Orla joined JBA Consulting as an Assistant Engineer.  She is based in Limerick and works as part of a team of engineers and geographers.  Here she gives some of her impressions of her first 18 months with the company.

What attracted you to JBA Consulting?

I had studied Flood Risk Management as part of my Masters degree at Cork Institute of Technology and it was an engineering discipline that I was keen to pursue further. I was familiar with JBA’s work already as they are known to be an industry-leader in this field. I was also attracted to the diverse range of activities that JBA use to supplement their core business such as marine engineering, renewable energies and river restoration.

What were your first impressions of JBA Consulting?

I was immediately struck by how close-knit a company JBA is for a business of its size. Everyone in the company, even the most senior directors, are eager to help you with any problem that you may have. You are encouraged to continuously ask questions and express your opinion. This made my transition from an inexperienced graduate to a professional engineer extremely easy and enjoyable.

What are you doing now?

I am currently involved in the delivery of flood mapping and relief scheme options for the Western Catchment Flood Risk Assessment and Management Study (Western CFRAM). As part of this, I have to had to construct seven hydraulic models using the latest modelling software such as ISIS and TUFLOW. I am also a core member of the hydraulic modelling team that is completing the Lower Lee Flood Relief Scheme for Cork city centre and Blackpool at present. In between all of this, I am also working on smaller design schemes, flood risk assessments and environmental projects.

Tell us some of the more interesting aspects of working for JBA Consulting

The best part about working for JBA is the varied projects and tasks that you can be involved on a daily basis. Every job is interesting, be it a large-scale hydraulic model of an urban area or the design of a flood relief scheme in a small housing-estate. You are constantly developing as a professional and assume a large degree of responsibility as soon as you start. The pace at which you learn new skills is an added bonus.