Structural Engineer
Name: Pip Easling
Career stage: Mid-level - 5-10 years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: English Literature, Specialist Maths, Extended Maths, Physics, Chemistry
Favourite: Physics - because I loved using maths in more interesting ways; to understand the laws of motion and how forces work.
Further study: University
where and what: University of Technology, Sydney - Bachelor of Engineering (Civil)
“It is great to see the building go from 2D to 3D, and then seeing what you built in Revit come to fruition from the ground up in real life.”
the inside scoop…
What does a Structural Engineer actually do? Have you ever looked up at a building and wondered whose job it is to make sure it doesn't fall down? That's pretty much what I do - I work with the architects and do a lot of calculations and creative problem solving to work out how we can get a building that is stable and strong, but still looks the way the architect wants it to.
What does a day in your life at work look like? I might start my day in a meeting with the architects, project manager and other engineers all working on a building project. This is where we come together to solve any problems and talk about how each of our parts of the building will fit together. After that, I might spend a few hours using a 3D analysis program to do some calculations on all of the forces in the building. After lunch, it's off to a construction site with our structural drawings to make sure what they are building matches our design.
What's the best part of your job? I love that I get to see the outcome of my work! When I drive through Sydney, I can look at the different projects I've worked on and think, 'that's standing up because of me!'
What made you realise construction could be for you? I had no idea I wanted to do when I left school! I took 3 years between high school and uni and I was just going to study physics, because that's what I knew I was good at from school. A careers counsellor at the UTS open day suggested I look at engineering as a more social and practical application of that knowledge. I gave it a go, knowing I could transfer back to Science if I didn't like it. 11 years later... I'm so glad I had that 10 minute conversation which has changed my whole life!
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? When I was in high school I had no idea what an engineer did, I thought they were just involved with earth moving machinery, wore hard hats and it all seemed a bit boring. I would tell my high school self that it is such an exciting career, no two days are ever the same, you are never bored, you get to meet amazing people and be a part of something bigger than yourself.
What was your pathway to getting in to University? I had a bit of a rough time in high school, which meant I didn't get the marks I was capable of in year 12. My ATAR wasn't high enough for an engineering degree but UTS were offering bonus points for women going into engineering and they also had bonus points for non-school leavers. This meant that I was able to get into the civil engineering degree. I ended up really loving it - I worked hard and graduated with the university medal at the end!
What are you excited about in terms of sustainability in construction? As structural engineers, we have a huge impact on the environment; buildings are responsible for over 30% of global carbon emissions. The opportunity that we have to help the construction industry become more sustainable is huge! One of the big things we can do is to strengthen existing buildings for new uses instead of knocking them down. We can also use different materials with less carbon - timber is the obvious choice!
Pip is open to engaging further via: Mentoring a student, Speaking at a high school
If you'd like to enquire more, please email hello@tomorrowswomeninconstruction.com.au with the subject: "Pip Easling engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.