Graduate case studies

Daniel -

Principal Engineer

Even though many of our graduates will have progressed in their careers since completing a case study, they are still of interest to students who wish to gain an understanding of the world of work.

About the job

Main responsibilities

Preparing technical transport based evidence for planning applications for housing, employment and retail schemes.
Project managing different technical disciplines, including environmental, engineering (hydrology, ground conditions, noise, air quality, energy) for private and public sector clients.
Fee management and team development including recruitment and appraisals.

Typical day

Correspondence and meeting with clients and project teams or council officers.
Resource and team management.
Review of technical assessments, drawings and reports.

What do I enjoy about my job?

Being involved in projects that get built, and change for the better how people travel, where they live or work.
Seeing people in my team develop.

Challenging aspects

Managing client expectations, fees and timescales.
Reaching technical agreement with council officers on difficult sites.
Keeping a team busy, on target and within budget.

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

I didn't know much about this industry before I joined.

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

Professional qualifications: I am currently working towards becoming a Transport Planning Professional (TPP) and a Chartered Engineer through the Chartered institution of Highways & Transportation.

Daily, key skills are analysis, report writing, communication and leadership.

Training I receive as part of my job

I have completed a Level 2 Diploma in Leadership and Management, as well as attending a number of internal and external training courses.
I also read industry magazines and papers to keep up to date.

Career information

Brief history since leaving University

Peter Brett Associates LLP since I left University
2005 - 2007 Graduate
2007 - 2008 Assistant Engineer
2009 - 2011 Engineer
2011 - 2013 Senior Engineer
2013 - 2014 Principal Engineer
2014 to date Associate

Post nominals include MTPS.

Qualifications: Level 2 Diploma in Leadership and Management

Where do I see myself in the future?

Chartered Engineer (CEng)
Transport Planning Professional (TPP)

Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

Find out what you can about the industry and the potential employer, how your skill set can apply, show that you can work in a team, and on your own, be enthusiastic and be honest.