James Mackenzie-Burrows

NAME James Mackenzie-Burrows
JOB Electrical engineer
AREA OF WORK Building services engineering
EMPLOYER AECOM
QUALIFICATIONS MEng engineering and management (electronic), University of Exeter

I wanted a career that combined the knowledge I gained at university with a practical application in construction. It was only by browsing through various online job agencies that I found out that ‘building services’ was an actual industry. I actually found my employer through an targetjobs.co.uk and applied through the site.

Design responsibilites

'After two years at my company, I was responsible for the entire electrical design for an £80m hospital redevelopment.'

I’m responsible for the electrical design of new and refurbished buildings. This has to be done in a cost effective and environmentally aware manner. My day-to-day job involves making electrical calculations using formulae or software toolkits, drafting designs in CAD packages and liaising with other people from the design team.

Within the company I mainly work with the project design team, which includes mechanical and public health engineers as well as fellow electrical engineers. Outside of the company I work with the extended project team, including the architect and contractor.

My most unforgettable moment

After only being at the company for two years I was made responsible for the entire electrical design for an £80m hospital redevelopment: an enormous responsibility. I was told this at the same time as I was promoted from graduate to engineer, filling me with excitement as well as a little nervousness over the job to come.