Elevate case study:
Osazee Harrison Oravbiere

Since joining Elevate, Osazee has discovered that the programme provides more than just insight into industry trends—it instils accountability and structure. “I always look forward to my meetings with my mentor because it gives me a sense of accountability,” he explains. “It made me more organised in how I map out my processes and write down my vision. It holds me accountable to every step I take in my professional growth.”  

One of the most eye-opening aspects of his mentoring journey has been learning about career paths he had never considered. “My mentor introduced me to forensic engineering, something I had never heard of in relation to my work. It showed me that even though my PhD is very focused on bridges, I can apply those skills in industry as a forensic or maintenance engineer. That was really inspiring.”  

Elevate has also deepened his sense of connection to the IStructE community. “Sometimes the Institution feels overwhelming, with so many resources and opportunities. But through my mentor I learned about IPD, graduate training, and the pathway to Chartered Membership. It opened my eyes to the wealth of resources available and made me feel part of the community.”  

Looking ahead, Osazee hopes Elevate will expand even further to give mentees exposure to a broader pool of professionals. “Perhaps in the future, there could be opportunities to rotate and connect with different mentors or industry managers. That way, we could gather a wider range of experiences and perspectives.”  

For now, though, Osazee is clear about the programme’s impact: Elevate has helped him to set goals, see new possibilities, and start building the professional networks that will carry him from PhD to practice. As he puts it, “This programme is very important because it provides a blueprint—it tells you that you’re not alone, and there is a way forward.”