Kathryn Hartles

Kathryn Hartles, 24, is a graduate geotechnical engineer for Mouchel. She started three months ago on the graduate development programme which lasts eighteen months. She will work for three years before becoming a chartered engineer.

Although Kathryn had always been interested in science, it wasn’t until she went away for a science trip that she became interested in a career in engineering. ‘We got to experience lots of different departments, like electronics and physics which really brought it to life for me’. From here, she went on to graduate from Durham University with a degree in civil engineering.

Slopes and Embankments

Kathryn now works in the geotechnics department at Mouchel, and is currently involved in slope stability; making sure that embankments are secure and investigating foundations. Kathryn particularly enjoys the flexibility she gets from her work. ‘There are lots of departments here so I have the option of moving around. You are not pigeon-holed, and are able to steer your own work experience.’

She also relishes the responsibility that Mouchel gives her.’ As it’s an expanding company, there is lots of opportunity. You are given a great deal of responsibility from the start and progress quickly.’

Kathryn thinks the best part of her job is getting to work outside, seeing a problem and having the skills to fix it. ‘I chose engineering because it’s about making things happen behind the scenes and that’s something I love being a part of.’