1. Tell us a bit about your background and when you first came to join IES.
I studied Architectural Engineering at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh, and I came across IES for the first time during my studies. The role of building simulation in the built environment intrigued me and I applied for a summer internship position within the IES consultancy team to explore this interest further.
2. What is your current role at IES?
Currently I am an R&D project manager at IES, and I manage European and UK funded research projects. The projects that I am currently working on are [EU Horizon 2020 funded research and innovation projects] StepUP and ENSNARE, both revolving around the role of Digital Twins in deep renovations. I am very passionate about improving our current building stock, and working towards a solution that works in real life, so both of these projects align with my interests.
3. Were you involved in any of our Internship, Graduate, or other recruitment programmes? If so, can you tell us a bit more about your experience?
I joined IES as a summer intern and worked within the IES VE consultancy team amongst experienced and friendly colleagues. I worked on a variety of tasks focussed on modelling in the IES VE software, and had several opportunities to improve my professional skills. I felt well supported by my team and HR throughout, and the internship contributed greatly to my studies at the time. The internship allowed me to ascertain my interest in the role and I received further opportunity to continue working part-time while I completed my studies. After this, I continued to receive opportunities to progress and work full-time as a consultant in the ICL team after graduation and as a project manager in the R&D team after that.
4. What does a typical working day involve for you?
My typical working day involves going through the most urgent tasks in my projects, which could be emailing and calling project partners or colleagues to discuss progress on project developments, contributing to technical developments in the company, and managing the reporting of these developments to the appropriate parties.
5. Are there any particularly interesting projects you have worked on that you could tell us about?
Currently, I am working on StepUP [an EU Horizon 2020 project focused on developing new technologies and solutions to make the decarbonidations and renovation of existing building a more attractive, affordable and reliable investment]. It is really interesting because the role also involves coordination of the project, which can be particularly challenging. The project aims to reduce the performance gap [between the design intent of buildings at their actual operational performance], to use digital tools and modular systems to improve the energy performance of buildings, and foster collaboration across countries and between partners.
6. What is the best thing about working for IES?
I think the best thing about working at IES is the support that I have received since the day I joined. It is a great work environment and all teams continuously aim to improve at everything they do. This ambition rubs off on me and it's inspiring to work with such energy.
7. What important skills have you learned whilst working here?
I have learnt several skills ranging from technical to soft skills such as negotiation, presentation, report writing, communication and social skills. Most importantly, I have grown as a professional whilst working at IES.
8. What advice would you give others considering a position with us?
Working at IES has given me the opportunity, not just to explore my interests and skills in practice, but it has also given me the confidence in my abilities as a professional in the built environment. My advice to others considering a position with IES is to apply and experience it for themselves!