Hayley Jackson: Innovative Civil Engineer

My highlights

I was awarded an ICE QUEST Undergraduate Scholarship in 2014,

I joined the ICE East Midlands Graduates and Students Committee in 2016 as Committee Secretary.

My most recent career highlight is becoming an ICE President’s Future Leader 2019-2020.

How I became a civil engineer

I completed A-levels in Maths, Biology and Geography and worked for four months at URS Corporation (now AECOM) before starting University. I then went on to do a Civil Engineering MEng degree at the University of Nottingham.

I was awarded an ICE Undergraduate QUEST scholarship with Taylor Woodrow and had three summer placements. Two of these were on Crossrail and one was on a Smart Motorway Project. I am now on the Graduate Scheme with Taylor Woodrow.

There are so many exciting opportunities in construction with such a variety of roles and projects to work on, there is something for everyone.

A day in my life

I get to work around 8am and start by reviewing my plan for the day with a cup of tea. I’m currently in an office-based role, so my daily activities are different to when I’m out on site.

My role involves looking at how we’re going to deliver a project once we are on site. This includes reviewing the designs and deciding on the best methods for construction, and making sure I consider all the health, safety and environmental issues. I also look at the programme and make sure the sequencing for construction is correct and up to date.

My day is a mix of time spent in meetings and working on finding solutions to problems both individually and as part of a team.

Hayley Jackson talks about Smart city bins at Sheffield City Council

We asked Hayley…

what’s one great thing that you love about civil engineering that you didn’t know until you started working in the industry?

The people you get to work with. Since starting work as a civil engineer, I’ve met so many excellent engineers and construction professionals who have had really varied careers. I’ve found everyone really supportive and willing to share their expertise.

which civil engineering myth(s) you would like to bust?

That a career in construction is all mud, concrete and men! There are so many exciting opportunities in construction with such a variety of roles and projects to work on, there is something for everyone.

It would be great to see more women in the industry, especially in senior positions.

which individual project or person inspired you to become a civil engineer?

When I was about 15, I attended a careers event at school. We had a presentation from a graduate female civil engineer who spoke about her experiences working on site and managing the installation of a bridge over a motorway.

I’d always enjoyed construction activities such as Lego and K’Nex as a child and spending time outside and so the idea of a job which combined both of these sounded great! I researched a career in civil engineering and construction and have never looked back.

what about being a civil engineer inspires you?

It’s great knowing that I am working on infrastructure projects that are changing how our society looks and operates in the future. The work we do really does make a positive difference to people’s lives.

which civil engineering project (past or present) do you wish you’d worked on?

I would have loved to have worked on a structure such as the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. It’s an iconic structure and shows civil engineering at its best, even 150 years after its construction.

would you recommend a career in civil engineering?

Every day is different. No matter on your role or responsibility in the industry there are always new problems to solve and challenges to overcome.