Learning curve for Lauren

Helping to carve a path to a successful career in engineering is what Lauren Carr feels Teesside University has helped her to achieve.

Lauren, who graduates with a First Class BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering with Disaster Management, also received the Cecil M Yuill Prize for achievement by a female engineering student.

The 21-year-old, of Middlesbrough, said: 'I decided to study at Teesside as it’s my local University and the degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators which complies with the educational base to become an incorporated engineer, the career path I want to pursue.'

She added: 'The three-year degree involved a range of civil engineering modules, including maths, hydrology, geology, group design projects and structural mechanics. We also completed disaster management modules, including contingency planning and environmental health.

'One of my favourite parts of the degree was the final year project, having the freedom to choose any civil engineering topic and conduct research independently.'

During the degree, Lauren conducted a feasibility study looking at an additional access road into Teesside Park, which included a desktop study, questionnaires, preliminary designs and review.

She said: 'By the end of the final year, the completion of the dissertation defined how far I had advanced at Teesside University.'

She added: 'I also enjoyed the yearly group design projects, which allowed us to put into practice what we had learned and provided an in-depth awareness of the interdisciplinary roles and processes within construction projects. The course leader and lecturers provided invaluable support and were always there to help.

'The course not only helped to prepare me for my chosen career, but also provided relevant academic knowledge, along with a variety of employment and life skills.

'I really enjoyed my time at Teesside, especially meeting and studying with people of all ages and from a variety of backgrounds. It has a relaxed learning environment which provides a great educational base, along with good industry connections and supportive lecturers.'

Since completing the degree Lauren has worked as a CAD operator at County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, creating 2D and 3D computer aided design building layout plans for fire scenes. She’s now working as an assistant civil Engineer with Halcrow, a CH2M Hill Company based at Teesdale Business Park, Stockton.

Lauren said: 'I'm assisting principal engineers with a wide range of local and national projects.'

Lauren, who is now considering postgraduate study, added: 'I was one of just a few girls on the degree and it is still a fairly male-dominated industry, but I’d encourage any women thinking of studying engineering to go for it, especially at Teesside as the lecturers and fellow students were all very supportive.'

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