SCOT FISHER CENG MIMECHE

Lead project engineer, Critical Infrastructure Delivery, Four Line Modernisation, London Underground.

I got involved with the Support Network when the Institution sent out an email asking for younger members to become visitors for the Support Network. I had been trying to get more involved with the Institution and the role sounded really interesting. I have been actively involved in the Support Network for 8 years now, enjoying every minute.

As part of my role as Deputy Chair of the Support Network we provide assistance to all Institution members, including financial help, but the network offers a huge range of services from dyslexia support to help with job-hunting and a befriending service.

I have also visited members, sat on the Trustee Board (and recently voted on as Deputy Chair) and sat/chaired various committees. This work has increased my skillset in several areas. From fact finding skills with members or with the board, to commercial decisions (Finance committee), to marketing (communications committee). And of course in understanding and developing strategies. All of this I have been able to take directly back to my engineering role. My development has been a real win/win/win for the Support Network, my employer and myself.

I do as much of my role outside of work hours as I can, but London Underground and my manager understand the mutual gain that comes from volunteering and support me by being flexible with my working hours if required to allow me to attend Board meetings and Grants Committees.

The best thing about being a Support Network volunteer is the fact that each time I walk away from an interaction with the Support Network there is a real sense of making a difference and the impact that difference will make. Sometimes in engineering you can struggle to see how your day moved the project forward, or directly had an effect.

Engineers like to help themselves, but sometimes you get tripped up in life and we’re there if you need help getting back on your feet. We don’t know all the answers, but we’ll always know someone who does. Volunteering puts a smile on my face and a real sense of achievement.

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