Education and qualifications:
BSc (Hons)
Forensic Science and PhD Fire and Materials Science
Job title: Associate
Employer: Design Fire Consultants
What inspired you to become an engineer?
It’s only since becoming Chartered that I’ve felt I can properly call myself an engineer. My education and background are in science, so I’d never set off to become an engineer. I was drawn to a career in engineering after leaving university as I liked solving real-life problems and did some work experience in a consultancy environment, which I really enjoyed.
Please describe your current role.
I’m responsible for the day to day management of fire engineering projects. This includes liaising with clients such as architects and developers, other engineering disciplines, approving authorities and ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget. I’ve only recently joined Design Fire Consultants but previously had a role in leading staff development and recruitment which I’d love to get involved with again.
In what ways has IFE membership and registration benefitted your career?
I’m yet to experience the full benefits of becoming professionally registered as I have only recently gained CEng status but for the moment it demonstrates that I have achieved a recognised standard of competence and I’ve benefitted from the financial and career progression that is associated with this.
Can you describe a typical working day?
No two days are ever the same. I’m mostly office-based so a typical day would include writing reports, attending meetings with stakeholders, and reviewing drawings or manufacturer’s information. Sometimes I’ll be out of the office going to site visits to inspect fire safety installations or witnessing fire tests.
Are there any particular challenges or unusual aspects to your role?
Post-Grenfell there has been much scrutiny of fire engineering as a profession. I hope the industry will take on the lessons learned from the tragedy and that life safety remains the most important aspect of any fire engineering design.
What do you find most enjoyable about your job?
I love my job. I especially enjoy the variety of projects I get to work on, the network of experts I get to work with and the development of others through coaching and mentoring. I volunteer as a mentor with the Social Mobility Foundation (SMF) and the Associate for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE-UK). It’s so rewarding to see the next generation of engineers grow and develop. I appreciate that makes me sound ancient but it seems like only yesterday I was going through the same motions and the challenges my mentees face are very similar to those that I encountered.
Is there a great professional achievement that you would like to tell us about?
Over the past three years, I’ve led the fire engineering design for the redevelopment of Manchester Town Hall. I have a soft spot for heritage buildings and have been able to use my past experience of working on the Palace of Westminster. When my grandfather came to the UK in the 1950s, he came to Manchester to work in the city’s cotton mills. I know a lot has changed over the past 70 years but every time I approach the building, I feel a sense of familiarity as I know that he saw what I see today. It has been an honour to work on such a historically significant building.
What contributed to your decision to become professionally registered?
I think it’s important to have professionally registered engineers to maintain standards within the industry. I felt that becoming a Chartered Engineer would give me recognition from my peers, superiors, and other engineers inside and outside of my organisation. I don’t have a ‘traditional’ engineering background and so hope I can inspire those who do not fit the ‘engineering mould’ to become professionally registered.
How does your employer benefit from your professional registration and IFE membership?
My credentials improve the credentials of my team and the profession. When bidding for new work, having CEng status adds greater weight to our bids and gives clients and approving authorities’ confidence in my ability. Certain processes also require CEng sign-off and those can only be completed by employees who are professionally registered.
Is there any advice you would pass on to someone considering joining the IFE?
Start as soon as you can! It can seem overwhelming to start with but there is lots of support out there and many people who have been through the same process who can guide and assist you. The best place to start is with a review of the competencies. This can then guide your career progression towards strengthening those competencies which may be missing or weaker. It’s also a good idea to get your CPD record in order.