Lydia Johnston
Hydraulic Engineer at Flood Risk Consulting
Don't limit yourself to a narrow list of study/career/location options. I didn't study a course directly related to my current job and I don't live in the same country that I studied in and I love the variety. Figure out what motivates you and don't be content with a job/subject that is unfulfilling. Be willing to take risks to achieve your goals.
About Lydia...
Who am I?
"I like to fully understand the details of a problem and the 'how' and 'why' of the solution. This has helped me to learn new things with each project to be able to apply it to the next one, continually building on my experience. I like to know the details of an issue and work through a problem logically. My Explorer and Investigator traits are probably the most useful to me at work. When I'm at a restaurant I read the entire menu so that I know all the options before deciding what to eat. In my job this personality trait means I look at a problem from every angle before deciding on the solution so that I'm confident that I give the best possible answer. "
What do I do?
"I work out the flood risk at locations when a client wants to build something close to a river, coast or reservoir. The goal of my job is to make sure that buildings and people will be safe if a flood happens. I enjoy problem solving and every project comes to me with a flood risk problem that needs to be sorted out. I like the combination of getting out on site and hunting about for a small bridge in a forest and then coming back to the office and 'crunching the numbers' to find out if that bridge causes flooding. I'm working towards becoming a Chartered Engineer which means that I could work independently without the need for my boss to check my work. "
How did I get here?
"My parents encouraged me to always be willing to give something a try and to not shy away from challenges. My boss continues to give me new challenges to push me out of my comfort zone, which is the best way to learn and get more experience. "
The life I live
"In my spare time I like to get involved in a wide variety of activities, including olympic weightlifting, orienteering, toastmasters, dog agility and krav maga. I enjoy learning new skills both in and outside of work."
My typical day
"Most of my time is at a computer using software to assess flooding for projects and then writing a report about it. Some of my time is visiting sites around the country looking at rivers, bridges, coastlines etc. and in meetings."
My qualifications
"Secondary education (GCSE/O-Levels) Post secondary education (College, A-levels, NVQ3 or equivalent) Maths, Physics, English, Art and Psychology Undergraduate degree (BSc, BA, etc.) BEng Mechanical Engineering (First Class Hons) Continual job specific training courses. "