7 Questions with Gurchetan Mudhar

In this edition of 7 Questions with BB7, I caught up with Gurchetan Mudhar, a Graduate Fire Engineer based in our London office. We spoke about his journey into fire engineering, what he’s found most rewarding in his role so far, how he’s experienced the transition from university into professional practice, and his advice for students and recent graduates looking to enter the profession.

1. What attracted you to the field of fire engineering, and what led you to join BB7? 

I didn’t know much about the fire engineering industry at first and initially joined as a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Engineer. After travelling for a few months, I was ready to return to the workforce and had a few interviews before deciding to join BB7, largely due to their strong track record in developing young engineers.

2. What have you learned so far in your role that’s surprised you or challenged your expectations? 

Working as a fire engineering consultant means you come across many different professionals. One of the most challenging aspects has been dealing with people in meetings who have louder personalities. I’ve learned that many issues can be resolved through clear communication, and even something as simple as sending a holding email or an “I’m looking into it” message can go a long way in putting clients at ease.

3. What does a typical day look like for you as a graduate fire engineer? 

I’m always busy. A typical day includes writing fire strategies, marking up drawings, attending meetings, and building models for CFD work.

4. Which areas of fire engineering are you most interested in developing your expertise in? 

I enjoy CFD work the most and would love to spend more time developing that side of my role. That includes putting together Qualitative Design Reviews, making models, running simulations, and writing CFD reports.

5. How have you found the transition from university to working in a professional environment? 

The transition really depends on the people you work with and your manager. At BB7, I’ve had plenty of support and I haven’t felt rushed. The shift from university to professional work was easier than I expected. Some things, like making phone calls, took a little time to adjust to, but treating everyone as an equal and with respect helps a lot in maintaining professionalism in the workplace.

6. What’s been the most rewarding part of your role so far, and the biggest challenge? 

The most rewarding part is earning clients’ respect as a fire engineer. Since Grenfell, clients are much more aware of the importance of fire safety and what we bring to the table in making sure that people are safe when there is an emergency. The greatest challenge is staying on top of all the changes that are currently happening in the industry, as well as pending amendments to guidance and regulations. The updates to improve safety in buildings and the enhancements are coming quick. It’s crucial to understand which changes will affect your projects, as guidance can shift from the design stage to handover, and some projects take years to complete.

7. What advice would you give to students or recent graduates considering a career in fire engineering? 

Find a company that’s willing to support your growth. When you’re starting out, having a good team and a supportive manager is more important than anything else. The hybrid-remote and flexible working offered by many companies in the fire engineering industry is also a big plus.

A huge thank you to Gurchetan for taking the time to share his journey and insights into life as a graduate fire engineer at BB7.

7 Questions with BB7 is our interview series celebrating the incredible people behind the business. Each edition offers a closer look at the individuals who make up our team, as they share their career journeys, day-to-day experiences, and a few words of wisdom. We hope you’ve enjoyed getting to know Gurchetan a little better.