Student has built solid career foundation thanks to industry accredited programme

Our #EmployabilityAtGCU campaign aims to highlight the ways the University can help students with accessing a graduate career.

The School of Computing, Engineering and Built Environment has a strong track record of working partnerships with professional bodies, ensuring an industry standard of learning.

Our professional affiliations not only keep our students up-to-date with the latest industry advancements, but also help our graduates to stand out when looking for employment.

One of these programmes includes BSc (Hons) Environmental Civil Engineering, which holds seven different industry accreditations.

Benefiting from the accredited programme is third year student Sama Radwan, who has already taken advantage of a number of opportunities provided by her course.

Firstly, for a bit of background, what made you decided to apply for Environmental Civil Engineering? 

“I was drawn to this field of study not only because of my interest in sustainability and environmental protection, but also because of my early fascination with the pyramids of Giza in Egypt. Being born in Egypt, I was exposed to the ancient structures of the pyramids and developed a curiosity about how they were built and the engineering principles that were used. This early exposure sparked my interest in civil engineering, which ultimately led me to pursue a degree in this field.

My educational background in math and science has also played a significant role in my decision to pursue a degree in Civil Engineering. My diverse educational background spanning the United States, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and Scotland has equipped me with the ability to adapt smoothly and efficiently to varying cultures and education systems.

Adapting to different cultures has helped me develop skills in communication, empathy, and collaboration, which are all critical for success in the field of civil engineering. These skills have allowed me to work effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and have enhanced my ability to understand and address the unique needs of different communities. I am also planning to explore my interest in the great pyramids of Giza in my dissertation. I believe that my fascination with the pyramids has informed my passion for sustainability and environmental protection. The pyramids have stood the test of time and are an excellent example of how infrastructure and buildings can be designed and constructed to last for centuries.

Through my dissertation, I am motivated to explore how we can apply the principles of longevity and durability to modern engineering projects while incorporating sustainability principles. I am excited about the prospect of designing infrastructure and projects that not only prioritize sustainability but also have the potential to last for generations, much like the pyramids and ancient Egyptian construction and architecture!”

So far, how do you feel that your course is helping you prepare for a career in the industry?

“As a Civil Engineering student, I would say that my course is providing me with valuable knowledge and skills that are essential for a successful career in the industry.

The coursework is designed to give me a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and the principles of engineering. This knowledge is essential for designing and analysing structures such as bridges, buildings and roads.

Additionally, the coursework is helping me to develop skills in computer-aided design (CAD), project management, and problem-solving, which are crucial in the civil engineering industry. These skills will be valuable in my future career, as I'll be able to use them to design and execute complex projects efficiently and effectively.

My civil engineering programme provides opportunities for internships, co-op placements, and other work experiences, which will give me a chance to apply what I've learned in real-world settings. These experiences will also help me to build my professional network, gain exposure to different aspects of the industry and prepare me for the challenges and demands of a career in civil engineering.

Overall, I feel confident that my course is providing me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to succeed as a civil engineer in the industry.”

Thinking about the learning opportunities you have had during your programme, do any stand out to you as being a highlight?

As a civil engineering student at GCU, there have been several learning opportunities throughout my programme that stand out as highlights for me.

One of my favourite moments was when I was involved in a group project ‘ConstructEd’ which involved designing and building a footbridge in just five days! This project allowed me to apply the theoretical knowledge I had gained in my coursework to a practical engineering problem. It was exciting to see our design take shape and come to life in the form of a physical model.

Another stand-out learning opportunity was when I participated in a three-day land-surveying course with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB). This course allowed me to see first-hand how the principles of civil engineering are applied in real-world settings. It was an eye-opening experience to see the complexity of the construction process and the teamwork involved in executing a project successfully.

Overall, these learning opportunities have been highlights of my civil engineering programme, as they have allowed me to apply what I've learned in a practical setting, gain new insights into the industry and develop valuable skills for my future career.

Now nearing the end of your degree, do you feel prepared to go into the world of work thanks to having an industry-accredited degree? 

When I first read this question, I was both excited and astonished about what lies ahead; three years feels like it passed so fast already! However, I do feel confident that I am prepared to enter the world of work thanks to the industry-accredited degree that I have received. Throughout my degree programme, I have been exposed to a wide range of coursework and practical experiences that have equipped me with the necessary technical skills and knowledge required to succeed in the civil engineering industry. The industry accreditation of my degree programme has also ensured that the curriculum aligns with the latest industry standards and best practices, providing me with a competitive advantage in the job market.

The opportunities for practical work experience and site visits have allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the real-world applications of civil engineering principles and have enabled me to apply my knowledge to practical problems.

While there is always more to learn and experience, I feel that my degree programme has provided me with a solid foundation to build upon as I begin my career. I am eager to continue learning and growing as a civil engineer and look forward to the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.”

Find out more about our SCEBE accredited programmes on our webpage

By Rachael McAlonan

Got a SCEBE or GSBS story? Email me at Rachael.McAlonan@gcu.ac.uk or connect with me on social media  here