Engineering & Building Management Case StudyMechanical EngineeringScott I am a lead design engineer in a water company. I first joined the company after my A-Levels and was sponsored through a BEng in Mechanical Engineering (later to become an MEng in Industrial Engineering). Following my graduation, an application to join the company full-time was a logical step. My first year after graduation formed part of an intensive programme exposing me to all areas of the business. My experiences ranged from a high level project and residential business develop week, to an outward bound weekend, and all this with the day job. With placements in a variety of engineering roles, the first thing I learnt was that every department is different. I met an amazing range of people, from professional and technical to those who maintain the networks and operate the plant. Working within the engineering function is an organising role. You are given an objective, be it the installation of a new pipeline or modifications to the treatment works. In a team, you are then responsible for turning the objective into reality. It's not detailed design, as consultants are paid to do that for us! I am currently responsible for the development of a new pumping station. Managing a team of engineers is quite a challenge. The most enjoyable bits are being able to turn ideas into something that hundreds, or even millions of people benefit from. The worse bits can be the visits to the sewage works! The company supported my development to Chartered status and every engineer has a mentor. In the future, I hope to take on project or operational management roles. | 
