Katherine Stopyra
Name: Katherine Stopyra
Course: MEng Civil Engineering
Year of Study: 2
Graduation Year: 2027
What work experience did you do?
I completed a 6-week summer internship at a civil engineering consultancy company called ARUP in their Structures Team.
What was it that inspired you to look for work experience?
I was interested in gaining experience in civil engineering, specifically the structural field, to see how the theory I was taught in lectures was applied in real projects and to help me decide if I would like to work in this field post-graduation.
Why did you choose to do work experience in this area?
After graduation, I will need to specialise in an area of civil engineering, so I wanted to gain insight into the workplace differences. For example, I wanted to see how a structural engineer may have different responsibilities and tasks compared to someone in the Civils / Water / Transport teams.
Give a brief snapshot of your role:
- Created an Embodied Carbon Project Leaderboard, comparing the carbon footprint of different projects using Arup’s PECC calculator template.
- Modelled multiple projects using structural engineering technical software.
- Shadowed senior engineers in site visits, creating the risk assessment beforehand and riting up the site report afterwards.
How did the Bursary award support you in gaining experience?
The bursary award covered travel, which allowed me to fully focus on the internship without financial stress. It also meant I could accept the opportunity without having to take on part-time work alongside it, enabling me to dedicate more time towards my role.
What were the most enjoyable aspects of your role?
I particularly enjoyed attending site visits alongside experienced engineers and seeing how they approached problem-solving in real projects. I also found it rewarding to contribute to designs that could have a tangible impact, and I enjoyed the variety of tasks Arup gave me, from using new software to helping create initial designs for structures.
What were the challenges?
Adapting to new software, technical standards, and industry-specific terminology took time. Balancing accuracy with time pressures was also something I had to learn quickly.
Did you have any worries or concerns before your work experience and if so how were they dealt with and overcome?
Before starting, I was concerned I might lack the technical knowledge to contribute meaningfully. However, everyone in the office was so supportive and explained concepts clearly, therefore encouraging me to ask all questions I wanted to.
What specific or transferable skills did you develop through the work experience?
I developed technical skills in software like Revit, Tekla, Bluebeam and Tedds. I also developed communication skills through having to explain my reasoning for designs and at the end of my internship I had to present to the whole Structures team about my experience at Arup. My time management skills were also developed as I had to adhere to deadlines.
Did the work experience give you any insights and have these influenced your career pathway?
Yes, it confirmed my interest in pursuing a career in civil and structural engineering, especially in sustainable infrastructure. It also gave me a clearer understanding of the collaborative nature of the industry and the importance of interdisciplinary work.
Do you have any words of wisdom for future students looking to gain work experience?
In interviews be proactive and show genuine interest in projects and company values. Don’t be afraid to admit when you don’t know something either, employers value a willingness to learn and curiosity.
