A Graduate Structural Engineer in our Dublin office, Ronan gives an insight into his working life and describes how Lego and a childhood trip to New York kick-started his fascination with engineering.
A Childhood Fascination with Engineering
From a young age, I was captivated by the process of creation, from building Lego structures to admiring architectural marvels around me. I visited New York at the age of 12, which served as a defining moment for my future career, igniting my interest in the engineering world. Recently I looked through pictures from this trip, and I noticed that almost every picture featured the iconic New York skyline and it was specifically the Freedom Tower, newly opened in remembrance of the Twin Towers, which left a lasting impression on me. Its size and mesmerizing design sparked a passion in me to try and understand the intricacies behind building design and construction, leading me to undertake a degree in engineering at the Technological University of Dublin.
Starting My Career as a Graduate Structural Engineer
Since completing my studies, I have taken on the position of Graduate Structural Engineer, working alongside a team of six engineers which includes an Associate, two Senior Engineers, myself, and an Intern. The team strikes the perfect balance of professionalism and camaraderie, which has created such a supportive and focused work environment. I have learnt so much in a short period of time due to this positive environment and the help of one of the Structural Engineers who oversees my work and guides me through the process of designing and understanding key components of the industry.
Hands-On Learning and Key Projects
It is difficult to quantify everything I’ve learned so far at Waterman Moylan, but the current project I am working on, primarily involving reinforced concrete, has been invaluable for progressing my knowledge. Since working on the scheme, I’ve developed a strong understanding of how to design various RC elements, including transfer beams, pile caps, columns and slabs, whilst also having the opportunity to visit site once a week to conduct inspections alongside our resident engineer. These visits allow me to see firsthand how our designs are then implemented, giving me a clearer perspective on the practical aspects of construction, meaning I can begin to design with a stronger understanding and appreciation of how the elements come together onsite. I feel my knowledge grows with every new task I undertake, and one of my favourite projects to date is Airton Road which featured six blocks of apartments ranging from five to eight stories in Tallaght, Dublin. The majority of my time since joining the team has been spent designing these apartments, and I am so excited to follow their progress towards completion.
A Supportive and Inclusive Work Environment
Something that I feel Waterman Moylan has mastered is the emphasis they place on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment. Especially at the start of my professional career, it was such a positive thing to be able to go out and socialise with the more experienced engineers through the ‘Going to the Dogs’ night, social outings, and group walks. Not only this, but Paul O’Connell, our Managing Director, organised a welcome gathering for all the new Graduates which was the perfect opportunity to connect with my peers from other engineering disciplines within the company, and meant I started my career journey feeling valued and at ease.
Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
In the future, an aspiration of mine is to travel to different countries and immerse myself in diverse engineering practices. Waterman offers international working opportunities, and I feel this will broaden my knowledge and teach me so much about the wider world of engineering. I am also committed to advancing my career and gaining chartership as it will not only solidify my expertise but will hopefully open doors to more responsibility and opportunities within Waterman Moylan and the wider industry.
Final Thoughts and Advice
I have absolutely loved my first year as a Graduate Structural Engineer at Waterman Moylan and would strongly recommend this career path to anyone with an intertest in the world of engineering. My advice to those looking a career in engineering would be to stay curious and never stop learning. Engineering is a field that is constantly evolving, so having a passion for problem-solving, a willingness to adapt and to be confident asking questions is key, since learning from others will be invaluable throughout your career.
