Graduate case studies
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.
I head the Engineering & Technical Department - reporting directly to the CEO. We handle the entire engineering works for the project which start from the detailed design to execution drawings to sub-contractor / supplier dealings and finally the As-built record drawings. My team comprises of 2 structural engineers, 2 architects, 2 electro-mechanical engineers and 18 draftsmen.
My day comprises of site visits, team meetings, client meetings, supplier negotiations and of-course jumping through the hoop for the management.
Human interaction. In this day and age where everyone spends their day in front of a computer I am proud to say I don't even get to check my mail on most days. Its an active job which requires me to meet and interact with different sets of people. Handling many projects and thus many people means I get to do this a lot.
Stretching time is the greatest challenge. Going from one place to another means I waste a lot of otherwise productive time battling traffic.
Even though I specialized in structural engineering & design I realized my real calling was in management. Working with a large scale contractor in my capacity helped me to perfectly merge my qualifications and my skills.
- People management is key. I learnt that team playing is easy if you can get through to each member as a friend and not a boss.
Engineering is way more interesting when you work as a team.
- Problem prediction/prevention is more important than problem solving. It keeps the project going without any hiccups.
- With every mistake gather experience so that it can be prevented.
Sept 2012 - Course completed and cleared. (Didn't stay on graduation ceremony)
Oct 2012 to Nov 2013 - Worked as Graduate Structural Engineer with a leading structural engineering consultancy in India.
Nov 2013 to Sept 2016 - Worked as Senior Structural Engineer with my current firm.
Sept 2016 - Promoted to Deputy Manager - Engineering
July 2017 - Promoted to Engineering & Technical Manager for the group.
Planning on taking a management-related course, an MBA preferably which could seal the gap between management and engineering.
I am also planning to branch out on my own and set up an engineering consultancy in India with my dad (a chartered engineer) and my sister (an architect & urban planner)
Refrain from choosing an area of study. Think further into your life and see what you would like to do your entire life. Meet people who are in a similar line before you jump into the course. If you have fun working its not really work. A lifetime is a long time if you're not having fun.
Last updated: 08 Apr 2019