Carly Wade

"I have always been a logical thinker, which is an Investigator personality type. I like to have all the facts and figures in front of me before I would make a solid decision, so my Influencer personality helps a lot here. I can recall a lot of useful and useless facts (I always won the family quizzes) and I always enjoyed working on tasks not only highways related but other disciplines too. Hence why I chose Civil Engineering. I work well as a team member and always strive to push not only myself but others to think outside the box. I always look for the non-conventional way of doing things because they sometimes work better. No two projects are the same, so everything we do is designed especially for that project. With everything being specially designed, there is a need to ensure that all details are covered and understand that I have to develop reports in a way that will grasp the concept of the design. Not everybody thinks and understands the way I think and design. My Developer helps me because it involves coming up with creative ideas to solve problems."

"As an Engineer I work within the Highways sector. On a day to day basis I would work with my team to develop road design concepts in line with standards, engage with various disciplines to incorporate their design inputs and also assist the project management team with timescales, deliverables and budget. I love the fact that no two days are the same. Every day brings a new challenge and a new way of thinking. The opportunity to also work on schemes that I know will help the wider community and safety also brings me great satisfaction. The opportunities to travel are endless with my company having over 50 offices across the globe. We even have projects in Antarctica! Usually depending on your level of entry i.e. a graduate or apprentice, will determine your steps for progression. I started as a graduate and in 4 years I have progressed to Engineer. Even as an apprentice you still have the opportunities. The company I work for works with the apprentices and graduates to help them progress in their career, help them to meet targets, gain experience and develop their knowledge of Engineering."

"My Dad has always been my inspiration. He worked in the construction industry and from a young age I watched him build wonderful things, starting with my Wendy House (which still stands 30 years later). I would tag along with him to site visits and sit and watch him in awe at how he could build beautiful buildings. He told me I can be whatever I want to be and don't let anybody tell me different. I wasn't diagnosed as having Dyslexia until my first year of University. My teachers called my lazy and always told my parents that I wasn't applying myself. I just couldn't read or write properly. Explains why I was so good at Maths and Science though."

"In my spare time, I love baking! I love to make cakes, cupcakes, truffles... you name it. I also love snowboarding and travelling around the world."

"A typical day at work can vary day to day depending on what the project entails. No two projects are the same. One day I could be working with the structures team designing bridges and the next working with the drainage team on how to accommodate rivers and drainage of rainwater. I would use a lot of computer software for drawing such as CAD and MX specifically for roads."

"Secondary education (GCSE/O-Levels)Vocational qualification (Diploma, Certificate, BTEC, NQV4 or equivalent) BTEC National Diploma Construction (Grade Distinction x3) Undergraduate degree (BSc, BA, etc.) BEng Civil Engineering (Hons)LEAN Yellow Belt Training"