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The University of Southampton
Engineering

Gregory Hird MEng Civil Engineering

Package Manager and Engineer, Sir Robert McAlpine

Gregory Hird's Photo

I enjoyed the progression throughout the course, I particularly enjoyed the freedom we were given to apply our knowledge gained and develop as engineers in the latter stages. This was especially the case in the group design project where we were able to combine our skills to solve the most challenging problems that I would never have thought possible at the start of the degree.

Why did you choose Civil Engineering at Southampton?
I chose Southampton because of its reputation in the field of civil engineering. The personal approach of the staff on the first open day and the warm atmosphere of the campus layout made it stand out above all others. I was particularly drawn to the wide range of subjects covered in the course.

What did you enjoy about the course?
I enjoyed the progression throughout the course, I particularly enjoyed the freedom we were given to apply our knowledge gained and develop as engineers in the latter stages. This was especially the case in the group design project where we were able to combine our skills to solve the most challenging problems that I would never have thought possible at the start of the degree.

What's Southampton like as a place to study?
Southampton was a great place to be a student, there’s a great student community spirit throughout the city and many opportunities for students to meet through the facilities and societies available, not forgetting the nightlife.

Tell us about your current job
I am currently working for Sir Robert McAlpine, a major contracting firm that sponsored me through my time at Southampton. I work as a Package Manager and Engineer on the Holburne Museum in Bath, I am based on site where I get to put into practice both my engineering and management skills.

How did our course help you in your current role?
There were some modules that were more beneficial than others for my job as a contractor but the degree as a whole allowed me to approach any problem with an open mind and has enabled me to resolve many issues by looking ‘outside the box’ and working closely with other people to obtain a solution.

What advice would you give to a student starting out on a Civil/Environmental Engineering degree at Southampton?
Get involved as much as possible and make the most of the great resources available. From my experience, the academic staff are always willing to help and can provide knowledge and advice that cannot be found on any website!

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