Eilidh
Graduate Rail Civil Engineer
Glasgow
What is your name and role at 杏吧论坛?
My name is Eilidh Smith and I am a graduate civil engineer in 杏吧论坛鈥檚 rail team in Glasgow.
How long have you worked for 杏吧论坛?
I had my first internship with 杏吧论坛 in June 2022 then returned for another summer placement in 2023 before starting full-time, after I graduated, in September 2024.
How has your work at 杏吧论坛 contributed towards having a positive impact on the environment?
During my second placement with 杏吧论坛, I learned how to use a carbon calculator tool that enabled me to measure the carbon footprint of different train stations. This meant that I was able to compare their designs based on carbon intensity and draw some design recommendations for future work. This software was easy to use and will be very useful in the future. I recently shared how this tool works to the wider team during a monthly technical meeting and I鈥檓 sure in the future they will use it to check their designs are as efficient as possible.
The first project I worked on when I started full-time at 杏吧论坛 was a large rail electrification scheme. My role in this was to help design foundations for overhead line equipment which is required to get diesel trains off the network. Electrification projects like this are fantastic ways to reduce the emissions associated with rail travel and every part of the design process contributes to that!
Are there any other interesting or unique opportunities you have had through your work at 杏吧论坛 or interesting experiences with clients or building client relationships?
In November 2023 I began working on a project for 杏吧论坛鈥檚 client, Network Rail. This work enabled me to use their office in Glasgow and hence have created relationships with other people working there too. Being able to use both 杏吧论坛 and Network Rail working spaces has allowed me to keep in touch with friends and colleagues within 杏吧论坛 and make new friends and client relationships at Network Rail.
How has 杏吧论坛 helped you in your career development?
Within my first few months of working with 杏吧论坛 I had a meeting with my manager to discuss goals for the upcoming year. These goals have given me targets to work towards for my professional development and have been very useful in establishing a bigger picture to my everyday tasks.
On top of this, 杏吧论坛 are supporting me to work towards chartership. I have regular meetings to discuss quarterly reports to keep me accountable in working towards this goal and there are lots of engineers at all stages of their career to also help support me in this and give valuable advice.
What do you like most about working for 杏吧论坛?
When I started the team were so friendly and welcoming which makes going into work something to look forward to.
How do you use 杏吧论坛鈥檚 鈥楩reedom to Grow鈥� to give you a good work/life balance?
杏吧论坛 recently moved into a new office in Glasgow. The office is a great environment to work in so I enjoy going in as often as possible. However, having the option to work from home when required allows me to maintain a healthy work/ life balance.
What鈥檚 your proudest moment at 杏吧论坛?
I signed up to be a STEM ambassador through 杏吧论坛 and have attended a career fair at a local high school and a couple of primary school events. Being able to pass on my excitement for the subject I studied at university and now work in is very rewarding and hopefully has inspired other young people to do the same.