Mohannad Hasna: Bechtel graduate

Employer: Bechtel
University: American University of Beirut
Degree: BEng civil engineering

I helped out at my father's construction company when I was younger and did two work placements as part of my degree: one in a design office in Beirut and the other with a construction company in Kuwait. My university has strong links with my current employer and I was attracted by the thought of working on huge projects for a multinational company.

Working on the west coast mainline

I've worked in various roles as part of my company's four-year graduate scheme. I've spent most of my time so far working with an integrated Bechtel/Network Rail team on the west coast route modernisation programme: a £9 billion project to allow travel at up to 125 mph travel between London and Glasgow. I'm largely office based, with site visits from time to time and the occasional overnight stay.

Assisting the programme director

For 14 months I was assistant project manager to the programme director and Bechtel's prime contract manager. I helped to monitor key performance indicators to ensure that all parts of the project were on course to deliver on schedule. Work needed to be completed on over 2,000 functional requirements to allow trains to travel at that speed (for example extra track and station platforms, and adding or replacing overhead electrical lines). It was important that engineering works were completed on time so that temporary speed restrictions could be lifted before the new timetable started.

Helping on the final phase

The project is now in its final phase and I'm in a new role helping with one specific part of this: I'm assistant signalling project manager on the Rugby–Nuneaton remodelling project. This involves some additional physical work to increase reliability as well as 'closing out' the earlier work – for example making sure that relevant paperwork such as health and safety documentation has been put together properly ready to hand over to Network Rail's maintenance team.

Support from managers

I've received in-house training and had some very good managers who have helped with my development, explaining why we are doing what we are doing and how this affects the business. It's been a bit difficult working in a language that isn't my mother tongue, especially understanding jokes, but I’m getting better at this!

Best bits and worst bits

I'm enjoying being part of a project of this magnitude, seeing how it is structured and knowing that it will make a difference. I work hard – typically 7.00 am till 5.00 pm, with some night and weekend work – but I still manage to go out with friends and to play sport.