Colin Glen

Senior Engineer, Skanska

Expertise

Construction, Project Management, Structural

Location

United Kingdom

My highlights

Twickenham South Stand

Battersea Power Station Phase 2

The Scalpel

My working day

A day in my life consists of managing various projects of different sizes, but all with their own complications which require some degree of problem solving.

It’s problem solving that I enjoy, along with working in collaboration with other professionals to come to a solution.

I often also find working with contractors and sub-contractors provides various complexities when constructing a project, which requires a technical capacity and the ability to manage personalities.

I’m a civil engineer, but I’m also a project manager.

My career inspiration

The story of the 10^th ICE President George Parker Bidder (1806-1878), known as the calculating boy. He came from a poor background but was talented.

We asked Colin…

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

That there are many types of civil engineer and specialising in a particular field is necessary.

Which civil engineering myth(s) you would like to bust?

That you need to be exceptionally great at maths.

Would you recommend a career in civil engineering?

It makes a difference to individuals and communities in providing everyday facilities within the built environment, as well as providing job satisfaction.

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

The BT telecom tower.

What about being a civil engineer inspires you?

Solving problems.

Education

I studied civil engineering as BSc, went on to do a postgraduate in construction management, started working for a main contractor as a setting out and surveying engineer, then went on to become a section engineer, and project engineer.

I then became professionally qualified with incorporated status, and continued as a senior engineer. Now working as a consultant on construction projects, providing both engineering and project management expertise.