Interviews with Structural Engineers can be a very illuminating way to understand what being a structural engineer is like in practice. The interviewer can ask the questions that get right to the point. An interview can also be quite wide-ranging even if it is concise. Covering the different aspects of structural engineering from education to career progression, from stories about structural engineering to recommendations of ways to learn more. There’s also the possibility of reading interviews with structural engineers at different grades, from different countries or with different specialisms. One interview may give one angle on structural engineering while another interview shows it in a completely different light.
I wanted to share with you a range of such structural engineering interviews to give you a flavour and an overview of the profession. In time I hope to interview some structural engineers directly and would welcome good suggestions in the comments.
Anna Bergman was a structural engineer in Sweden before moving to the UK. She enjoys the variety of the profession where each project is different. For instance she has been enjoying growing her skills in masonry and in-situ concrete design as these were not materials that were widely used in Sweden.
Ummer Daraz transferred from working in banking to become a structural engineer which he found combined his love of art and mathematics. He has worked on a variety of projects including his personal favourite the Portsoken Pavilion.
Roma Agrawal designed bridges and worked on the Shard before becoming a spokesperson for engineering with various media appearances and presenting roles on television. She has recently written a book to promote Structural Engineering.
Danielle McGrellis was named one of the top 50 female engineers in the UK. She studied French, history and mathematics at A-level and did a work placement with an engineering firm. Since graduating from University she worked on high profile projects such as the King Abdullah Sports City Stadium in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi Airport. She spends a lot of her time as an engineer computer modelling using complex mathematical calculations and algorithms.
Christina Varnava is a structural engineer who designs bridges and flood prevention. She was fascinated by structural engineering from a young age and enjoyed maths, physics and solving practical problems. She studied engineering at university and has now been working for five years towards becoming a chartered engineer. She likes engineering because “you never get the same challenge twice – you never get bored!”
johnhurle 