Interview: Student Structural Engineer – Tristan Donaghey

Introduction: In this month’s article, we are going to give an insight into working with LSY Engineering Consultants Ltd as a Student Structural Engineer. This article is presented by Tristan Donaghey, who has successfully completed BEng Structural Engineering with Architecture from Queen’s University Belfast and worked with LSY Engineering Consultants Ltd as a Student Structural Engineer. 

Interview: 

Why you chose LSY: As I approached my final year at university, I knew I wanted to spend the summer living and working in London. I wanted to be surrounded by like-minded individuals who are passionate about pushing the boundaries, making a positive contribution and a show a willingness to learn and grow.

I had the opportunity to intern at LSY Engineering Consultants, and over the course of two months, I was immersed in a dynamic and challenging environment that not only broadened my technical knowledge but also provided invaluable insights into the professional world of engineering.

I delved deep into various projects across structural engineering, and also got to learn and observe the overall workings of a company from a business standpoint, to more creative aspects such as marketing.

What do you most enjoy about the job: Working at LSY has been an extremely rewarding experience, It’s an environment that fosters collaboration and values the input of every team member, where your views and skills could be pulled into a project at any moment. It allowed me to put my academic learning into practice, where my perspectives were put to use, and my ideas were actualized in real-world projects. This hands-on involvement inspired me and furthered my passion for engineering and design.

I loved being challenged by multiple projects each day. This constant engagement not only honed my technical skills but also improved my ability to manage time and prioritize tasks effectively. I learned to adapt quickly, think critically, and approach problems from different angles, skills that will undoubtedly be invaluable in my future career.

Thoughts on structural engineering and overcoming challenges : I loved being challenged by multiple projects each day. This constant engagement not only honed my technical skills but also improved my ability to manage time and prioritize tasks effectively. I learned to adapt quickly, think critically, and approach problems from different angles, skills that will undoubtedly be invaluable in my future career.

Cherished experiences gained after starting work  : Aside from my work I also got to know some remarkable people, who made my time even more enjoyable and whose ideas I’ve got to cross with on a day-to-day basis. This opportunity was more than just a professional experience; it was a crucial part of my journey towards becoming a great engineer, and I am grateful for LSY for being a piece of that journey