Classroom curiosity leads to graduate civil engineering placement
The RSK Graduate Scheme welcomed 27 new graduates to the group last September, all of whom are currently completing the first of two nine-month placements. During their time on the scheme, we will follow four graduates as they gain hands-on experience and benefit from the knowledge of experienced colleagues.
Manuela Nkrumahβs interest in civil engineering was sparked during a physics lesson on waves at college. Her teacher told the class about an impressive structure that was kept stable by a large pendulum in its middle. Fascinated by how design and physics could work together, Manuela began researching career paths she could pursue that would allow her to combine these disciplines.
She went on to study civil engineering at the University of Birmingham and has now started her first placement at RSK Group business Travis Baker.
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Read Manuelaβs thoughts belowβ¦
| University: | University of Birmingham |
| Degree: | Bachelor’s degree, Civil Engineering |
| Graduation year: | 2025 |
RSKβs values resonated with the type of engineer I want to be β one with strong technical skills combined with a genuine commitment to sustainable development. I wanted to pursue engineering design with sustainability integrated into my work instead of it being an add-on, and this was something that stood out to me about RSK.
The structure of the scheme will also expose me to different areas of civil engineering, which is appealing to a graduate like me who is still deciding what area to specialise in. My research also showed that the scheme would provide me with the opportunity to contribute to live projects, as well as training and mentorship from experienced professionals.
The application process was straightforward, and the interviewers were very friendly and approachable. They fostered a very relaxed environment, which made me feel less like I was in an interview and more like I was having a genuine conversation about my interests and motivations.
When I found out I had been successful, I felt a sense of relief and excitement. After months of applications and assessments, it was great to hear that my hard work had paid off. I was also extremely grateful for the opportunity and giddy about what the next couple of years had in store for my career and future. It gave me a real boost of confidence, particularly as I got the call a week before my last exam.
For my first placement, I am working at Travis Baker in the structural team. I am based in the Birmingham office and will be developing a solid foundation on the engineering design of residential buildings. During my time with the business, I will focus specifically on the design of substructures and superstructures. Substructures consist of anything below the ground, including foundations. Superstructures are anything above the ground, which include, but are not limited to, the walls and roofs.
Overall, I would like to build a solid foundation in engineering design, understand what office-based jobs are like and visit sites to get an idea of how contractors use our designs to create real-life structures.
Read part two to continue following Manuela’s journeyFeatured business
Travis Baker
Travis Baker, founded in 2006, is a civil, structural and geoenvironmental engineering consultancy business, operating from bases in Birmingham and Nottingham. The company offers a diverse range of integrated engineering services throughout the UK. Its civil engineering team provides advice and support through all stages of a project, from feasibility, planning and approval to detailed design and construction, and can assist with projects from smaller bespoke ones to large, mixed-use developments.