Gillan Hondebrink

Gillan Hondebrink
JOB Civil and structural engineer
EMPLOYER Bechtel Limited (UK)
DEGREE MEng civil and structural engineering (2005)
UNIVERSITY University of Aberdeen

Finding a job

I decided to work in engineering design and construction as it allows full involvement in a project from preliminary conception through to construction. I read a variety of publications to help me decide which employers to apply to. For my current position, I had an initial interview followed by a day at an assessment centre and a technical interview.

My role

I am responsible for the design of structures that support the equipment and piping used in a natural gas processing plant. I’m currently designing a 200 metre long by 25 metre high rack to carry pipes between different process areas of the plant. I liaise with other departments in the design team to get all the information required to produce a safe, functional design. Once my completed designs reach the stage of issue, I communicate with the steel fabricator to answer any queries and then see the structure through to construction.

Training

I receive in-house technical training and externally facilitated soft-skills training. I can also use an online series of over 1,000 self-taught courses to advance my knowledge of specific areas of work. For any other courses that I feel are necessary, I can put forward a request to the senior managers at the graduate forum held regularly for us to discuss such matters.

The highs

I enjoy starting with a blank sheet of paper and a list of requirements then watching a structure develop through design to fabrication and installation on site.

The lows

I often have to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines and sometimes this can be hard work. However, working at a fast pace keeps my job exciting.