Rhys Cotterell
Assistant engineer, AtkinsRéalis
Expertise
Design, WaterLocation
United KingdomMy highlights
ICE President’s Future Leader 2024-25
ICE Undergraduate QUEST scholar
Led the 2023 Engineering Team Challenge for South Wales
A day in my life
My day as a civil engineer is varied.
The projects that I work on often present new and exciting challenges that require teamwork and creativity to solve.
I usually start my mornings by checking emails and prioritising tasks for the day ahead.
Next, I catch-up with my design teams to discuss ideas and learn from senior colleagues, some of which are experts in their field.
I then work towards my daily tasks which can include undertaking calculations, writing reports or interpreting computer models.
My day might also involve working with other early careers members through my local ICE early careers network.
Here I organise and deliver a variety of events for graduates and students in my area, ensuring that they can remain fully engaged with the profession.
Whether it’s designing renewable energy solutions, sustainable transport networks or preventing flooding, we always have the opportunity to contribute to society.
Which individual project or person inspired you to become a civil engineer?
I first became interested in civil engineering following a tour of a large extension which was being constructed at my secondary school.
This sparked my interest in how infrastructure was planned, designed and built!
We asked Rhys…
I would recommend a career in civil engineering because…
As civil engineers, we work on projects which directly impact the lives of others.
Whether it’s designing renewable energy solutions, sustainable transport networks or preventing flooding, we always have the opportunity to contribute to society.
What about being a civil engineer gets you out of bed each morning?
The opportunity to work on exciting projects that directly contribute to society and the world we live in.
What’s one great thing that you love about civil engineering that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?
The diverse range of skills needed to become a civil engineer.
Before starting my career, I always thought that civil engineers only undertook calculations.
However, civil engineers do so much more – they are collaborators, innovators and leaders (to only name a few!), who understand how their work impacts the built and natural environment.
Which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?
The Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, used for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Contributing to such a notable project, which left a great societal legacy, would have been something that excited me!
Name one civil engineering myth you’d like to bust.
To be a civil engineer, you need to work on a construction site.
When at school, many of my friends thought that becoming a civil engineer meant that I would be working outside on construction sites.
This isn’t the case. In my current role, I primarily work from the office, however, I do have the opportunity to visit site to see my designs being constructed!
What’s the biggest/most complex thing you’ve made out of Lego? How long did it take you?
As a child, I remember spending days building a variety of Lego sets from the Lego City series. I also enjoyed building several Lego sportscars!
Has civil engineering helped you overcome any personal hurdles/difficulties?
There’s something comforting about knowing how buildings and infrastructure works.
When something goes wrong in your or your family’s house, it’s simply another problem to solve using what you know about building systems.
Complete this phrase: I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also…
An avid sportsperson!
In my spare time I enjoy keeping fit and taking on new challenges.
I aim to do some form of physical exercise each day, whether it’s going to the gym, running or doing some indoor rock climbing.
Rhys's career path
During my A-levels, I studied maths, physics and chemistry, and completed AS-levels in biology and further maths.
I also did a week’s work experience at a local civil engineering company.
I then attended Imperial College London, where I studied towards my MEng degree in civil engineering.
During my degree, I was an ICE QUEST undergraduate scholar and an ICE student ambassador.
I also completed two summer placements with AtkinsRéalis during 2019 and 2021.
Following graduation in 2022, I joined AtkinsRéalis’ design and advanced technology team, where I work on several nationally significant projects across several sectors.
