Kathryn Waghorn

Name: Kathryn Waghorn
Job: Senior planning engineer
Employer: Vinci Construction UK
Degree: MEng civil engineering, University of Surrey
Professional status: MICE

After starting work for my current employer I began a formal training scheme to gain Institution of Civil Engineers chartered status. The prospect of studying for another qualification straight after graduation was daunting at first, but I was allocated two engineers as my mentors throughout the scheme and always felt supported and encouraged. I attended essay writing groups with other candidates as well as courses run by the institution.

Becoming qualified

I had to write reports every three months to describe what I had been doing and to demonstrate to my mentors how I had achieved the objectives for the professional qualification. When I had completed each objective I applied for the professional review.

'When I found out I'd passed, I felt elated.'

The last couple of months before the review were busy – there were strict deadlines and combining this work with a full-time job required planning and organisation. I had to prepare two reports, a presentation and revise my technical knowledge in preparation for the interview with two reviewers. I also had to write an essay in an exam environment after the interview, on a subject set by them. The day was intense but welcome after the months of preparation.

A real achievement

When I found out I had passed in spring this year I felt elated, as all the hard work had been worth it. My chartered status will stay with me for the rest of my career and I can provide clients and employers with immediate evidence of my knowledge and experience.