Why Atle Sørensen became an engineer

Engineers create value for society

Before becoming an engineer, I worked in media and IT. My work was fun, I learned a lot and it provided value for the company and its clients, but it lacked a clear connection to one of the core values of Sweco – value for society. That’s why I decided to become an engineer: to be able to create solutions that directly create value for society. As an engineer you’re given the tools to break down and solve the large problems and hurdles our society needs to overcome, for example the need for new solutions to the ongoing climate crisis. I love to solve problems and being an engineer means that I really get to do that in collaboration with others.

One notion about this line of work that I wish more people knew about is that engineers are creative and really engaged people. Yes, engineers need to follow strict regulations and laws to complete a successful project, but to create good solutions within those boundaries you really need to be creative.

My elevator pitch for being an engineer would be: Solve problems with interesting people to deliver solutions that bring value to society.

Measuring sustainability with digitalisation

I work with digitalisation, which can be used to improve efficiency and quality and therefore allows for time to explore and develop better solutions. The problems we’re solving today are more complex than they used to be. Some years back, we could deliver an engineering project and focus mainly on cost. These days sustainability, biodiversity and social impact are key parameters for our projects. Improved efficiency through digitalisation is one of the tools that helps engineers give better advice to our clients in their search for the solutions that society really needs.

I don’t know if I chose digitalisation or if digitalisation chose me. I love building systems and seeing the power that digitalisation can have in making your workday a lot more fun. It’s a way for me to steadily learn new things and contribute into the organisation and the society with value.

A culture where we look after each other

What makes me curious at work is how a group of interesting, committed and goal-oriented experts, can have so much fun creating solutions fit for an ever-changing world full of challenges that must be addressed. Sweco’s large size makes it a key player in contributing to that transition and change and that’s one reason why I chose Sweco.

Even though Sweco is big, we are a de-centralised organization which allows for many engineers to talk directly to clients. You’re close to the client and their problem and given responsibility early on. You’re tossed into the deep end of the pool but the management is always there ready to give you a life line. It’s a good way of learning. We’re handling a lot of risk but the culture is that we look after each other. I think that’s a very healthy culture, enabling us to investigate ourselves and new solutions and new ways of working.