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Pooja Godhania

BEng Civil Engineering                  

Year of Graduation: 2014

Job title: Contractor

Employer: John Sisk & Sons

Your background:

Before going to Loughborough University, I was studying for my A Levels and working in a call centre. After doing work experience for 3 weeks in the construction industry, I decided I wanted to be a civil engineer. I also did a year out placement during my time at Loughborough as I wanted more realistic experience within the industry.

Where are you now?

I am currently working for a contractor, John Sisk & Son and I am working on my second project for them in Dublin. I am on a 4-year graduate scheme called Excelerate that involves 8-month placements at different projects throughout the UK and Europe with an aim to fast track to a Leadership Role.

How did you get there?

Finishing my placement year and returning to university helped confirm that I wanted to work for a construction contractor and be an engineer. I chose to apply for a job with John Sisk & Sons as they were the company leading our final year project. Their involvement allowed me to see that they were the type of company I wanted to work for and had a very appealing graduate scheme.

Where are you going?

I hope to progress within the company through the graduate scheme and reach senior management eventually. I am also aiming to complete my chartership with the CIOB and become an Incorporated Engineer with ICE within my time on the graduate scheme.

What if anything would you have done differently during your time at Loughborough University to help you prepare better for your career/life upon graduation?

I would have spent longer on mastering the basics of the course and I would have applied for summer placements within the industry.

What advice would you give to a student studying your subject at university now?

Make the most of each and every opportunity presented to you. Take advantage of a placement year to get a realistic view of what the industry you want to go into is actually like.