as I am.

There are so many chances to learn new things, meet people, and get support through events, webinars, and mentorship.

And being a STEM ambassador representing my ICE community is also amazing.

It’s such a cool way to inspire and connect with the next generation of engineers.

How has being a member helped your career? 

Being a member of a well-known, globally recognised institution like the ICE is a huge boost for my career.

It’s a great way to showcase my engineering qualifications and demonstrate my skills and experience in civil engineering.

Anything else? i.e. personal causes, hobbies

I have a few hobbies I love!

Swimming is one of my favourites, it’s super relaxing and a great workout.

I also enjoy crafting and getting creative with DIY projects. On top of that, I love solving puzzles and painting.

It’s a fun way to challenge my mind and unwind at the same time!