How did I get into the ground engineering industry? I was originally planning a career in an entirely different field of work, and engineering geology/geotechnical engineering isn’t particularly a well-known career. It is one that I didn’t even know existed! However, after having a conversation with a neighbour, who explained the career that they had as a civil engineer turned geotechnical engineer, describing the roles they had in projects in the UK and around the world! I was inspired to see how I could get into this profession. I recall having a phone call with Nick Koor (course lead for BEng Engineering Geology and Geotechnics) from the University of Portsmouth, and after a long discussion about the degree and its career prospects, Nick offered me a place which I accepted straight away!

The opportunity to experience what it is like to work in the industry as a student is something that is so beneficial of the Engineering Geology and Geotechnics degree at Portsmouth. The course is a four-year sandwich degree which offers a 44-week placement after the second year of studying. After experiencing this first hand, my view is that this placement prepares you for the industry so much more than a regular degree, as well as increasing your knowledge in preparation for the final year of university. When conferring with other employees, they speak of how envious they are that I get this experience.

Since being at GEA I have completed a variety of tasks that include office and on-site work. In the office it has ranged from doing detailed desk studies to writing up logs from on-site projects. I think what has really surprised me about this placement is how much of an understanding I have gained in such a short period. I am excited to see my own personal development through placement, exploring my own capabilities working towards becoming a competent geotechnical engineer prior to completing my degree. The exposure to on-site work has helped me learn how the various phases link between the uptake of a job and the published report. Working at GEA has also made me more familiar with how the different aspects of ground investigation combine, from engineering geology, geotechnics and even the geo-environmental/contaminated land aspect which originally, I would’ve related to a different discipline altogether! There are certain aspects that without the placement experience, I wouldn’t have even considered being a part of the role of a consultant geotechnical engineer.

Personal highlights of my placement experience so far include working on a site on Bayswater Road and witnessing our drilling rig being hoisted into the site via crane. As well as seeing a derelict house in Weybridge that had been abandoned for thirty years, which included an outdoor swimming pool and tennis court! I managed to snap a couple of pictures of both:

The amazing thing about the engineering sector is that there are so many opportunities for work, not just nationally but globally too, but before I even think about that next step, I must make sure that I return to Portsmouth and achieve a First Class in my degree in 2024. Then I will consider what my best options are, which include the prospect of studying a Master’s degree, maybe after a few years working in the industry. I also intend to become chartered in the future.

I have nothing but positivity to share about GEA and my experience so far. On my first day I was welcomed as soon as I came through the door and was greeted by all the team. I couldn’t believe how friendly everybody was and it instantly settled my nerves. At any time in my placement where I feel as though I need help, I feel comfortable going to any member of the team who will always take time out of their day to assist me. I would highly recommend this placement to any student who is eager to advance their career from early on. The expectations of you are realistic but optimistic at the same time, there are independent tasks set for you to get started and settled into the workforce and from then on you are well looked after. I cannot speak highly enough about GEA.

by Harry Hooper