Tell us a little about yourself and what do you do at CERN today? 

My name is Ellie, I’m a 25-year-old engineer from the United Kingdom. I graduated from Sheffield University in 2023 after completing my master’s degree in general engineering with a focus on civils and a year in industry. I applied between my Bachelor´s and my Master´s degree, and landed a position working as an intern for three months in the site asset management team. I enjoyed it so much, that I reapplied again after my graduation for the graduate position I’m currently in. I really enjoy being so close to the mountains and in summer, embarking on hikes (that are always much longer and tougher than planned), in winter, taking part in the CERN Ski Club. When I’m not in the mountains, I’m getting stuck into all things crafty (DIY, drawing, painting, crochet...).
 
With my team, we keep all the buildings and tunnels up to scratch. Most of CERN was built in the late 1950s and 1960s, which means our structures need lots of TLC to keep them watertight and functioning well to facilitate all the experiments we have here at CERN. We handle some small projects, like repairing water leaks, or giving offices and labs a lick of paint for a fresh new look, as well as much larger projects like building envelope renovations or concrete foundations for new buildings.
I’m also a member of the Women In Technology grassroots group, who organise visits and events to help promote diversity in STEM at CERN. I also sometimes act as a tour guide in the science gateway exhibitions, so keep an eye out for me in the famous signature red jacket!
 
What is working at CERN like for you?

My average day involves visiting any building sites I have on the go, and making sure that we’re on time, that the work is of good quality, and spotting any problems that might arise. For example, if we’re digging foundations and find a surprise water pipe that no-one knew was there, we have to figure out where it comes from, where it goes, and how we can work around it whilst still achieving our goal. 
If I’m not on site, I’ll be in the office planning and scheduling any works we have coming up, and making sure that everything we need is ready for when we start working, for example, making sure everyone has been trained to work safely in certain environments that are radioactive or underground, researching fire conformity regulations and applying them to my projects, organising the safe evacuation of radioactive waste, or contaminated materials etc.
And then there’s another equally important side of CERN, the people. The community, the social events (e.g. CERN Relay Race, Hardronic music festival), and the constant chance to meet new friends, collaborate with amazing colleagues, and build meaningful connections. CERN offers as much as you're willing to explore. The more effort and curiosity you bring to the table, the more rewarding your experience becomes.
 
What inspired you to pursue a career in science? 

As a child, I wasn’t very keen on science, it was something I HAD to do at school, not something I wanted to do. My dad worked in construction, and when I was younger, I used to help him out on weekends. I loved every second of it, the being outside, the getting my hands dirty, and at the end of the day with hands on hips being able to say “Hey, I helped to make that!”. As soon as I found out that I could make a career out of this, I was sold on civil engineering and never looked back!
 
What skills have you developed since joining CERN?

What skills haven’t I developed at CERN? I’ve had the chance to strengthen both my technical and interpersonal skills. I’ve gained hands-on experience working on complex building sites unique to CERN, I have learnt so much about working in radioactive environments, public facing areas, polluted environments, and underground areas, all of which have deepened my problem-solving and analytical abilities. On a more personal level, working in such a diverse and international setting has improved my communication and collaboration skills enormously. I’ve learnt how to manage projects effectively with people from many different backgrounds, all over the world!
 
What have been the main hurdles or challenges you encountered along the way?

One of the biggest challenges I faced was adapting to the scale and complexity of CERN’s projects, all while working in a language that wasn’t my own. When I first arrived two years ago, my French was limited to basic conversation, but with CERN’s language support and the immersive work environment, I’ve since been able to develop the confidence and skills to work independently in French, something I am very proud of!
At first, it was a bit overwhelming to understand how my work fit into the bigger picture of CERN. You think CERN, you think physics, not civil engineering! It took some time to navigate the systems and internal processes, but with the help of my team, I was able to find my footing and see just how crucial the civil engineers are to CERN's success.
 
Any favourite memories from your time at CERN so far?

I had the chance to join a technical visit to CERN’s LHC tunnel on short notice, and I didn’t hesitate (the picture in the green jumper was taken on this visit). Being down there, surrounded by the seamless coordination of civil infrastructure with mechanical, electrical, and experimental components, was a powerful moment. It reminded me exactly why I chose engineering - the challenge of bringing different systems together in complex environments. That kind of cross-disciplinary teamwork is what makes CERN so unique.
 
What advice would you give to potential applicants?

1.    CERN isn’t only for physicists! The engineers at CERN make up around half of the personnel here on site, and CERN simply wouldn’t work without them, so if you’re an engineer, you’re in good company!
2.    Take initiative and be curious. CERN is full of opportunities, but it’s ultimately up to you to explore them. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, admit when you don’t know something, or step out of your comfort zone, whether that’s reaching out to someone in another department or attending a seminar outside your field.
3.    Embrace the diversity here, it’s one of CERN’s greatest strengths and can really enrich your experience, both professionally and personally.

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