Ryan Clarke

We asked Ryan…

A day in your life...

My newborn daughter will wake us up early.

After getting her sorted I’ll boot up my laptop, have a coffee at my desk, check in with my team and get settled for the day.

In the morning, I will check over my calendar and follow my plan for the day. I’ll tackle some of the most pressing tasks that are easily completed first.

At lunch I’ll take my dog out for a lap of the park. I do my best work after lunch.

My day ends with planning for the next day, making sure I have a list of what needs to be done next and in what order.

If I’m in the office, which is at least two days a week, then it’s a slightly different day with getting the bus into town and a dander through Belfast to get to the office.

My projects will require collaboration with my team so there are always conversations to be had with the team and client.

Which individual project or person inspired you to become an infrastructure engineer?

I know that I’m lucky to have had some great mentors throughout my life and career who have inspired me to be an engineer and a good one.

This includes individuals who I’ve worked with and university lecturers.

But my motivation and inspiration to get chartered has been my family – I told them many years ago that I was going to do this, particularly my dad, so I had to prove the point!

They offer me a lot of support and want to see me succeed professionally.

I would recommend a career in infrastructure engineering because…

We are changing the world around us!

The industry is so diverse in scope, and it offers the opportunity to work on projects that have a tangible and lasting impact on communities.

This field allows you to solve complex problems, innovate with new technologies, and contribute to the development and maintenance of essential systems such as transportation, water and energy.

What about being an infrastructure engineer gets you out of bed each morning?

I think the most significant thing is that I genuinely enjoy my work.

It’s easy to get out of bed when you’re excited about the day ahead and don’t dread going to work.

The sense of purpose from working on meaningful projects with great people minimises that Sunday night fear – that’s pretty good to me!

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

One great thing I discovered about infrastructure engineering is how deeply it connects us to our history and future.

It’s been rewarding and eye opening to see how engineering skills can propel people into leadership roles and how our work directly impacts future advancements and quality of life.

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

The brand-new Belfast Grand Central Station is the infrastructure project I wish I’d worked on.

It’s a massive, modern, and strategically important development for Northern Ireland that will reshape the city and improve connectivity across the country.

It’s been a big focus for the engineering community and the ICE here.

Being part of such a transformative project would have been an amazing experience, and it’s exciting to think about the lasting impact it will have in the years to come.

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

One common myth in infrastructure engineering is that the construction profession is only about physical labour.

Infrastructure engineering involves planning, design, analysis, and management.

Working in digital engineering for asset planning, I see firsthand how technology can enhance infrastructure projects, making processes more efficient and sustainable.

Digital engineering is as important in the construction process as any other stage.

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

Being professionally qualified with the ICE significantly enhances my career by providing a mark of excellence and credibility within the engineering industry.

It demonstrates my commitment to high standards and ethical practices, boosting my professional reputation.

The qualification opens up a wealth of networking opportunities and access to a global community of experts, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.

It also offers continuous professional development through various resources, ensuring I stay current with industry advancements.

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

The ICE offered structured guidance through their professional review process, setting clear standards for technical competence, management, and leadership skills.

They also provided access to a wealth of resources, including technical publications, professional development courses, and mentoring opportunities. This helped ensure I could meet and exceed these standards.

My employer complemented this support by offering practical experience on diverse projects, enabling me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world scenarios.

They facilitated continuous learning by encouraging participation in training programmes and industry conferences.

They supported my involvement in professional networks, enhancing my skills and industry connections.

My employer, supervising civil engineer (SCE) and delegated engineer (DE) helped me tailor my experience to the attributes and tick them off.

My membership development officer (MDO) and other ICE staff helped me get my training agreement signed off and gave me resources and support to prepare for my professional review.

Why is it important that the ICE is offering a professional home for a wider family of infrastructure engineers like you?

The ICE offering a professional home for a diverse family of infrastructure engineers is crucial.

It fosters cross-disciplinary collaboration, enhances knowledge sharing, and provides a unified voice for policy influence.

It supports career development with tailored resources and networking, promoting inclusivity and diversity to attract new talent.

By opening up opportunities for infrastructure engineers, the ICE ensures a more dynamic and innovative engineering community, capable of addressing modern infrastructure challenges with a holistic approach.

What do you value most about being an ICE member? 

I highly value the extensive professional development opportunities, including access to a wealth of technical resources and industry best practices.

The ICE's advocacy for the civil engineering profession helps influence policy and promote investment in infrastructure.

Being part of a prestigious community of professionals also enhances my network and credibility within the industry.

The commitment to ethical standards and continuous learning ensures that I stay updated with the latest advancements and maintain a high level of professional integrity.

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

The problem-solving and teamwork skills I’ve picked up have made it easier to tackle issues in work and life.

Plus, the continuous learning and collaboration in this field have made me more resilient and better at handling stress.

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

I didn’t have any specific Lego sets, but I did have a big box of random pieces from my older siblings and cousins.

I enjoyed building spaceships, bases, or houses, preferring to invent my own designs rather than follow instructions.

I was more interested in transforming Transformer toys without reading the instructions and computer games like Age of Empires and Mario on Gameboy.