Kuan

Graduate Engineer, Cundall

My current role includes:

• carrying out structural analysis using both hand calculations and design software
• producing sketches and markups to be issued
• checking calculations and drawings from contractor/fabricator
• responding to queries from the design team

What was your reason for choosing your programme of study at Newcastle University?

Civil Engineering at Newcastle University is one of the best in the UK and is fully recognised by the industry.

Why did you choose Newcastle University and not another institution?

Newcastle is a very welcoming city with a balanced lifestyle. The University is located in the city centre which is very convenient as everything is within walking distance. The living expenses are also more affordable compared to other major cities in the UK.

What did you enjoy most about studying at Newcastle University?

The teaching staff were very helpful and I felt that a significant amount of resources had been allocated by the University to ensure the students were fully supported throughout their study.

The campus was beautiful with a mix of historic red-brick buildings and some modern ones.

Did you take part in any placements during your degree at Newcastle? If yes, how did this help you in your current role?

I worked with a Malaysian local firm in my second summer and Arup in London in my third summer.

The experiences I gained during the placements were invaluable. Frankly, I don’t think I would have been able to get my current job without those experiences.

Having gained some experience beforehand also meant that I knew what to expect when I started my current role. That allowed me to ease into my current role and provided a smooth start.

How has your programme of study helped you so far in your employment?

The MEng degree has equipped us with essential technical knowledge and skills that we need in day-to-day engineering. The multi-disciplinary group projects we did have sharpened our soft skills - for example, negotiating, teamworking, organisation, leadership, and many more.

What attracted you to work for your current employer?

Cundall is a multinational firm founded and headquartered in Newcastle. I was attracted by the open office environment and friendly staff when I attended their office open evening.

What have been the highlights of your employment so far?

A Graduate Conference in York where graduates from across the UK, Middle East and Singapore met for two days along with some senior management members.

Work on a variety of projects from residential housing to Newcastle University new sports centre to industrial laundry steelwork designs in various countries.

What projects are you involved in at the moment and how are you utilising your skills?

Newcastle University Sports Centre, Kannegiesser, Barratts and David Wilson Homes.

I apply the technical knowledge and skills that I learned at University in my day-to-day job to run structural analysis models and sometimes perform hand calculations.

What advice would you give to students considering a degree in your subject?

Civil engineering isn’t as maths-heavy as I first thought. All you need is some basic mathematics and logic and reasoning skills. Newcastle University has a pretty decent ranking and is situated in the city centre, hence giving the students a good student life.