Civil Engineering student nominated for Undergraduate Award

Ria, 20, a second year Civil Engineering student at LJMU, beat off tough competition to make the shortlist out of almost 4,000 undergraduate students.  

The awards last week were sponsored by international engineering company AECOM and saw nominees answer questions, complete online aptitude tests and be interviewed by AECOM themselves, to become shortlisted.  

Ria, from Leicester, was 1 of 10 finalists for the Built Environment Award category, and 1 of the 122 students invited to attend the the lavish ceremony at the Wintergarden, Canary Wharf, London, hosted by Sue Perkins. 

The award also offered the winners a 12-week enhanced degree relevant placement with AECOM and 6 weeks with a member of the leadership team, to gain experience on the strategic and operational side. 

Although she missed out on the title on the night, Ria was delighted to be one of the finalists: 

Ria said: “I was very excited and apprehensive about why they picked me. It was a great achievement to be chosen and given the chance to be offered a placement. 

“At the event it was amazing to hear the success and talent of some of these students and also get to meet Sue Perkins who hosted our awards. The speech given was very inspirational. Although I didn't win I enjoyed the experience and sitting and talking to professionals from AECOM.” 

Since being named as one of the finalists Ria has received some exciting career prospects from AECOM, who have been offering interviews for summer or year-long placements, for all their finalists, with Ria having an interview already lined up in Manchester. 

Ed Loffill, Programme Manager for the School of Engineering and Built Environment at LJMU, said “We are extremely impressed and proud of Ria for being nominated at the awards. She did exceptionally well to become a finalist and we see a bright future already ahead for her.” 

You can find out more about the LJMU School of Civil Engineering and Built Environment here.