Graduate profiles - Rail
Keith Cheung
University and degree:
Imperial College, MEng Civil Engineering
Business Unit/Stream:
Rail Professional Services/Structures South
"My department generally deals with structures to do with railways. However we are involved with the design and assessment of other structures as well. Projects I have worked on span from bridge assessments to advising on HSE regarding civil asset risk management. Other work we are involved in includes the use of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Plastics (CFRP) to strengthen existing structures for the Corporation of London and a 100 year old bridge for Essex County Council."
Prestigious Projects
"Aside from the rail aspect, I have designed the steel structure of a 13 span viaduct carrying a highway above the Hunslet area in Leeds. I have been commissioned by the Mouchel Ports and Coastal team to provide computational analysis support in designing a bridge and steel frame structure between two jetties.
I have also had the opportunity to be part of the award winning Gasport Teeside project. This involved designing a pre-tensioned concrete bridge spanning between two jetty heads with a steel tower to mount a gas supply loading arm that connects to a docked gas ship. A further truss foot walkway was also installed for pedestrian access. I was responsible for carrying out a structural analysis of a steel tower, pre-tensioned concrete bridge and the truss walkway using STAAD to ascertain load effects in order facilitate the design of structural components."
Variety and Challenge
"Having been with Mouchel since the merger in 2003, I can see we are making a big name for ourselves on the civil scene. Amongst others we are actively bidding for projects on the Olympic Commission. With such potential growth there are undoubtedly plenty of opportunities for career development. I am pursuing further involvement in project management whilst also improving my technical ability both of which I have confidence that Mouchel can provide. I have aspirations to be charted by end of 2008 and a project manager within 2-3 years.
Since joining Mouchel I have been involved in at least 15 different projects varying in nature from technical based to project management and consultancy. I have found it a satisfying challenge to multitask between the projects and complete them within the deadlines agreed."
Graduate profiles - Management Consultancy
Sean Harries, Assistant Project Manager
University and degree:
University/degree - University of Birmingham,
BSc Environmental Management
Business Unit/Stream:
Assistant Project Manager/Management Consultancy
"My name is Sean Harries and I have been with Mouchel for 4 months. I joined as part of the Graduate Induction Programme and my role is Assistant Project Manager within Management Consultancy, but more specifically situated in the New Models of School Organisation division - more commonly known as the Academies team - which is within Education & Learning Services.
Academies are a new type of publicly funded independent secondary school, that offer a real alternative for inner city schools with a history of underperformance. This aims to improve children's opportunities and offer improved community resources.
Since starting at the company I have found that the members of the Academies team are all extremely helpful, friendly and adopt a work hard play harder attitude. I found that anyone would stop what they were doing and dedicate their full attention to answer any question. I also believe that the values which the company upholds are permeated throughout the staff and are reflected in their work and attitude towards others.
I was going to write about a typical day as an Assistant Project Manager but there is no such thing as a typical day. One aspect of the job that keeps me so interested in my work is the fact that every day is different. I regularly travel to work on the tube on a Monday morning thinking 'what will I be doing this week?' Of course part of the job is planning ahead but you always have new challenges to face.
Another angle of my work, which I have really enjoyed, has been working with a number of various clients. They range from multi-million pound sponsors, Local Authorities, staff and students, and public relations companies. This side of the work really appealed to me as I have a good level of inter-personal skills. The people you work with will recognise your strengths and really help you to develop them.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the flexibility you are offered at Mouchel. My induction period was valuable in helping to progress and shape my way forward. I was offered a vast range of options within the business which I could pursue and these have all been fed into my 12 month targets.
At present I work on a number of small projects, a main project in Oxford and I have also been given ownership of a learning forum for Assistant Project Managers throughout the company. Learning is something that is fully supported by Mouchel and I have been encouraged to join the Association of Project Managers and will be completing PRINCE2 training- a recognised project manager's tool/qualification.
I think a good summary would be that Mouchel can train, support, encourage and reward you, but most of all assist you to develop your professional career in the best environment."