Careers in Engineering

SARAH BOYLAN, Senior Building Services Engineer at Kerrigan Mechanical and Honorary Secretary, CIBSE Ireland, answers some questions about what she values about being an engineer.

What is your current job?

I work as a Senior Building Services Engineer at Kerrigan Mechanical.

What drew you to the field of engineering, more specifically building services, and what was your path to becoming an engineer and developing your earlier career?

I’ve always had an interest in practical, hands-on work from a young age. I studied mechanical engineering at NUI Galway. My first role after college was as a Technical Sales Engineer, which gave me a broad understanding of the mechanical sector of building services engineering. From there, I moved to the mechanical contracting side with Kerrigan Mechanical and have worked in a range of roles, including estimation, coordination, technical submittals and handovers. This experience has provided me with a good understanding of the projects from start to finish.

Among your various responsibilities, what would you say is your favourite part of the job, and why?

I would have a keen interest in the Coordination phase. It combines problem-solving, technical drawing, and collaboration with other services while also providing a comprehensive understanding of the entire project.

Looking ahead, what aspects of your work or the broader engineering landscape genuinely excite you for the future?

I’m excited about the development and ever-evolving technologies in the building services industry. I’m also looking forward to the company’s growth and the opportunity to work with an expanding engineering team, which will bring new perspectives and opportunities for shared learning and development.

Who or what are your primary sources of support, both professionally and personally, as you navigate your engineering career?

I’ve found strong support from the team within Kerrigan Mechanical, which has been valuable in my growth and a great support both professionally and personally. Management are always approachable and keen to help with any challenges. I’m also actively involved in the CIBSE network, which has provided an excellent platform for connecting with others in the industry, sharing knowledge, and staying up to date with best practices.

What bodies are you a member of, and how important is this to you?

I’m a member of CIBSE (Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers), and being part of such a respected professional body is incredibly important to me. I have held the role of Honorary Secretary of CIBSE Ireland for the past number of years. CIBSE membership provides essential industry knowledge, resources, and best practices, keeping you current with the latest standards and developments in building services engineering. It is crucial for maintaining high professional standards, expanding your network, and continuing professional development in a rapidly evolving field. CIBSE also has a great group of women in the WiBSE network (Women in Building Services Engineers), which has grown over the last few years. It is great to see the increase in the number of women entering the building services industry.

If you could offer one piece of advice to a person starting their career in engineering, what would it be?

My advice would be to never hesitate to ask questions – everyone starts somewhere. Also, don’t stress too much about finding the perfect role right away. There are many different paths in engineering, and you’ll have the chance to discover what interests you along the way.