• Question: Who do you work for? Do you recommend your job for anyone who is thinking of going of in that job route? Thanks

    Asked by 626fuee48 to Chris, Sarah, Paul, Priyanka, Ryan on 8 Mar 2016. This question was also asked by FINLAY, Lexy.
    • Photo: Christine Coonick

      Christine Coonick answered on 8 Mar 2016:

      Thanks for the question.

      I work for the Building Research Establishment. We used to be run by the Government but became a separate company in the 80s. We cover all research, innovation and testing of the built environment. We do a lot of work on trying to get buildings (of all types – houses, schools, shopping centres) as energy efficient as possible.

      BRE is a big company, with very diverse operations and needs a wide range of skilled people. We employ engineers of all types, architects, chemists, accountants, you name it.

      As I came into engineering later on in life I probably took a more unorthodox route, but for those looking to go on to do engineering at University I would definitely recommend applying for a graduate programme afterwards. Lots of larger companies, including the BRE. The programmes usually last for 2 years and they give you a taste of different areas and jobs within the company. By the end you have a really good idea of what you may like to do in the future. And its a good way of getting experience, making connections and building up your CV.

    • Photo: Priyanka Dhopade

      Priyanka Dhopade answered on 10 Mar 2016:

      I work for the University of Oxford as a researcher in the Engineering Department. My research focuses on the flow inside a jet engine. I try to find ways to improve the efficiency of the engine by improving the cooling systems in the hot part of the engine. You can read more on my profile – I’ve got pictures!
      Research in engineering is pretty interesting because you’re working at the limits of the current knowledge. You’re constantly trying to discover something new and learn something new. You also have the freedom to try new and whacky experiments to prove your hypothesis!
      As a researcher, you’d have to be comfortable working on your own as well as part of team.
      I would definitely recommend doing research to see whether you’d like it or not! If you decide to do a 4-year engineering degree at university, you can choose to do a small research project in your 3rd or 4th year and work in a lab.

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