Tell us about your educational and/or career journey since you graduated from Brunel?
After I have graduated from Brunel. I have started working as Cost Control and Planning Chief at Astaldi S.p.A. (2016-2017), I managed financial planning for three major motorway projects, including the Gebze-İzmir Motorway and Northern Marmara Motorway. Advancing to Project Control Specialist (2017-2019), I oversaw budgeting and project execution for large infrastructure initiatives. At Mott MacDonald (Turkey) (2020-2022), as a Civil Engineering Consultant, I advised on multiple projects, including the 1915 Çanakkale Bridge and motorway, New Istanbul Airport and two Hospital projects. Moving to the U.S., I took on roles as Project Control Specialist (2022-2024) and Project Coordinator (2024-Present) at Mott MacDonald (United States), supporting MBTA’s Green Line Transformation, which spans 49 individual projects, in terms of Project Management and Construction Management aspects.
What does a typical day at work involve for you?
A typical day starts with reviewing budget updates, project schedules, and financial models. I assess subcontractor cost documents, evaluate change orders, and update risk registers, including Monte Carlo assessments. I prepare reports and presentations for stakeholders like MBTA, FTA, and PMOC, ensuring funding alignment and strategic planning. Collaboration is constant—I work closely with project controls, design, quality, and vehicle teams to coordinate progress updates. Regularly, I analyze construction timelines, cash flows, and fiscal year funding requirements. Throughout the day, I provide feedback and ensure all project elements align with overarching goals for successful execution.
What’s been the highlight of your career journey so far?
The highlight of my career journey has been contributing to transformative infrastructure projects that shape communities and economies. From overseeing the Green Line Transformation in Boston to advising on the landmark 1915 Çanakkale Bridge (Longest Mid-Span Suspension Bridge in the world) and Istanbul New Airport, I’ve played a critical role in managing budgets, risk assessments, and stakeholder coordination. Working across public-private partnerships, navigating complex funding structures, and ensuring strategic execution have been key milestones. Working with top firms like Mott MacDonald and Astaldi S.p.A., I’ve honed expertise in civil engineering and project management, driving innovation in large-scale transportation and healthcare developments.
How would you say your Brunel experience has helped you to get where you are today?
My Civil Engineering and Structural Engineering education at Brunel University has been instrumental in shaping my career. The university’s emphasis on practical engineering principles, problem-solving, and real-world applications provided a strong foundation for managing complex infrastructure projects. The technical knowledge, analytical skills, and project management expertise I developed have allowed me to navigate high-value developments in transportation and healthcare.
Why did you choose to study at Brunel and why would you recommend Brunel to others?
I chose to study at Brunel University because of its strong reputation in Civil and Structural Engineering, its focus on practical applications, and its industry connections. Brunel has really good career centre for students which helps them to step into the life of professionals. I would recommend Brunel to others for its career-oriented education, friendly lecturers and warm environment.
What is your best memory of studying here?
I can say Constructionarium project which was an on-site scheme in order to construct small-scaled oil platform from scratch. Main aim of the scheme was to understand the conditions and difficulties on site during the construction period and therefore, lead and evaluate the projects clearer in the future.
If you could give one piece of advice to current Brunel students, what would that be?
There is no right or wrong career path. Do not worry about making mistakes. Don’t forget, mistakes can be the biggest boost for your personal improvement! Don’t compare yourself to others but always try to be better than you were yesterday. Also, bear in mind that time flies so enjoy every moment you spend during university degree because when you dive into the work life, you will miss the fun part of the studying.
What would be your top tip or key advice for new graduates as they begin their career journey after leaving Brunel?
No matter how good your grades were or how successful you were during the lectures, at the beginning of your career journey, you will have a feeling of “I don’t know some of these topics!” and that is absolutely normal since it takes time to translate university knowledge into real-world practice.
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