

Electrical Engineer - Building Services at Arup
You have brains in your head.
You have feet in your shoes.
You can steer yourself
Any direction you choose.
About Susie...
Who am I?
"I am a dedicated electrical engineer who thrives on logical thinking, creativity, and hard work. My personality aligns with traits like those of ISTJ and INTJ types, known for their analytical skills, strategic planning, and commitment. I excel in problem-solving and precise calculations, crucial for designing safe and efficient electrical systems. I enjoy the creative aspect of my work, developing unique solutions for various buildings, each with its own challenges. I find great satisfaction in seeing projects through to completion and contributing to tangible outcomes. This blend of traits makes me well-suited for engineering, and I hope to inspire more girls to pursue this rewarding field."
What do I do?
"As an electrical engineer working in the built environment, I love that every project comes with its own unique challenge. Solving these problems means working collaboratively with multiple other disciplines to find the right solution which fits the requirements of every design specialism. I particularly love working on site. During this phase of a project deadlines are tight and the construction is extremely fast paced. When problems occur during installation, it requires quick collaborative thinking to find a solution that will not compromise the design and minimise time delays. Working on site also offers an opportunity to witness the testing and commissioning of electrical systems, which is always very exciting, as this is when the design begins to come to life. I love that my job allows me to walk through a building upon completion and see the part that I played in realising the final output. I particularly enjoy working on the design of buildings that can be used and enjoyed by the public, taking friends and family, and explaining where the power comes from, the back-up power that’s in place, the challenging distribution routes within the building etc. – although I’m not sure they enjoy this as much as I do… The starting salary as a graduate electrical engineer in building services is £28,000"
How did I get here?
"Going through school, maths and science were always my favourite subjects – STEM subjects always just made sense to me, but I was never quite sure how this would translate into a career. My school suggested dentistry or medicine, but after a week of work experience watching an old lady’s tooth crumble as it was getting removed, I realised that the medical profession might not be for me! In my penultimate year of high school, I attended the Scottish Space School at Strathclyde University for a residential week-long summer programme where I would learn about engineering from NASA astronauts and engineers. There I attended a lecture from Heather Paul, Mechanical engineer, and NASA space suit designer – she spoke of her career journey, her persistence and determination in finally securing her dream job at NASA, and the challenges she overcame along the way. This talk opened my eyes to what a career in engineering may look like for me and made me realise that this could be an option for me too. My experience at the Scottish Space School showed me that a career in engineering could offer me a huge variety of exciting projects as well as the opportunity to make a difference by playing a part in solving today’s engineering problems. I went on to study Electrical and Mechanical Engineering with International study at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, spending my 4th year on international exchange at Clemson University, South Carolina. During my time at university, I was awarded the IET Power Academy Scholarship, sponsored by Rolls-Royce which allowed me to spend 4 summers gaining valuable industry experience. After university I went on to join Arup as an electrical engineer in the Glasgow Buildings team. I have now been with Arup for 5 years. "
The life I live
"In my spare time, I thrive on being outdoors, staying fit, and challenging myself with CrossFit. My creative side shines through in my passion for trying new crafts, such as painting, crocheting, making mosaics, and tackling various DIY projects around the house. I also have a love for reading, especially books on geography and geopolitics. Family is incredibly important to me, and I cherish every moment spent with them. There's a lot about me that others might find interesting, from my adventurous spirit to my dedication to continuous learning and creativity."
My typical day
"I start my day at 6am with a CrossFit class to get a good workout in before heading to work. Once at the office, I kick off my day with a coffee while reading emails and planning my tasks with a to-do list. I then catch up with my team to coordinate our actions for the day. My day often includes design team meetings, for which I prepare in advance. When I have time for focused design work, I might be conducting cable calculations, sizing containment systems, determining the electrical capacity of buildings, or researching the latest technologies. The variety of projects I work on—ranging from offices and train stations to hotels and data centers—ensures that no two days are ever the same. My goal is to design efficient, innovative electrical systems that meet the unique needs of each building. After work, I head home, have some dinner, and if the weather is nice, I enjoy a walk with my partner before heading to bed."
My qualifications
"Higher (A-level)Maths - AEnglish - AChemistry - APhysics - AP.E. - AAdvanced Higher (First year uni)Maths - AChemistry - APhysics - AMastersElectrical and Mechanical Engineering with International study - DistinctionChartershipCEng status acheived with IET"