Robbie Claase

Robbie graduated from the MEng Civil Engineering with International Studies programme in 2006 with an Upper Second Class Honours. After working as a sailing instructor in Turkey and then a skiing instructor in Austria he joined Atkins Infrastructure and Major Projects team in London. He has worked on a host of prestigious projects in the UK and around the world from The London 2012 Olympic Games to The Burj Al Arab in Dubai and attained Chartered Engineer status with the Institute of Civil Engineering.

Can you tell us about your current job?

My current role varies from bidding for new work, interfacing with other teams around the business, project management and design management. I may be responsible for a team delivering work one month, then another month being part of a major project in control of a section of the works. I am also involved with recruitment and staff development helping new graduates work toward their goals.

How is the work you do influencing tomorrow's world?

As a Civil Engineer working on large infrastructure projects you have a huge impact on society and the future world. In aviation I have worked on projects to extend the capacity of both Heathrow and Gatwick airports, whilst investigating the potential for a new London Hub Airport four times larger than Heathrow. Working on the London 2012 Olympics it was fantastic to see the games running so smoothly and being such a success.

I maximised my time at Heriot-Watt, taking full advantage of all that the University offered.

What was your experience of doing an Undergraduate degree at Heriot-Watt University?

I maximised my time at Heriot-Watt, taking full advantage of all that the University offered. I had a fantastic time throughout my studies and thoroughly enjoyed living in Edinburgh. As part of the MEng degree program I spent a year studying in Prague where I met my wife to be. There were obviously some tough times in the run up and during exams but these were balanced with the good times playing sports for the University and going on skiing holidays amongst others.

Do you think your Heriot-Watt experience gave you an edge in your chosen field and why?

I feel that my degree gave me a good grounding in all aspects of Civil Engineering in both the theoretical and practical aspects associated. The skills learned demonstrate to employers not just in the engineering sector, but in other business areas including banking and insurance, that you have the ability to think logically and analytically.

What advice would you give to a student considering embarking on their studies at Heriot-Watt?

The University offers many opportunities and it is a time in your life where you have the time and the ability to get involved, be it sport or the Afro-Caribbean society: there are societies for everyone. Your studies are important but maintain the balance and gain the other, soft skills that will stand you in good stead for the future and that employers are keen to see.