Apurva Varute

Current Employer/Organisation Name

Ramboll UK Limited

What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?

After completing my MSc degree from University of Exeter in January 2014, I returned to my home country India and started working in Delhi NCR as a graduate engineer. Since then I have build up my profile as a bridge engineer and gained 8 years of extensive experience in the field of detailed design of Bridges, Elevated Metro Rail Viaducts, Underground & Elevated Metro Stations. I am currently working as Senior Engineer in the UK.

Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?

I always wanted to pursue civil engineering career. I remember watching episodes of megastructures on the National Geographic channel with my father when I was in school and seeing the planning till execution of such complex structures left me mesmerized. That was when I decided to become a structural engineer. I enjoy the challenges I face every single day. In the end, the learning is what motivates me to grow and make accurate decisions and plan ahead.

Please tell us if you were a member of any societies, groups or sports clubs?

I have been the President of Nash Grove and Clydesdale accommodation. I have also been the post-graduate taught engineering faculty representative and post-graduate taught faculty representative.

What did you enjoy most about your programme and what was the biggest highlight?

The curriculum was simple and well planned. Lecture timings and gap between lectures were also well thought out as per convenience of students. I enjoyed interacting with my professors and mentor, as well as the other students in my class. They have been extremely helpful when I was unable to understand any concept or needed support/guidance during exams. The biggest highlight I would say is the library located in the main building. It’s extremely huge with wide range of books for all streams and brilliantly organised with ample of space for quiet study.

What did you enjoy most about studying here?

Firstly, I enjoyed the location of university very much. It is so located that the entire Exeter city can be seen from up hill. Secondly, the computer labs in Harrison building (engineering faculty) are extremely huge and can be accessed anytime during the day or night. So, it was convenient for me as a student to use it even at night at the time of my submissions. Finally, I enjoyed the combination of theoretical and practical knowledge that was included in our coursework, which also prepared us for the upcoming job profiles. Also, the extra curricular activities whether it was sports/administrative/academics were motivating, they kept me engaged and meet with new people.

Why did you choose to study at Exeter?

Exeter university has one of the most beautiful campuses in the UK. I was thrilled when I first had a tour of the campus. It is also one of the safest places to study in the UK. The support provided by the university in terms of career mentoring, preparing CV, applying for jobs, mock interviews, sharing personal problems if any with mentor are exceptional. There was a lot of effort by the staff to fulfil student expectations, which I appreciate even till now.

What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?

The most important skill I learned for my time in Exeter that I still use now is communication with clients/colleagues and public speaking. I believe these skills are highly important in any profession. I also learned FEM software known as Abaqus and coding , which, I have been using in a few projects I have work on in the past years.

What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?

I would advice young aspirants to love what they do. It is the only key to stay motivated life long and grow professionally as well as personally. Bridge engineering is challenging and every day we face several problems, but taking the right decision to solve those problems is something that comes with experience and passion.

What are your plans for the future?

I see myself working and contributing towards the UK economy as a Bridge Engineer. I am also focused towards attaining chartered certification and growing towards becoming Technical Lead subsequently.