UoS Careers and Employability Service logo

Graduate case studies

Graduate case studies
← back to search results
Vishal - 
Structural 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

I am a Structural engineer in the Maritime division of the organisation.

My main duties and responsibilities include:

- Engineering
- Design of maritime structures such as quay walls, jetties and wharves.
- Producing cost estimations and BOQs.
- Rehabilitation of existing structures.

- Management
- Client liaison and stakeholder management
- Obtaining building permits from local authorities.

- Site supervision
- On site as a client's representative (part-time/full-time)

Typical day

Typically I am involved in the design of structures in a project. My typical day includes;
- Carrying out structural calculations
- Writing structural design reports
- Liaising with the client to clarify their requirements
- Coordinating with the drafting department to produce structural design drawings

What do I enjoy about my job?

I enjoy the challenges that my job gives me. Every project is different and requires providing complex engineering solutions. Particular to my organization, the positive work culture is what I love most about.

Challenging aspects

- Significant projects.
- Complex engineering problems and engineering solutions that are to be
provided.
-Client and stakeholder management.

Why did this area of work appeal to me?

Science was always interesting to me and engineering was a natural choice. The area of maritime structures was not intentional, but I was always interested in industrial structures as opposed to residential and office buildings. The sheer magnitude of loads that industrial structures are exposed to and the heavy duty equipment involved in the construction of these mega structures is always fascinating.

Skills/qualifications I use in my job?

Structural engineering
Project management
Communication skills


Career information

Brief history since leaving University

Ongoing chartership programme

Where do I see myself in the future?

I wish to take a more project managerial role with continued involvement in the technical side of things.
I also wish to complete my Chartership.


Advice to students

My piece of advice to students

Strong fundamentals go a long way. There are some things that one learns on the job, but a strong foundation of the basics is important.



Send Vishal a question about their career.


You may also be interested in...

Last updated: 19 Apr 2019