In conversation with Astrid Kagan

“The opportunities are huge in civil engineering and the rewards are worth the adventure.”

-Astrid Kagan

Image: Astrid Kagan

Astrid is a Civil Engineer working at Arup in London. She did her studies in the construction industry and project management in France and pursued a master's degree in Transport Planning in the UK. She enjoys working on infrastructure projects that have an impact on global sustainable developments. She uses her experience to bring greater education and improve living conditions of people around the world.

What project are you working on now, and what’s your role?

I am a civil engineer working for Arup on a wide variety of construction projects, UK-based and internationally. My long-term projects involve large scale regeneration developments such as the Greenwich Peninsula and Brent Cross South in London.

I am also working on smaller projects with local historical and architectural aspects, namely, art galleries and public parks. I am usually responsible for designing public realms, drainage, utilities and coordinating with other disciplines involved in the project.

What does an average working day look like?

Every day is different with a new challenge. One day I would spend my time working with other engineers, technical experts and landscape architects to coordinate the project on site or at the office, and the next day I would work out the programme, manage the finances and look for new opportunities. There are some days when I would have my head down using a design software to try and solve complex drainage networks.

How did you get into civil engineering?

I did not expect to work in civils. After studying M&E Engineering and Transport Planning, I was curious to discover another engineering field and jumped into it when the opportunity presented itself. I wanted to have a positive impact on the environment, work on both design and construction sites. One thing led to another and one day I found myself working as a civil engineer.

What has been the most exciting project you have worked on?

I have had the privilege of working with a great charity on the design of a sustainable masterplan for a school campus in Burundi, Africa. Part of my responsibility during the field trip, was to organise workshops with the teachers and students of the school and develop a public consultation with local stakeholders to understand key design drivers. This masterplan provided us a basis to seek charitable funding to develop the campus.

What do you love about civil engineering?

I like the problem-solving aspect of engineering. The eureka moment after spending hours working on calculations. I also enjoy the beauty of the end-product, my favourite part is being able to spend time in a public space that I have helped to design.

Would you recommend civil engineering to a young person, and why?

I would recommend civil engineering to anyone curious and eager to learn everyday. A young person who would like to raise their confidence and make their way in the professional world. The opportunities are huge in civil engineering and the rewards are worth the adventure.

What do civil engineering companies look for when recruiting candidates?

I imagine every company has its unique recruitment strategy and look for different profiles based on their inner principles and wider values. I would say that civil engineering requires rigorous organisational skills and to feel comfortable interacting with other people, alongside an ability to adapt and manage unexpected situations. And as long as the scientific background is there, the motivation and hard work will do the rest!

And finally, what does International Women’s Day mean to you?

International Women's Day is a reminder that there is a fight for equality, even in today's society. We are lucky to stand on the pillars built by the strong and brave women that came before us and should do our bit to ensure the future generations grow up in world where they feel confident and appreciated.