During my undergraduate studies at the University of Edinburgh, I wasn’t particularly engaged with the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE). Although one of our lecturers encouraged us to join, I thought it was just another box to tick. After starting my PhD at the University of Oxford, I began attending online events hosted by the Institution and started to appreciate the wealth of valuable content and opportunities I had previously overlooked.
It was during this period that I came across the Young Engineers Conference (YEC). I was immediately intrigued, as it stood out as a space created by and for young engineers, with a thoughtfully curated programme and an engaging format. I signed up and convinced a friend to come along too.
The conference exceeded my expectations. We gained insight into key topics shaping the industry, delivered by inspiring thought leaders. The event encouraged discussion, reflection, and participation from attendees. But beyond the technical content, I loved the sense of community. We connected with other young engineers facing similar challenges and aspirations.
It was also at the YEC that I first learned about the Young Members Panel (YMP). The YMP represents the views of young engineers within the IStructE and plays a key role in developing initiatives tailored to their needs. One of their main responsibilities? Organising the very conference I had just attended.
A few months later, I applied to join the YMP and was ecstatic when I was accepted. The following year, I joined the YEC Task Group, contributing to the planning and organisation of the conference. Being part of the team that brings the event to life was a full-circle moment for me. We spent months refining the theme, shaping an agile programme, selecting the right speakers, and ensuring the content would be valuable and engaging for our peers.
Organising an event of that scale was challenging but incredibly rewarding. It gave me a deeper appreciation for the work that goes on behind the scenes, and it pushed me to think critically about what makes an event truly impactful for young professionals. It wasn’t just about filling a room with people and speakers; it was about creating a space where young engineers could connect, learn, and be inspired.
My involvement with the YMP also opened the door to other opportunities within the IStructE. I joined the Understanding Structural Behaviour Task Group as the YMP representative. This group seeks to assess the level of understanding of structural behaviour among graduates straight out of university. It’s a topic that explores how students learn and how teaching can evolve to better equip future engineers.
I also joined the Student Challenge Task Group. Our aim is to create a new challenge for university students to support their development and shape their thinking on the impacts of their work on people and planet. The challenge launches on 3rd November 2025, and I’m proud to have played a part in shaping it. (Honestly, I wish I could enter it myself!)
Through my involvement with the IStructE community, I was able to secure a part-time internship at Expedition Engineering. I had been searching for flexible industry opportunities for nearly two years, but it was difficult to find something that allowed me to balance work with my PhD. The internship provided invaluable experience, allowed me to contribute to real projects, and introduced me to a team of brilliant, supportive colleagues.
In addition, my network within the IStructE has led to opportunities to speak with school students who are exploring careers in civil and structural engineering. Sharing my journey and passion for the field has been both empowering and fulfilling.
Looking back, attending the YEC was a turning point. From gaining technical knowledge and professional experience to developing leadership skills and contributing to future initiatives, the impact has been transformational.
So, should you attend the Young Engineers Conference? Absolutely.
Whether you're a student or an early-career engineer, the YEC is an invaluable opportunity to learn about cutting-edge topics, engage in meaningful conversations, and build relationships that could shape your future. It’s more than just a conference — it’s a launchpad for your personal and professional growth.
Janet Botha, BEng, is a Rhodes Scholar and PhD candidate in Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. She serves on the Young Members Panel at the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) and co-hosts SPAN, a podcast focused on structural engineering.