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Richard Kirk

11th November 2013

Role: Assistant Director

Company: Northern Ireland, Institution of Civil Engineers

Track Record:

“I work with government and politicians to reinforce the message that infrastructure is good for society, with every £1 invested generating a return of £2.84 in the wider economy,” said Richard.

What does your job entail?

I’m responsible for supporting all grades of members of the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) in Northern Ireland, ranging from students to fellows.

In particular I work with members to increase their professional status, support them to transfer knowledge, market ICE membership to non-members, advise on policy and provide an advocacy role on behalf of civil engineers to a range of stakeholders, including government and elected representatives.

Is it 9-5?

With a young family, I’m grateful that the work is mostly 9 to 5.

However, like most people, there are times when I need to catch a red-eye flight, spend a few nights away from home or open my laptop after the kids are in bed!

How did you get into this line of work?

Having worked as a civil engineer for seven years, I was attracted to the role as it is a unique job in Northern Ireland.

Although I am not directly involved in the technical work of a civil engineer, it is great to still work within such a challenging and rewarding industry.

I enjoy the variety that the role affords — there is never a dull moment.

Outline your career to date.

I worked as a consulting civil engineer in Belfast with the multi-national firm, AECOM.

I was responsible for managing the planning, design and construction of new sewage networks and treatment works across Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man — not the kind of thing most people want to talk about, but like all infrastructure, they are essential enablers of economic, social and environmental wellbeing.

I finished my time with AECOM in December 2010 to take up my current position with ICE.

Tell us about your qualifications/training.

I graduated from Queen’s University in 2005 with a Masters degree in civil engineering and was successful in becoming a chartered civil engineer with ICE in 2009.

I began studying for a Master of business administration at Queen’s University in 2011 and I am currently in the latter stages of this, due to graduate this autumn.

My latest qualification has given me the opportunity to add a wider set of managerial skills to the technical training that I received as an undergraduate.

What qualities are required for your job — personal and professional?

It may seem simplistic but, on a personal level, it is about getting on well with people which, more often than not, means being a good listener.

I meet a range of members and nonmembers across the public, private and academic sectors and it’s important to appreciate the differences in their approach.

On a professional level, the role is extremely varied, so a good working knowledge of a wide set of issues is essential, for example, I am currently delivering a series of professional development workshops, revising ICE’s policy on shale gas extraction and leading a review of transport infrastructure in Northern Ireland.

What are the biggest challenges of your work?

The biggest challenge is continuing to grow in ICE membership in the aftermath of a recession which hit the construction sector harder than any other.

Along with the ICE committee I work with government and politicians to reinforce the message that infrastructure is good for society, with every £1 invested generating a return of £2.84 in the wider economy.

The greatest reward is getting alongside young civil engineers who are keen to advance in their career.

During this last year we have had an unprecedented number becoming professionally qualified, a real sign of the high level of competence of our local civil engineers and their desire to upskill despite the difficult recent conditions.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

My two-year-old son loves planes and tractors so we spend a lot of time at IKEA and Streamvale Farm.

Thankfully there is a coffee shop at both!

Outside work, family and studying there’s not much spare time, but I have been able to manage a few rounds of golf this summer which is a great way to clear my head and catch up with friends.

My wife and I are also involved in the local community through our church.

Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.

In 2004 I spent three months working on a water and sanitation project in Tajikistan. I sampled the water quality of over 80 water hand pumps installed during a previous intervention project.

I also undertook community surveys to assess the impact on health and wellbeing.

Who has inspired you most in your life?

The Rev Dr Heather Morris.

Whilst many people have inspired me, Heather was particularly influential during my late teens.

Her encouragement and guidance was always exceptional and she gave me lots of opportunities to develop my leadership, organisation and public speaking skills during some of my most formative years.

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