Life as a Graduate Flood Risk Engineer: Aman Khandelwal’s Journey
Category: Race, Ethnicity & Heritage, Training & Development
Meet Aman Khandelwal, a Graduate Flood Risk Engineer based in our Manchester office. In his role, he focuses on assessing and designing sustainable solutions to improve water quality and reduce pollution risks. Aman completed two years on our Early Careers Scheme having joined Tetra Tech straight from University.
In this time, he has also been recognised as an ICE North West Rising Star, nominated for the TechFest Digital Rising Star Award, and was the runner-up for the CIWEM Glynn Ellis Prize.
Aman is serving as one of the ICE President’s Future Leaders and the Regional Secretary for ICE North West.
Why did you choose to study Civil Engineering and Flood Risk Management?
Growing up in India, I witnessed how flooding in Delhi is a significant issue that causes major disruptions. This experience really got me thinking about the impact of infrastructure on communities and the environment.
Civil engineering has always fascinated me because it combines creativity with problem-solving. It’s about designing systems that directly improve people’s lives.
I wanted to be part of a profession that builds something lasting, where every project contributes to sustainability and resilience, and helps prevent future challenges.
What attracted you to the Next Gen Talent Programme?
While studying for my Masters, I came across a post on LinkedIn about the Early Careers Scheme at Tetra Tech. I was looking for a structured programme that would help me grow both personally and professionally as I started my career, and the Early Careers Scheme offers just that. The scheme also provides the opportunity to work on a variety of different live projects, as well as access to mentorship, training and workshops.
I really liked the idea of being on a programme with other peers starting out in their career too. It has been a great way to learn and grow, I have experienced so much in the last two years, and I’m excited to carry the lessons and experiences forward in my career.
What does your day-to-day job role involve?
My main work focus is evaluating the feasibility of water projects, and hydraulic design.
One big project I am involved in, is the United Utilities, Better Rivers Programme, where I help assess and design sustainable solutions to improve water quality and reduce pollution risks. I really enjoy diving into the details of water systems to find ways to make our rivers healthier.
My day often involves technical analysis, model verification, collaborating with civil and process engineers, and making sure our solutions align with both client standards and national guidance. No 2 days are ever the same!
What are your proudest moments of your career so far?
Being selected as one of the ICE President’s Future Leaders is a proud milestone for me. It’s an incredible opportunity to learn from industry leaders, contribute to the wider engineering community, and grow both personally and professionally.
Beyond awards, I also take pride in the smaller, everyday wins, successfully delivering a challenging model, helping a colleague, or finding a creative solution that improves a design. Those moments remind me why I love what I do and keep me motivated to keep learning and contributing.
What advice would you give to someone who is at the start of their career in Civil Engineering?
Stay curious and open to learning, you learn something new every day in this field. Ask questions, take initiative, and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Building a strong professional network and getting involved in professional bodies early on can open many doors. Most importantly, remember to enjoy the process, civil engineering is about solving real-world problems, and every challenge you tackle helps shape a better, more sustainable future.
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