What did you study and where?

I completed the first two years of my BSc in Mathematics and Physics at Coventry University. At the moment, I am working as an industrial trainee in the ADE department. Next year I will return to university to complete my studies.

Why did you choose the Arup internship programme?

When searching for placements I came across Arup’s programme and the description of the job sounded like something I would love to do. I researched the company and I was impressed by its projects like the Sydney Opera House & The London Eye. I immediately knew that I wanted to be part of a group that is truly interested in “shaping a better world”.

What do you get up to in your day-to-day role?

At Arup I have the chance to do a multitude of tasks. One day I am performing QA Testing for our software, Oasys LS-DYNA, and one day you might find me writing scripts using JavaScript. In my role there is a lot of training, either self-taught or taught by experts in the field. Despite the fact I am an inexperienced hire, I get to work on important real-life projects. I enjoy that there is always something to do and you are constantly growing both as a person and as a professional.

“

Despite
the fact I am an inexperienced hire, I get to work on important real-life
projects. I enjoy that there is always something to do and you
are constantly growing both as a person and as a professional.
”

What has been your most enjoyable moment / project so far?

I think the most enjoyable period of my time at Arup was “ADE Skills Week”. In summary, this is a one-week event where new starters from around the world (particularly graduates, apprentices, and interns) gather together in Campus for a series of activities. I participated in numerous workshops and attended presentations delivered by people from all grades. This was a great opportunity for me to get an understanding of what other people do in ADE, to gain new skills, and to liaise with like-minded individuals.

What are your future aspirations?

I am planning to pursue a Master’s in Applied Mathematics at a highly reputable university from the UK. I think is highly probable that after I finish my studies I will come back to work at Arup because there is a lot of possibility to grow not only career wise, but also as a person. My dream is to move to the United States and live in a big metropolis, preferably in the Bay Area. I believe that the United States could provide a lot of opportunities in terms of employment prospects, multi-culturalism and mobility. Having lived in a post communism small town in Romania, I grew up surrounded by Hollywood films and American music and always aspired to live there.