Elevate case study: Felix Wheeler

From the very start, the mentoring agreement provided by Elevate gave structure and purpose to his partnership. “Usually when contemplating on short-term and mid-term goals, I do this in context of the company`s structures. Doing this outside of that context made me consider my personal interests more thoroughly. It gave me clarity about what I wanted to work on with my mentor,” Felix explains. 

One of the key areas he focused on was professional responsibility. “The responsibility a structural engineer bears for their design is something that I reflect on regularly. I asked my mentor how he dealt with the responsibility in his career, and it reassured me talking to someone who went through the same process. It gave me confidence in my own judgement and in the way I approach challenges.”  

Felix’s mentor also provided valuable career guidance and insights into how to manage challenges at work. “I’ve gained a lot of practical knowledge from him — we talk through design issues, decision-making and career plans, and I profit greatly off of his experience” Felix says. The relationship has also given him a safe space to ask questions without fear of judgement. “I’m not worried about talking through possible areas of improvement or other concerns, because my mentor isn’t connected to my company or clients. I feel safe opening up more, and that makes all the difference.”  

For Felix, Elevate has also been about building a sense of belonging. “In Germany, most people aren’t aware of IStructE and the work they do, we have mostly national engineering associations. This was a convenient way to make a first personal connection to a community of engineers that aims to address global challenges on a global level. I hope, over time, I’ll be able to expand my network and get more involved in panels, committees, and working groups.”  

Looking ahead, Felix is clear in his advice to others about joining Elevate: “Do it! Don’t be afraid to ask your mentor questions, because this is the environment where you can ask them without being judged. That is how you get answers that really let you progress professionally. I am grateful to IStructE for the opportunity to join the programme and to my mentor Owen Brooker for the support he has provided.”  

As Elevate celebrates its first anniversary, Felix’s story captures the essence of the programme: opening doors, providing support, and helping engineers — wherever they are — to grow in confidence, knowledge, and professional connections. 

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