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Laura Killeen
Associate, Design ID
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Your opinion is as valuable as anyone else's in the room- don't be afraid to speak up!
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am a Structural Engineer- my main focus is on building structures. Structural Engineers are problem solvers- designing the skeleton of a building to safely support all loads acting on it, whilst considering the impact on our environment.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
Lego! Who didn't/ doesn't enjoy building with Lego and seeing how high they can build a stable structure?! I have always had an interest in Architecture- my mum remembers me walking around on family city breaks constantly looking up and not looking where I was going! So the interest in Architecture along with the passion to understand how things work pointed towards Structural Engineering.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
I wasn't aware of Structural Engineering as a career when I was at school- now I try to promote this to a young audience whenever I get the opportunity. Achieving Chartered Membership status with The Institution of Structural Engineers felt like a real career milestone and something I am very proud of.
I try to encourage & support graduates along their chartership journey, and promote Institution involvement from an early stage.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
Every day is different and no two jobs are the same. Working on a varied range of structures presents a multitude of challenges- sometimes the smaller projects are more intricate and challenging than the 15 storey residential buildings!
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Be confident, your opinion is as valuable as anyone else's in the room- don't be afraid to speak up! And there is no such thing as a stupid question!
INSPO / FUN FACT
“A feminist is anyone who recognises the equality and full humanity of women and men.” – Gloria Steinem