Mechanical Design Engineer

How I found this job:
I spent my 3rd year of university in Lyon, France as part of the Double Diplome program linking Trinity College with Institut Nationale des Sciences Apliquees (INSA). A recruitment consultant working with Bouygues UK contacted me through Trinity College looking for bilingual technical graduates. I was then interviewed for my current position by Bouygues UK.

Training provision in this company:
Bouygues UK is committed to having a well educated and highly skilled workforce. Any training I require relevant to my work is provided for, either by the company, or by external bodies.

Most important skills and knowledge I use in my job:
Skills: Communication, Pro activeness and Attention to Detail.

Knowledge: Mechanical Engineering and Building Services.

Most interesting part of my work:
I work with a very experienced team of engineers who are eager to impart their knowledge and I enjoy learning from them. Also, during the course of my daily work, I interact with a multitude of people including architects, engineers from all disciplines and consultants.

This enables me to have a global perspective of the projects that we work on and to see the benefits of an effective and efficient team.

Most challenging part of my work:
Time. The time plan of the projects we work on is critical to their success and so information must be available when it is required. As all functions are interdependent, delays have a consequential effect. Developing a systematic way of working is a process of continual revision. As more projects arise, having a methodological approach ensures that I complete my work.

Advice for current TCD students entering the employment market:
I applied for graduate schemes in the UK 6 months before I sat my final year exams. I secured my role as a graduate manufacturing engineer with Corus 4 months before my final exams. It was a relief to know that all I had to focus on was doing my best in my exams as I had a job when I finished.

My advice:
1) Graduate schemes are an excellent way to establish the specialisation you wish to focus on. As many graduates worry about what they want to do when they finish, and may not have professional experience in their field before graduating, these schemes are very well supported and will assist you in reaching your potential.

2) Networking at events is invaluable. There are professional institutions regularly hosting lectures, competitions and socials where you will meet like-minded people interested in promoting their career and helping those keen to succeed.

Senior Engineer

How I found this job:
Family business.

Training provision in this company:
1½ years training with John Mowlem Construction Ltd.

Career development / progression in this company:
Forman / Engineer - Contracts Manager.

Most important skills and knowledge I use in my job:
Setting out structures.

Most interesting part of my work:
Solving problems on new sites.

Most challenging part of my work:
Dealing with subcontractors.

Civil Engineer

How I found this job:
I started working for an Engineering consulatant firm who liaised with Local Governments. I was interested in working for Local government and after 3 years post-graduate work experience, I applied for SDCC and came first on the panel. I began working for the County Council in 2008 and have never looked back.

Influencing factors in accepting this job were:
Good working conditions. Job stability and flexible working hours.

What my role involves:
I am an engineer in the Roads Maintenance section. I work on roads construction projects and am involved in Winter maintenance and Health & Safety.

Most important skills and knowledge I use in my job:
Knowledge of H&S legislation.

Most interesting and challenging part of my work:
Writing new procedures and designing new infrastructure.

Advice for current TCD students entering the employment market:
Do what you enjoy and not what you think there are more jobs in.