Alicia Kent
SENIOR ENGINEER
ROBERT BIRD GROUP
After graduating from the University of Queensland in 2016, I began working as a Structural Engineer in consulting businesses. I have over six years experience working on a variety of projects across commercial, residential and retail sectors which has seen me gain exposure to projects ranging from medium/high rise buildings to large commercial facilities.
I’m passionate about working on major building projects and this allowed me to transfer across from Australia to London in 2022. I love travelling and have actually been to 30 different countries!
I’ve always enjoyed problem-solving, and this led me to consider Engineering as a career. I was particularly interested in the built environment and seeing the designs I undertake come to life - a big reason why I chose to persue Structural Engineering.
I believe my biggest strength, and what sets me apart from some of my colleagues, are my communication and interpersonal skills. I like working with others and enjoy inspiring and enabling people and places to grow and achieve more.
Women in the construction industry are too frequently overlooked. Judgements about their skills are often made quicker than they may are for male counterparts. I’ve definitely had to work to earn the respect of people I’m working with and it’s taken practice and involved unnecessary stress.
If you’re set on joining the industry, I’d say go for it. I’ve had such a rewarding career so far, and seeing the influence that my designs have on the communities I live and work within has been really rewarding.