Stuart Ross

Stuart graduated in 2009 with an MEng in Civil Engineering Design and Management.

Why did you choose to study at Dundee University?

The University of Dundee has an unrivalled reputation for civil engineering and engineering in general. The facilities in the Civil Engineering Department are modern and first class while the teaching itself appeared to provide the perfect balance between theory and practical engineering. With such facilities in Dundee, in a city centre campus, there was no need to look any further afield. The lecturers had the necessary combination of industry and academic experience to provide a well-rounded experience.

What have you done since graduation?

Since graduation I started work as graduate civil engineer with Arup - an independent firm of designers who work on a wide range of projects around the globe.

Recently, I have mainly been working on the design of flood prevention schemes and windfarms throughout Scotland and notably in countries as far afield as South Africa. My work on windfarm projects has ranged from early stage Environmental Impact Assessments and scheme development to detailed design and optimisation of wind turbine reinforced concrete foundations.

I am also currently the Scotland Representative for Graduates and Students on the ICE GSNet Committee and am a Finalist in the NCE Graduate Awards.

How has your degree helped you in the 'real world'?

In a competitive market a civil engineering degree from the University of Dundee has provided me with the necessary skills to be successful in the 'real world'. In particular, the combination of practical and theoretical work, as well as the support provided by lecturers, has not only prepared me for industry but also given me a head start in my professional development.

What was the most enjoyable thing about your degree and why?

The most enjoyable aspect of my degree was learning about the wide range of issues facing civil engineering and society in general. This allowed me to undertake research on the behaviour of the human cornea (yes, human cornea!) which resulted in the publication of a paper. This gave me a great sense of pride in the work I had done for my dissertation. It also demonstrates the wide range of topics that are currently being researched in the department meaning that you need not be restricted to mainstream civil engineering.

Also, in the second year of the degree there was a surveying module which involved lots of practical work off campus. This, while being of academic interest, actually turned out to be great fun and is widely accepted as a highlight of the degree.

What was your best university experience and why?

Without doubt the best university experience was meeting new people whether that be peers or University staff. With the campus in a city centre location with nearly all lectures based in the main campus there was always a vibrant and friendly atmosphere. This culminated each year in Freshers' Week which will always be an experience I will look back on with fond memories.

Do you have any advice for potential new students?

New students should use the initial months (and years) of their degree to establish the right balance between socialising and meeting the demands of a challenging workload. Also, get to know the lecturers well (they are very approachable) - you can learn far more from them and their industry experiences than you ever can from reading books.

One final bit of advice - join the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers). Attending events, both social and technical, gives additional industry experience outside of university and broadens your network of contacts for work experience opportunities at an early stage.