Emma McAlister
Network Modelling Engineer at Jacobs
When I first started in my role, my manager said to me that Clean Water Network Modelling is like being Sherlock Holmes. Now I am not solving crimes everyday but I do solve problems everyday and I find it challenging but in a good way. It is so satisfying to work on a project for weeks and maybe months to come up with a solution for a Client that works and is a success.
My role is so varied and every project so different I am never bored.
About Emma...
Who am I?
"I enjoy working with my colleagues in a team but I also enjoy working solo if a project requires it but always knowing if I come across a problem my colleagues are happy to help and vice versa. The personality traits that matched me are Coach, Influencer & Manager. I think I was matched with these traits as I love to help my colleagues achieve a goal and successfully complete projects, but I also love to encourage others to join this industry specifically women."
What do I do?
"I am a Network Modelling Engineer. I work in the Water industry and specifically clean/potable water (safe to drink). Day to day typically my job includes using modelling software to simulate how water flows through a pipe network from source (a Water Treatment Works) to your tap at home/work/school. I most enjoy that no two projects are exactly the same and I love solving problems for the many clients I have worked for all around the world. The starting salary as a graduate in my field of work is approximately £25,000/yr.I am also a STEM Ambassador and a Positive Mental Health Champion for Jacobs."
How did I get here?
"The subjects I studied at school for that were crucial to my career path were Mathematics, Biology & Chemistry at A-level and GCSE Physics.I then studied at Ulster University for a Bachelors in Engineering with honours (BEng HONS) in Civil Engineering followed by a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Infrastructure.During my Bachelors degree I had a placement year in industry where I worked for Jacobs and was offered to return as a Graduate Engineer once I completed my final year of study at Ulster University. My placement year was key in my career path as I got to see first hand the job that I was working towards."
The life I live
"I am a very creative person by nature along with being very mathematically & logically minded. In my spare time I run a small art prints and cards business, I document my home interiors on Instagram and I adore watching Youtube videos on home interiors, fashion and general family life. My husband and I also have a cockapoo puppy Joey who keeps us on our toes!"
My typical day
"My typical day at work is generally at the computer all day as I am not the outdoorsy type. I work for a consultancy firm and I am rarely out on site. A lot of my day is made up with running different modelling software, analysing the results using excel, writing repots and answering emails."
My qualifications
"The subjects I studied at school for that were crucial to my career path were Mathematics, Biology & Chemistry at A-level and GCSE Physics."