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.

Designing electrical systems for buildings - power infrastructure, lighting, security, etc;
Providing technical advice to clients and other professionals on sustainability, electrical, mechanical, public health and other specialist topics;
Managing and supporting colleagues on project work;
Coordinating input from specialists (acousticians, energy modellers, manufacturers etc.).

Meeting with architects and clients to develop designs and for coordination;
Using software to develop technical designs;
Visiting building sites to appraise installations in line with the design;
Producing technical sketches and drawings.

Seeing my ideas become reality on site and the final building handed over;
Getting out and about, rarely being stuck in an office;
Working with all sorts of people - from tradespeople to hedge fund managers;
Every project is different - you are always learning new things - I've worked on everything from houses to 40-storey offices to specialist labs;
An active social scene.

The amount of information that needs to be managed - being organised helps.

Getting creative with building design;
Playing with the concepts of sustainable technologies to find practical solutions in the real world.

From my degree: An understanding of power engineering, electronics and communications systems are relevant;
Communication is important, being able to explain technical issues to non-technical professionals;
An interest in finding out how things work.

2006 Became a graduate electrical engineer
2009 Career break (travelling)
2010 Returned to work
2014 Became a Chartered Engineer through CIBSE

Developing skills in 3D design software
Leading project teams
Supporting graduate engineers with career progression through to Chartership

Seek out people in the industry to meet and speak to - possibly through the CIBSE YEN network.
Some larger firms offer a summer placement which offer the best insight in to the industry and can also be a lot of fun.

Building Services Engineering covers a broad spectrum - if you are more academically-minded or hands on - there are roles out there to suit.