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About Louise Lynch | Structural Engineer
Louise Lynch is a structural engineer with ESB International. She did Preliminary Engineering in DIT Bolton St. (a one year introductory course) and then went on to do the Honours Degree in Structural Engineering there. She loves the travel associated with her job. ESB International has work in many locations including South Africa, Spain and Vietnam.
Interview
How did you go about getting your current job?
My friend started working in ESB's Overhead Lines department and he sent my CV into the Civil and Structural Department for me. I got a call within a couple of days to come in for an interview and a medical. That was in December and it was after Christmas before I got the call to confirm I had been successful in getting a graduate position with ESB International.
What are the main tasks and responsibilities of your job?
My job involves:- writing up specifications for a proposed project,
- writing up reports on an investigation that was carried out
- carrying out designs of new structures
- getting drawings produced ready for contractors on site
- reviewing drawings to ensure they are accurate
- meeting with others on team to discuss progress of project
- checking construction procedures on site, including safety
- ensuring construction on site is carried out in accordance with the drawings
- recording progress on site
Does your job allow you to have a career you are happy with?
In the office, there is rarely a need to work late, so your social life isn't affected by your work schedule.
If you are working on site, longer hours are required. Since you are away from your home, family and friends, it does interfere with your life but all those on site are in the same situation and they socialise together to make up for the disruption to normal life.
ESB has a Tag Rugby team and other sports clubs that all are welcome to join. It also has a very good gym with good family memberships.
What subjects did you take in school and how have these influenced your career path?
The subjects I did in school didn't help much with my career path. The only subject I did that was useful to my career was honours maths.
As I didn't have the required subjects to get into my desired course, I did an extra year - a bridging year - Preliminary Engineering.
There are always other ways to get into courses, so if you have your heart set on engineering but don't have the required subjects (such as maths, physics, chemistry or mechanics/applied maths), look into courses like Preliminary Engineering or other bridging courses.
What kinds of work experience would provide a good background for this position?
ESB International allows Transition Year students to come in and get a taste of the engineering world. They also accept summer college students.
I would recommend anyone wanting a career in engineering to try and get this type of experience. It lets you see what the job is like and hopefully will inspire you to work towards it.
What advice would you give someone considering this job?
If you always want to know how things work and are fascinated by structures like grandstands or bridges, then a career in civil and structural engineering may suit you
If you like the idea of working for a company where you could get to travel, then international companies such as ESB International would suit you well.