Professor Irem Dikmen

1. Tell us about your role and what you find most exciting about it.

I am a civil engineer and Professor of Construction Engineering and Management. My role involves teaching students how to manage construction projects, and collaborating closely with research and industry partners for a sustainable and resilient built environment. Being involved in research and education allows me to contribute not only to the advancement of the industry but also to the development of the next generation of engineers.

What I find most exciting is being part of an industry that is constantly shaping the world around us. As a researcher exploring megaprojects, I am fascinated by the ambition behind these projects that create lasting impacts on communities. My mission is eliminating negative consequences of construction such as carbon emissions and waste while maximising positive impacts such as safety and resilience.

2. What inspired you to become an engineer?

I became a civil engineer because I have always wanted to build systems and leave a tangible mark on the world. I have always enjoyed working with numbers, understanding how things work, and finding practical ways to improve them. Engineering felt like an obvious choice because it combines analytical thinking with the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives through the built environment.

3. How do you balance your professional and personal lives?

Balancing professional and personal life is a never ending process, especially in academia where teaching, research, and industry engagement can be very demanding. What helps me is maintaining a strong sense of purpose. I am passionate about contributing to my students, the industry, and the wider community, and that passion motivates me in my work.

The engineering judgement I developed during my university years taught me to make sound decisions when there is no single answer and navigate through uncertainty with reasonable assumptions, which is a critical ability to manage one’s personal life.

4. In your opinion, is there more that can be done to encourage a greater diversity of people into engineering careers?

There are still many misconceptions about engineering that need to be challenged. Engineering is often perceived as a profession that is primarily for men, focused solely on technical tasks, or confined to office-based work. In reality, engineering is highly diverse, collaborative, and creative. Engineering involves communication, teamwork, innovation, leadership, and engagement with people and the environment. Engineers have significant responsibilities in addressing societal challenges and protecting our planet. We need to communicate “power of engineers” and “softer side of engineering” more effectively to young people and showcase a wider range of role models that touch human life.

5. What advice would you give for anyone interested in pursuing an engineering career?

My advice would be to develop strong engineering skills while also cultivating interests beyond engineering. Technical expertise is essential, but many of the world's biggest challenges—such as climate change, health, sustainability, and inequality—require multidisciplinary thinking and understanding social, environmental, economic, and human perspectives. The most effective engineers are those who can combine sound engineering judgement with insights from other disciplines.

Stay curious, and seek opportunities to understand the world from multiple viewpoints which will enable you to make meaningful contributions to society and tackle complex challenges.