INTERVIEW | RAPHAEL AMAJUOYI GET INVOLVED AND WORK HARD The Presidential theme for CIBSEs 125th anniversary year is Inspire the next generation. Erato Vasileiou talks to CIBSE Young Engineer of the Year Raphael Amajuoyi about his role models, and the importance of networking and hard work in his burgeoning career Erato Vasileiou W here do you get your motivation to succeed? Have you had any role models? My parents moved to the UK in the 1980s. Growing up as an immigrant child, I sometimes had to work harder than everyone else. This has been the key factor in my journey so far. It is not about being the best in your class, but about working as hard as you can. Pursuing the CIBSE Young Engineers Awards (YEA) and Ken Dale Travel Bursary, I would not have felt any less of myself if I hadnt won, because I had done the best I could. Regarding role models, it has been a combination of my parents and the amazing people Ive worked with. Vitaliy Troyan, my line manager at Hurley Palmer Flatt (now HDR) was a big inspiration and gave me structure in my graduate role. I could ask any question without fear of being judged. Its so important to find someone within the industry who inspires and pushes you to achieve your goals, especially in the early stages of your career. Is there anyone within CIBSE who guided you in your career? Absolutely. Steven Matthews, the former chief executive at CIBSE who I met in 2017, when I was in my undergraduate year, and who I am still in contact with has been such an amazing figure. There are many other people within the industry to whom Ive asked a very similar question: what would you advise me to do in the early stages of my career to succeed? The advice is always: Just go out there, try and experience it all, be willing to get involved with as much as possible. Some things you will enjoy, some things you wont, but you will never know if you dont try! With regards to the CIBSE Young Engineers Network, another person who has been crucial in my journey is Ryan Rodrigues, who won CIBSE Graduate of the Year in 2015. 26 September 2022 www.cibsejournal.com CIBSE Sept 22 pp26-27 Raphael interview.indd 26 26/08/2022 15:51