Tina Gunnarsson
Senior Temporary Works Engineer, Balfour Beatty
Expertise
Design, ConstructionLocation
United KingdomMy highlights
Constructed a 36m span suspension footbridge in Rwanda
James Rennie Medal Finalist 2020 (for Best Chartered Professional Review Candidate)
As a personal achievement, I climbed a 100m tall tower crane
How I became a civil engineer
Tina did an International Baccalaureate at school, studying Maths, Physics and Geography at Higher Level. She then completed an MEng in Civil Engineering at Imperial College London as an ICE QUEST scholar, before joining Balfour Beatty as a Graduate Engineer.
I'm inspired by continuously trying to improve the world around me through working on exciting engineering projects.
A day in my life
Each day is completely different from another.
The day is a combination of engineering calculations, creating 3D drawings, site visits, phone calls to resolve issues on site, discussions, hosting and attending meetings, creative strategic planning and emails.
I am continuously learning something new every day.
We asked Tina…
what’s one great thing that you love about civil engineering that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?
How many options there are! You can be on your feet all day on site, doing calculations in the office, creating 3D models, writing bids, working with legal or commercial, championing sustainability or safety. You get a lot of responsibility early on, and your role can range from a technical team member to leading your own team or section of works. There are many different career paths and you develop a wide skill-set in the process.
which civil engineering myth(s) you would like to bust?
That civil engineers are boring, and that you have to be male to succeed.
Together with my engineering colleagues, we have completed ultra-marathons, summited volcanoes 4000m above sea level, escaped several escape rooms and gone kayaking in the Lake District.
which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?
The International Space Station – how amazing would that be.
which individual project or person inspired you to become a civil engineer?
When I was at school, I fundraised for the charity Tabitha and travelled to Cambodia to build 15 houses for a small village so their houses wouldn’t get washed away during the monsoon season. This inspired me to learn more about engineering as I realised the positive impact it could have on communities and improving future sustainability.
what about being a civil engineer inspires you?
Working on exciting projects, continuously improving the world around me, and the team of supportive people that I work with.
would you recommend a career in civil engineering?
You get to work on really exciting projects, and your job can bring positive impact to society on a scale that extends beyond the reach of most other jobs.
Now is an exciting time to join the industry. We are exploring new digital ways of working such as digital construction, virtual reality and the digital twin.