Irish engineers are delivering critical infrastructure across the globe and enhancing community connectivity in innovative and unprecedented ways. Bridget Mullane, director, Hewson Consulting, shares her path into engineering, and finding her tribe.
“Roads, bridges, construction… I was fascinated by it all,” Bridget, a structural engineer and director at Hewson Consulting, recalls. “Everyone else wanted to be nurses or teachers, I was absolutely sure I wanted to be an engineer from when I was four years old. I don’t know exactly where that came from, but looking back, it was probably from my mum – her family is full of engineers, and she should have been one, too. She went into the sciences instead, which I suppose was seen as more acceptable at the time. That didn’t happen in our generation though: every single one of my cousins on my mum’s side of the family ended up in engineering!”
Camaraderie and support
Engineering is, at its core, collaborative, Bridget says. “Whether it’s a small community project or a billion-pound infrastructure scheme, everything is about teamwork. You’re working side-by-side with people who are all pulling in the same direction to deliver something tangible, and that creates a strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support.”
She believes the profession is becoming more diverse and inclusive. “At its best, the industry values people for their abilities, mindset, and enthusiasm. Over the years, I’ve seen a real shift. There’s a growing recognition that to meet the demands of society – from climate change to infrastructure development – we need different perspectives.
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“That’s made the industry more inclusive, and more welcoming to people who might not have traditionally seen themselves as engineers. For those considering engineering, the message is: if you’re passionate, driven, and curious, there is a place for you.”
Passport to a global career
An Irish engineering qualification is recognised around the world thanks to international accords and agreements, and engineering skills are in demand globally. Bridget has worked in the UK, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and the Middle East, even studying for part of her degree in Germany. “I had the opportunity to study civil/structural engineering in the Darmstadt with the Erasmus programme. It was one of the best things we did during college [Bridget studied structural engineering in MTU from 2003 to 2008] and I would love to turn back the time to those days again. Especially as the World Cup just happened to be on in Germany as we finished up there!
“An engineering degree can take you anywhere, quite literally. No matter where I’ve been, engineering teams have always been welcoming. There’s a shared mindset: problem-solving, curiosity, and a passion for the task. It’s like finding your tribe. I’ve also found that both my degree and chartership from Ireland are really well respected internationally.
“It’s like finding your tribe”
“That’s one of the things I love most about engineering – the skills you develop are so versatile. I’ve worked on everything from urban rail systems to major highways and international bridges. The problem-solving, project management, technical understanding, and people skills you gain are applicable anywhere – not just across countries, but across industries too.
“It’s a career that grows with you. Whether you stay technical, move into leadership, or shift towards sustainability or policy – it’s all possible.”
A career with impact
Fundamentally, Bridget says, engineering offers individuals the opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the world: “Engineers shape the world we live in – quite literally. When a project opens and people start using it – whether it’s a bridge, road, railway, or even a simple footpath – it’s a proud moment. Good engineering helps communities thrive, keeps people connected, and moves society forward. You know it’s making life better for others, and you get to enjoy doing it. Win-win.”
The most satisfying part of the work is when a project has been completed: “When you see a project come together after all the ups and downs, it’s a really fulfilling moment. When the long hours and planning turn into something real that people use and rely on and you can walk past it years later and say, ‘I helped build that’. There’s no better feeling. Not every career gives you that.”
Think big, build big!
Bridget has worked on hugely ambitious infrastructure projects in Hong Kong. “A few favourite projects will always stand out for me. Liantang Contract 3 was my first in Hong Kong and I had a great time working on it. It was a series of bridges, interchanges and ramps over a really congested site.
“The structures had to cross a six-lane motorway, a river, local roads, a major water pipe into Hong Kong, and the main train line to China – and all had to be kept open during construction! The satisfaction when that one opened was huge.”
Klang Valley Mass Rapid Transit was another landmark: “I’d worked on Phase 1 as part of the team for the special long-span structures, and years later I returned as the structural lead for Phase 2. Going back a few years later to sit at the front of one of the driverless trains was great fun.
“One of my current projects is also in Hong Kong – with a nine-year construction programme. It includes building a tunnel under the existing viaduct to the airport (which stays operational throughout), as well as a new twin bridge beside it, squeezed between buildings and bridges. Traffic will be moved to the new structure so the old one can be demolished in phases, and the new bridge will sit on top of the new tunnel. The tunnel runs through reclaimed land and even passes under listed heritage buildings. The logistics, sequencing, and innovation involved are incredible.”
Engineering: Where imagination meets impact
Engineering is a gateway to some of the most exciting and diverse careers in the world — from biomedical engineers designing life-saving devices to civil engineers shaping the infrastructure we depend on every day. It unlocks global opportunities, limitless career growth, and the skills to thrive in any sector.
Engineers Ireland supports engineers at every stage of their career through world-class professional development, accreditation, learning, and networking. Our members play a central role in addressing society’s most urgent challenges – advancing sustainability, influencing policy, and driving meaningful progress.
For students with a passion for creativity and a desire to make an impact, engineering offers a world of opportunity. Whether through university degrees, PLC courses (QQI FET), apprenticeships, or a blend of these pathways, there is a route into engineering for everyone. Engineering is where passion meets purpose. Join a vibrant community committed to professional growth, collaboration, and delivering sustainable solutions for society.
Learn more at engineersireland.ie.
