Kalina Dimitrova

"My role as a civil engineer is to support architects in designing a building that can actually be built, never mind how artistic and complex their design may be.I am persistent and self-motivated, which are both characteristics that have contributed to my success today. I am determined to get the job done and to do it well.I work with a multi-disciplinary team, made up of lots of people with different roles, so it really helps that I'm friendly, supportive and helpful. The personality types ‘Investigator’ and ‘Quality Controller’ fit well with the work I does, as often works with architects, contractors, and engineers and so I need to be able to understand a wide range of subjects, consider ideas and make sure they will work and that they meet all the rules and regulations."

"As a Civil Engineer, I use information provided by architects or builders and design buildings such as houses, hospitals, and schools. I help decide how the building will be made. An architect may design a very beautiful building but it is my job to actually work out how to build it.I calculate the loads on the structure and decide what structural systems to use (like steel, concrete or wood). The building has to be strong enough to withstand its own weight, high winds and snow – in some areas even earthquakes! I have to take all these possibilities into account when I am doing my design. Each building needs to be safe, practical to build, and within budget. I have to collect ideas, ‘investigate’, and piece them all together to produce a sustainable design. I also inspects buildings and structures both during and after construction to ensure they are properly built and safe. The most exciting part of my career was my first project as a lead engineer, managing the build of a new office and student accommodation in Dundee. "

"When I was in secondary school I was more interested in languages and art than engineering. However, my maths teacher showed me how maths could be applied and used in all aspects of life and I find it really interesting that problems can be solved both logically and creatively. At university, I studied Civil and Environmental Engineering to master’s level which required me to be persistent and use my creativity skills. I worked part-time as a language teacher and maths tutor to support my studies.I'm now a Civil Engineer working on lots of interesting projects. I love solving problems and doing ‘the impossible’ and this is an area where I can do that. In the future I would like to become chartered and enter a Senior Engineering role, before becoming an Associate or a Director for the company. "

"As a lot of my work is spent in an office and at a computer, I enjoy spending any spare time outdoors. I do a lot of running in my local park, karate and yoga to unwind. I also have a creative side and spend some of my spare time attending drawing and printmaking classes. I'm an animal person, with a particular soft spot for cats and dogs!I share my passion for engineering through being a STEM ambassador. I go into schools to speak about engineering and, help with fun activities that explain what a Civil Engineer is and the different disciplines like environmental, structural, geotechnical, transport. "

"My days vary depending if I’m in the office or out on site, but since I’m a consulting engineer, I tend to spend most of my days at my desk in front of a computer in the office. My morning starts by arriving in the office at around 8ish. I start my day with a cup of tea (not a coffee fan) and looking at my emails and my work diary. I like to write down all my tasks at the beginning of the week with the most urgent ones at the top of the list. I’m a consulting engineer and this means that I spend my days coming up with solutions to problems. I design things such as that new extension to houses and how to connect them to the existing building. Sometimes I design new houses and buildings from scratch, which involves drawing lots of sketches and talking with clients, contractors and architects. Typically, when I’m working on an on-going project, I’ll start by answering any questions the client has either by email or phone. Then I’ll sketch some of the engineering solutions needed or instruct one of the technicians to produce a drawing. I’ll have my lunch around 1pm till 2. I like to go out for a short walk if the weather is not too bad. My afternoons are pretty much the same as my mornings. Answering emails or coming up with engineering solutions. I like to have another cup of tea and have a chat with the other collogues in the office if I’m not too busy though. I aim to finish work around 5. "

"I have a GCSE in Maths. I went to Aberdeen University and completed a 5 year MEng Degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering. I graduated in 2017. "