James Straw
Name: James Straw
Job: Civil engineer
Area of work: Geotechnical
Employer: Mott MacDonald
Qualifications: MEng civil engineering, Newcastle University
Like most graduate engineers, I was excited about the opportunities for international travel and expressed this in my interview. However, despite the number of exciting global projects your employer may be working on, it is unusual for a graduate engineer to spend an extended period of time overseas. I researched where my company had existing teams that I could join and then let my divisional director know I was very interested in working abroad.
Getting to grips with international projects
Two weeks after our meeting, my divisional director contacted me to let me know that in two months’ time there would be an opportunity for me to spend nine months in Dubai. I was ecstatic! I am now living and working in Dubai as a member of a geotechnical team. I have worked on several projects – perhaps the most interesting was developing eight islands in the Gulf into a world-class holiday destination. My role was to compile technical and interpretative reports on the geotechnical risks and unique geology of the islands. I am currently working on the new Doha international airport in Qatar – we are creating preliminary geotechnical designs from the office in Dubai. The project is for a new terminus box for a high speed train station, and the associated tunnels to connect the station with the region’s railway and metro networks.
Adjusting to a new way of life
I want to take this opportunity to explore the Middle East, so I aim to use just two weeks of my annual leave to go home to the UK – I am very fortunate that my friends, family and girlfriend visit me often. I use Skype to speak to my girlfriend and family daily, and Facebook to keep in touch with friends. The hardest thing is not being able to pop home at weekends for events such as weddings, stag parties and general get-togethers. I love working abroad, though, as it provides first-hand experience of how work is completed outside the UK, and makes me look at projects from a different perspective. I enjoy the way of life too – in my spare time I can do things like scuba diving, indoor snow boarding, dune buggying and go on safari. It also means I’ve had early responsibility which should help with my career progression. As well as your passport, sunglasses and camera, if you spend time abroad as an engineer make sure you travel with ambition and a thirst for a pint!