Josh sat down at the University of Dundee for a live podcast in front of students to hear Reese’s story and it’s not the typical engineering path.

From leaving school with no qualifications, working at McDonald’s, and going through college, to eventually breaking into university and now working as a Project Engineer in subsea engineering, this conversation is about what it really takes when things don’t go to plan.

We talk about failing exams, repeating years, paying for extra support just to get through university, and what it actually feels like to see others progress while you’re still trying to catch up.

Reese also shares honest advice on internships, breaking into industry, dealing with rejection, and why university doesn’t always prepare you for the real world of engineering.

If you’re a student who feels behind, unsure of your path, or questioning whether you’ll “make it”, this episode is for you.

Josh sat down with Ryan to talk through his journey into building services engineering and how he ended up working at the University of Glasgow.

What stands out about Ryan’s story is that it isn’t a straight line. He didn’t think engineering was for him at school, spent time working in an admin job, and only found his way into the industry after being given an opportunity to apply for an apprenticeship. From there, it became a process of learning, grafting, and figuring things out step by step through college, university and on the job experience.

This conversation challenges the idea that there is one route into engineering. Ryan talks openly about not being naturally academic, having to work at subjects like maths, and realising that engineering is just as much about communication, problem solving and mindset as it is about technical ability.

They also explore what building services engineering actually is, using a simple way of thinking about it. If architecture is the body and structure is the bones, then building services are the arteries that keep everything running. It is the side of engineering most people do not see, but it is fundamental to how buildings operate and how we move towards a more sustainable future.

If you are unsure where you fit, questioning your next step, or think engineering is not for you, this episode offers a different perspective on what a career in engineering can look like.

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John Kraus joins The Engineer a Career Podcast to explore what engineering needs to become if it is going to meet the challenges of the future.

John is the CEO of Engineers Without Borders UK and has built a career across policy, climate and the built environment.

Although not an engineer by background, his work is focused on one clear mission: helping engineering create better outcomes for people and the planet.

In this episode, we explore what global responsibility means for engineers, why more students are looking for purposeful careers, how engineering education needs to evolve and why individual engineers have the power to challenge how things are done.

We also dive into topics like doughnut economics, regenerative thinking and how engineering can move beyond solving problems to shaping a better future.

This is a thoughtful conversation for engineering students, graduates and professionals who care about where engineering is heading and the role they can play in it.

Follow Engineer a Career

LinkedIn: @engineeracareer

Instagram: @engineeracareer

TikTok: @engineer.a.career

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Website: www.engineeracareer.co.uk