Eilidh

Graduate Rail Civil Engineer

Glasgow

What is your name and role at AECOM?

My name is Eilidh Smith and I am a graduate civil engineer in AECOM’s rail team in Glasgow.

How long have you worked for AECOM?

I had my first internship with AECOM in June 2022 then returned for another summer placement in 2023 before starting full-time, after I graduated, in September 2024.

How has your work at AECOM contributed towards having a positive impact on the environment?

During my second placement with AECOM, I learned how to use a carbon calculator tool that enabled me to measure the carbon footprint of different train stations. This meant that I was able to compare their designs based on carbon intensity and draw some design recommendations for future work. This software was easy to use and will be very useful in the future. I recently shared how this tool works to the wider team during a monthly technical meeting and I’m sure in the future they will use it to check their designs are as efficient as possible.

The first project I worked on when I started full-time at AECOM was a large rail electrification scheme. My role in this was to help design foundations for overhead line equipment which is required to get diesel trains off the network. Electrification projects like this are fantastic ways to reduce the emissions associated with rail travel and every part of the design process contributes to that!

Are there any other interesting or unique opportunities you have had through your work at AECOM or interesting experiences with clients or building client relationships?

In November 2023 I began working on a project for AECOM’s client, Network Rail. This work enabled me to use their office in Glasgow and hence have created relationships with other people working there too. Being able to use both AECOM and Network Rail working spaces has allowed me to keep in touch with friends and colleagues within AECOM and make new friends and client relationships at Network Rail.

How has AECOM helped you in your career development?

Within my first few months of working with AECOM I had a meeting with my manager to discuss goals for the upcoming year. These goals have given me targets to work towards for my professional development and have been very useful in establishing a bigger picture to my everyday tasks.

On top of this, AECOM are supporting me to work towards chartership. I have regular meetings to discuss quarterly reports to keep me accountable in working towards this goal and there are lots of engineers at all stages of their career to also help support me in this and give valuable advice.

What do you like most about working for AECOM?

When I started the team were so friendly and welcoming which makes going into work something to look forward to.

How do you use AECOM’s ‘Freedom to Grow’ to give you a good work/life balance?

AECOM recently moved into a new office in Glasgow. The office is a great environment to work in so I enjoy going in as often as possible. However, having the option to work from home when required allows me to maintain a healthy work/ life balance.

What’s your proudest moment at AECOM?

I signed up to be a STEM ambassador through AECOM and have attended a career fair at a local high school and a couple of primary school events. Being able to pass on my excitement for the subject I studied at university and now work in is very rewarding and hopefully has inspired other young people to do the same.