CITB NI’s Post

I was curious to see how tuition fees have increased over the years, and wow, quite a bit has changed. 📈 At £9,250 per year, tuition fees in England are currently at their highest ever. But let's not forget about other expenses. ☝ These fees don't include accommodation, food, transportation, personal expenses, and course expenses such as materials and field-trips - which are estimated to cost an additional £9,000 per year in maintenance loans. 😣 Let's consider a scenario where a student graduates after five years of full-time architectural study. That's already £46,250 in debt just from tuition fees (assuming no loans are required for the year out or Part 3). 🤯 How and when are they supposed to pay back their student loans? 🤷♀️ Spoiler, probably never. ---- Can we take a moment to acknowledge the financial burden our young graduates take on? 👩🏫 I think it's clear that studying architecture is not only a challenging and lengthy journey but also an expensive path to becoming an Architect. Maybe it's time that more people consider an apprenticeship... 🤔 #Architecture #StudentLoans #StudentDebts #Graduates

Whiz kid enrolled at Unam at 14: Whiz kid Brave Chibaka enrolled at the University of Namibia’s (Unam) José Eduardo Dos Santos Campus to pursue a degree in civil engineering at only 14 years of age. This wonder kid’s academic exploits culminated in him earning his sought-after degree, graduating in May 2021 and becoming Unam’s youngest ever graduate at 19. Today, Chibaka works in Malawi as a highway design engineer at one of the top consulting firms in the country. Reflecting on his time at UNAM, he recalls a pivotal moment during the 2018 award ceremony. “I didn’t win any awards that year and many people asked me why. It made me realise the high expectations placed on me,” he says. This moment became a driving force for him, transforming the pressure into motivation to excel. His determination paid off, as he soon became recognised as a top performer at the university. Being the youngest student at Unam came with its own set of challenges — Chibaka was often in the spotlight and found himself at a different stage of growth compared to his peers. “My friends treated me as a peer, which was great, but we were at different stages of personal growth,” he explains. Finding a friend who was closer to his stage of life helped him navigate this unique situation and provided him the support he needed. Living and studying in Namibia had a profound impact on Chibaka’s personal and academic growth. While he reached academic heights he hadn’t anticipated, his personal growth was somewhat inhibited due to limited social interactions outside of school. Football became his primary outlet, but the cultural diversity of Namibia left a lasting impression on him. “The diverse food, low crime rate and various languages were some of the aspects that influenced me,” Chibaka notes. Academically, Chibaka’s achievements were remarkable. Initially relieved that university marks weren’t displayed publicly, he soon realised the importance of striving for excellence. “I made it a point to attend every class and actively participate, rather than trying to figure everything out on my own later,” he shares. This change in habits, along with the support of like-minded friends, created an environment that fostered his success. LIFE AFTER GRADUATION Since graduating, Chibaka has been making significant strides in his professional life. He secured a position at Pamodzi Consulting, one of the top consulting firms in Malawi, where he applies his civil engineering degree extensively. His work includes conducting environmental and impact assessments, economic feasibility studies, traffic studies, geotechnical investigations and pavement and geometric design. “Working on numerous projects in the capital city allows me to witness the tangible changes around me, which is incredibly fulfilling,” Chibaka says. Looking ahead, he is still committed to pursuing a master’s degree in…

Are you interested in attending the 2024 NCSEA Summit in Las Vegas, Nevada from November 5-8? We have not one, but two scholarship opportunities for you! NCSEA Scholarship Apply for the NCSEA Young Member Summit Scholarship for the opportunity to receive free registration and a travel stipend of $1,000! This is through the national organization and you can find more information on their website. www.ncseasummit.com. Applications for the NCSEA YM Summit Scholarship must be submitted by June 24, 2024. Local Colorado Scholarship While you are at it, apply for the SEAC YMC Summit Scholarship! We are using the same application questions, so there is no reason not to apply for both to double your chances of being selected. The SEAC YMC Summit Scholarship, which includes the cost of the Summit Registration and a $1,000 travel stipend, is funded through donations by our generous 2023 Gingerbread Bridge Competition Sponsors. All applications for the SEAC YMC Summit Scholarship are due by end of day on Monday, July 8, 2024. Note: this is AFTER the NCSEA YM Summit Scholarship application deadline. Application Instructions You have two options for the essay submission: * Option 1: Compose a written essay (approximately 1,000 words) based on one of the four essay question options and email it to pastpresident@seacolorado.org • Option 2: Create a video essay (maximum of 10 minutes in length) that answers one of the four essay question options and  to the video to pastpresident@seacolorado.org Please include your name, phone number, and email address with your submission. The scholarship winner will be asked to submit a headshot. Essay Question Options l.You are given the responsibility to recruit students and recent graduates to participate with the Structural Engineers Association, how do you do it?  Describe how you got involved with your YMC, state’s SEA, and/or NCSEA and what strategies you would employ to encourage others to get involved. 2.What is your opinion about the public's perception of structural engineers? 3.Economic risks such as increased inflation rates, material availability, labor shortages, and mass resignations are increasingly affecting the design and construction industry. Describe how these issues have affected you and your firm and what measures have been taken to manage these risks. Have you made any changes to how you have traditionally done work? What additional challenges do you see emerging from larger market trends and how would you address them? 4.How do you think Al will change our industry? How do you think the structural engineering industry can leverage artificial intelligence to advance our practice? Eligibility To qualify to receive the SEAC YMC Scholarship, the applicant must be: • Under 36 years of age • A current member of SEAC (Structural Engineers Association of Colorado) #SEAC #WeSEEAboveAndBeyond #StructuralEngineering #YMG #Scholarship #NCSEASummit

Meet Narendran Murali (pursuing a Masters in construction management at Texas A&M University, US) sharing his perspective on the differences in US education from that of India. We are a community for helping students to choose futuristic courses according to their eligibility and passion. 👉DM us for free, personalized doubt-clearing regarding your career. 👉You can also share your experience with us Join us for more career content regarding International education🤝 #ICCP #GlobalCareerConnect #studentsuccess #studentlife #usastudyvisa #usaeducation #usa #internationaleducation #education

Part 1 of 2: In this video, Ian R. gives some guidance for applying for City Planning courses from overseas. Irish colleges and courses have a great reputation internationally (in construction courses and beyond), so this overview will be helpful for those considering applying from abroad. #BuildingHeroes #BuildingHeroesIRL #BuildSustainableCareers #NextGenCareers #ConstructionHeroes #buildingthefuture #BuildSustainableCareers

Year 3: Starting My Journey and First Failure I read in the Mail & Guardian a while ago that of all the kids starting school in South Africa, only 50%-60% get to Grade 12 (Matric) and of that, only half (say 27%) achieve a bachelor’s pass (access to university). Another researcher offered that the number could be yet lower at 17% that enter university. One then wonders what the stats are for those who actually go on to graduate… Year three marked the beginning of my formal journey into the construction industry as I started studying construction management and quantity surveying at the now Durban University of Technology. I paid no mind that many of my ex-school mates were completing their third year and were ready to obtain their degrees and diplomas while I was yet starting out. I had a part time job with my brother at #Woolworths which allowed me to stop leeching off my mother. (Working from 4pm to 1pm and then going to classes the next morning wasn’t easy for someone who loves sleep- I did this three nights a week for three years). I tried to maintain focus though and made new friends, a few I still have today. I even fell in love with someone else's... I was slightly older than my peers but determined as heck, I remember scoring the highest in class (91%) for mathematics which formed part of the science module. Braggadocious(ly) everything was going great even though to my shock I became a dad and hadn’t noticed Hubris in my review mirror. Despite my enthusiasm and desire to achieve, I faced a major setback due to overconfidence, immaturity and a lack of focus, where I failed my first year! I could not believe it and was devastated. My (younger) classmates were moving on to their second year and I would need to repeat my first year. I had serious doubts as to whether I should get back to reality and get a full-time job given that I had tried tertiary education and it seemed, not for me. It was important for me to remember the adage that a setback is a setup for a comeback. This taught me the value of perseverance and the importance of maintaining focus on goals. I would come back next year- even stronger! Quote: "Success is not final, failure is not fatal: It is the courage to continue that counts." — Winston S. Churchill

Sometimes, the most unexpected turns lead us to where we’re truly meant to be. In 2021, as I completed my 10th grade, I was at a crossroads. Growing up, my dream was to become a doctor, but as I moved into the real world, I found myself unsure of what path to take. With school life behind me, I was faced with the daunting question of "What's next?" The conventional path seemed clear 11th and 12th grade seemed like the only options. IT diplomas were unfamiliar to me; I only knew about diplomas in civil engineering. It felt like everyone around me was opting for the traditional route, and I was determined to follow suit. However, a turning point came when my cousin, who excelled in her studies, suggested considering an IT diploma. This advice was a revelation. After much deliberation and convincing my family, I decided to explore this new path. To my surprise, even after the last date for applications had passed, I managed to secure admission into an IT diploma program. It felt as though this diploma was meant to be part of my journey. It was a moment of serendipity, turning what seemed like an uncertain step into a promising new beginning. This journey has not only reshaped my career path but also sparked a passion for IT that I never knew I had. #CareerDevelopement #Learning #SkillsDevelopement #TechCareer

Biannual Admission in Indian Universities and Higher Education Institutes from 2024-25 UGC has announced admission in Indian Universities twice in a year from this academic session 2024-25. The two admission cycles will be July-August and January-February. This will help the student to apply for admission for higher education during July- August or session starting from January-February. The biannual admission cycle in Indian Universities will be in line with the foreign Universities followed globally. This will help Indian Universities and Higher Education Institutes can enhance their international collaborations and student exchange programs.

Exciting times ahead for Warwick University! 🚀 BDP has just revealed their £700m plans for a major campus overhaul, focusing on brand-new teaching and research buildings. This is part of the ambitious STEM Connect Programme, aimed at revolutionising science and engineering facilities. What really caught my eye is the commitment to sustainability - integrating low carbon buildings, an energy centre, and new green spaces to meet the university's decarbonisation goals. 🌱 Sue Emms, BDP's practice principal, highlighted the importance of sustainability and high-quality materials in this massive project. This initiative will not only transform Warwick's campus but also bolster its standing as a global leader in STEM education and research. Academic director Mark Williams echoed this sentiment, describing the project as hugely ambitious, with the potential to pave the way for groundbreaking research and education. As a recruiter for civil and structural engineers, I find projects like these incredibly inspiring. They highlight the critical role of engineering in shaping the future of education and sustainability. The field of civil and structural engineering will be pivotal in bringing these innovative buildings to life. Keep an eye on this space! The changes at Warwick are bound to set new standards in educational infrastructures and sustainable design. 🎓🌍 #CivilEngineering #STEM #Sustainability

I am delighted to share in my mother school - Cheung Sha Wan Catholic Secondary School on structural engineering. Instead of lecturing, I gave them a pack of Mola Kit, made their models and test. Through the model, they learn that they need to maintain the temporary stability during construction, lateral stiffness and at the end - function of base isolation to reduce seismic force in buildings. #Inspire, #Structural Engineering, #Mola kit