By: Gretchen Xie, Graduate Engineer

September 2023 marks my first working anniversary at DFC! I’ve had a productive and fulfilling year as a graduate in fire engineering with the company, and I feel proud to have made an impact within the industry by using the fundamental fire science knowledge I gained from university.

My story with DFC demonstrates the value of networking and participating in virtual careers fairs. I first heard about DFC at an online careers fair in 2021 when in-person events were not allowed due to COVID-19 restrictions. Despite the barrier, I managed to chat with the then DFC representative, Weimiao Lu, who introduced me to the company, the projects I would work on if I joined DFC, as well as the graduate position application process. That was clearly instrumental in helping me make an informed decision to join DFC.

What’s it like working at DFC as a graduate? 

Well, throughout the year, I’ve been involved in a wide variety of projects in different sectors, including residential, office, stadium, car park, and more. I’ve had the opportunity to develop fire strategies for different RIBA stages and coordinate with the design teams with the help of senior colleagues. Some of my main projects have been in Saudi Arabia, Liverpool, and Newcastle. These projects come with different challenges and complexities and the DFC team have provided me with a supportive and enriching environment through the journey.

CPD at University of Edinburgh

In addition to project work, DFC’s commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) is also impressive. The fact that they offer a series of CPD events including the annual technical training at the University of Edinburgh is a testament to the company’s dedication to keeping their employees up to date with the latest trends and research within fire engineering. It expands and reinforces my knowledge in fundamental fire science and keeps me up to date with the latest fire engineering trends and research topics.

Involvement in Recruitment

Earlier this month, I was invited to attend a fire engineering careers fair at Edinburgh University as a representative of DFC. It felt incredible to be back where I used to study, in the role of a recruiter. With my first-hand experience as a graduate at DFC, I was able to provide valuable insights into the application process and share my own experiences as a graduate fire engineer at the company. It was a great opportunity to connect with aspiring fire engineers and share my enthusiasm for the work we do at DFC. I’m truly eager to see more talented individuals join our DFC family and contribute to the exciting world of fire engineering.