Usaamah, Graduate C&Q Engineer. Chemical & Biopharmaceutical Engineering, Munster Technological University

How would you best summarise your role at Arcadis?

Within the pharmaceutical industry there is a constant demand for projects that can range from introducing new product onto site, to replacing an existing piece of equipment. C&Q is an integral part of every project. It entails working alongside and coordinating with various disciplines in creating documentation that satisfies user requirements. Creating and executing the Documentation is crucial in the pharma industry, as it ensures that equipment is commissioned and qualified by following procedure in a step-by-step process. Therefore, when a piece of equipment is handed back to the user, there is a 100% certainty that that piece of equipment will carry out what it is intended to do in a safe manner.

What aspects of your role do you enjoy most?

In my role as a C&Q engineer, I really enjoy coordinating and working with other departments in ensuring the documentation created is accurate to the user requirements considering process, quality and safety. With C&Q it is great to see how a piece of equipment is installed onsite, and having the ability to contribute to the project by creating the documentation and sometimes executing to ensure that the piece of equipment is installed and working correctly.

What skills or behaviours do you think you need to be successful in role?

Being part of the pharmaceutical industry, there are many procedures, and way of doing things on each site, I think it is important to be adaptable and have a willingness to learn. Being able to co-ordinate with other departments and managing deadline, I think it is important to have the skill of developing a working relationship with others, having good communication skills and managing time and projects for priority. Also, with executing protocols, things can turn out not as expected. It is important to be able to deal with setbacks and be able to problem solve and work together to get to a solution.

What support have you had to succeed in your role?

With starting any new role, there is always a period where you’re learning how things are done. I’ve felt with Arcadis, there is a great support network of colleagues who are always there to help.

What do you enjoy most about Arcadis?

I enjoy the working environment in Arcadis. I have a manager that gives freedom to get work done allowing me to take ownership of tasks, by using a personal take. If there are any issues, the manager is always easy to communicate with and is great to help. Also, with Arcadis there is a good social scene for activities that take place during the year.

What would your advice be to someone looking to secure a role with us?

With Arcadis there is a potential to work with many clients across the industry. There is great potential in getting involved in many projects that will contribute to your development, especially if you’re starting as a graduate. If you’re an engineer from any discipline looking to join a design house, Arcadis is a great environment for growth and development.