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.

My main responsibilities are working as an assistant resident engineer assisting the project manager with the site responsibilities and site issues. Also as a structural engineer reviewing and analysing the design of structures to ensure cost control and that they are environmentally viable.

I attend any pre-assigned meetings with the contractors / consultants, Review any design issues, approve the contractors daily work notifications, update the work progress highlighting delays (if any) and critical work as per the progress plan.

I also go on site visits to record daily work progress and review any structural design documents to check for structural integrity and ensure cost control.

I enjoy solving the practical challenges which come up at a site during different stages of work i.e. sub grade works, infrastructure works or during the construction of a structure.

Moreover, nothing can be more satisfying for me than to put up a proposal / solution for a certain problem at work site and it getting accepted by senior engineers. Plus in one way or another it lets me learn something new every day.

To manage and finish a job by keeping the contractors and consultants on time is the most challenging aspect of any job.

Being a civil / structural engineer, I always wanted to enjoy the true essence of being associated with this field. And it cannot be accomplished just by being a civil engineer or just being a structural designer. So my present job appeals to me as it provides me with the opportunities and challenges both as a structural engineer and as a civil engineer.

I use structural engineering skills, civil engineering skills, structural software skills, computer skills and communication and presentation skills.

I have had no training.

Worked as a Graduate structural engineer at WS Atkins in their Dubai office.

Worked as a Civil / Structural Engineer at a local company in United Arab Emirates.

Working as an Assistant Resident / Structural engineer with Ras Al Khaimah Properties.

I definitely am looking to be in a civil / structural engineering department in one of the top organisations. I am planning to take and pass the chartered exam for structural and civil engineers and am working on the CPD that it requires.

I would like to tell all the civil / structural engineering graduates out there to work hard if you really want to see yourself up there. Civil engineering is not a study of science or engineering rather it is the most natural way of thinking and proposing a workable solution to any job out there.

Looking for a first job is not as easy as it used to be when I graduated. With the changing times and economic downfall clouding the globe, the construction market has come down. To secure yourself a job in today's market it is vital to believe in your abilities. Be confident, be natural and don't vie for huge salaries, rather focus on getting that first job.

Make sure you have a good CV that sells your skills and abilities.

Your CV should focus on the aspect of career you are interested in. So - for civil engineering jobs related to practical field works, assisting project managers and resident engineers, your CV should cover managerial works and practical civil works plus your ability in structural design.

A structural engineering CV should focus on highlighting your design and computer skills, use of analysis software along with the ability to solve problems.

Remember it is very important to highlight all of your abilities.