Suzy Xue

Suzy Xue MSc 2016

Suzy (Xi) Xue attended Imperial College London in 2016 where she studied the MSc course in Soil Mechanics and Environmental Geotechnics. 

During the course of my undergraduate studies, I dreamt of attending the MSc course in Geotechnics at Imperial College. I feel incredibly fortunate to have finally been able to successfully apply for this world-renowned program.

Throughout my MSc program, I acquired a strong foundation in soil mechanics, including advanced topics such as analysis and constitutive modelling, as well as practical engineering applications such as foundation design, soil slope stability etc. These courses have greatly improved my understanding of soil behaviour and its practical applications. Additionally, I consider myself lucky to be among a community of esteemed professors and exceptional classmates who provided a supportive environment and inspired me to strive for excellence, even to this day.

Following my graduation from Imperial College, I had the opportunity to work for both consultant and contractor companies, contributing to large-scale infrastructure projects spanning across the UK, Hong Kong, and beyond. These projects included the Luton DART railway line, spanning 2.1km, and a 130-hectare land reclamation project in Hong Kong. I am grateful for the knowledge I gained from the MSc course, particularly in areas such as consolidation, seepage, and earth pressure, which enabled me to better comprehend the principles underlying my design work and tackle complex challenges. During my time working for contractors, I was accountable for managing project delivery, finances, and team development. My technical expertise and coursework training, acquired through the MSc program, proved invaluable in ensuring that all aspects of the projects I managed were executed efficiently, delivered on schedule, and within budget.

In 2021, I was qualified as a Chartered Civil Engineer and a Registered Ground Engineering Professional, both recognized by the Institute of Civil Engineering. With a desire to expand my skillset beyond my engineering experience, I sought cross-disciplinary development opportunities. I consider myself fortunate to have been appointed as a senior technical manager specializing in construction claims, for example, third-party liabilities arising from settlement caused by underground tunnelling works. I am deeply appreciative of the knowledge and skills I acquired through the MSc course, specifically geotechnical processes, which have been indispensable in my present role.

Reflecting on my experience, I can confidently say that the MSc program has significantly enhanced my technical and engineering knowledge, as well as my ability to work independently and in a team. Furthermore, I now feel more self-assured in pursuing my career and exploring diverse opportunities to broaden my horizons and gain valuable experience. Being a part of the Geotechnical family fills me with immense pride, and I am thrilled to make a meaningful contribution to the community.