How Nancy turned her creativity into a career in civil engineering
With a background in Design and Innovation, Nancy Castle came to London South Bank University looking to turn her interest in how things are designed and built into a career in civil engineering. During her degree, she gained practical experience through industry-connected projects, became President of the Civil Engineering Society and developed the confidence to take on new challenges. After graduating with First Class Honours in 2024, Nancy began her career at civil engineering consultancy Curtins in London. We caught up with Nancy to find out how her time at LSBU helped her turn her ambitions into reality.
What first inspired you to pursue civil engineering, and how did your journey to LSBU begin?
I came to LSBU with a background in Design and Innovation and an interest in how things are designed and built. I wanted to turn that interest into a career in civil engineering and understand where I could make a difference. My previous studies had encouraged me to think creatively, and I wanted to combine that creativity with technical knowledge and practical problem solving.
What were you hoping to get out of your time at LSBU, both personally and professionally?
My aim was to develop the technical knowledge and practical experience to become an engineer, while building the confidence to lead teams and communicate my ideas. I also wanted to explore the different areas of civil engineering and understand which direction would suit my strengths and interests.
Tell us about some of the projects and experiences that stood out during your degree. How did they help bring your learning to life?
LSBU gave me opportunities to apply my learning through practical projects and engagement with industry. A highlight was the group design project assessed by a WSP panel, which connected our university work with professional expectations. Working on realistic design challenges helped me understand how technical decisions, teamwork and clear presentation come together in engineering practice.
What other opportunities did you get involved in outside the classroom, and what did you take away from them?
LSBU offers valuable opportunities such as site visits, which I believe are essential for connecting what we learn in lectures with how things are built in practice. These experiences are particularly important for full time students who may not otherwise have the chance to visit a construction site. I was part of a seven-person team working on the Perry Library Group Design Project, which received the LSBU Group Design Project Award in 2024. I also became President of the Civil Engineering Society. These experiences helped me develop leadership, teamwork and communication skills that I now use every day in the workplace.
How would you say your time at LSBU helped you grow in confidence?
I learned that I could contribute beyond the technical work by supporting a team and explaining ideas clearly. My time at LSBU also helped me become more comfortable asking questions and recognising when to seek another perspective.
What has your journey been like since graduating, and how have you used what you learned at LSBU in your career so far?
I graduated with First Class Honours in Civil Engineering in 2024 and began working in civil engineering consultancy. I now work at Curtins in London, focusing on civil engineering and drainage design, with the goal of becoming chartered. The combination of technical projects and leadership opportunities at LSBU gave me a strong foundation for taking that next step into professional practice.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about studying Civil Engineering at LSBU?
Put yourself forward for opportunities, even before you feel fully confident. Projects, societies and volunteering can teach you things beyond your course and help you discover what you are capable of. Ask questions, build relationships and make the most of opportunities to meet people working in the industry, you do not need to have your whole career mapped out to get started.