Overview
Structural engineering consultancies want graduates who can produce calculations, drawings, and analysis models with minimal hand-holding. Your degree gives you the theory, but what makes you employable is evidence that you have applied that knowledge to real projects with real constraints. Placement experience, software skills, and site awareness are the differentiators.
This resume belongs to Tom Hughes, a structural engineering graduate from the University of Bath who completed a six-month placement at Buro Happold. He produced calculations for 8 projects worth over £12 million combined, created 20 drawings, and ran 15 analysis models. His construction labouring experience also gives him first-hand understanding of how designs get built on site.
What Makes This Resume Work
Real project experience with financial context. Mentioning £12 million in combined construction value gives the reader a sense of the project scale Tom has been exposed to. This is more meaningful than simply listing project names, because it signals the level of responsibility and complexity involved.
Software proficiency is demonstrated through use, not just listed. Tom does not just say he knows Tekla Structural Designer. He says he ran 15 analysis models and checked them against hand calculations. This shows competence and engineering judgement, not just familiarity with a toolbar.
Construction site experience adds practical credibility. Having worked as a labourer, Tom understands buildability in a way that many graduate engineers do not. Consultancies value engineers who can produce designs that are practical to construct, and this hands-on experience supports that.
Key Takeaways
Graduate structural engineers should quantify their placement work with project counts, drawing numbers, and analysis models completed. Include the construction value of projects where possible, and reference the specific Eurocodes and standards you designed to. IStructE membership and a strong final year project in a relevant area (especially sustainability-related topics like CLT) demonstrate both professional commitment and technical depth.

























































































































































































































































