Meet Anni Bagdi

Role: DE&IM Assistant Digital Engineer

Project: Oxford Pandemics Sciences

What do you do?

I build digital, 3D models. The digital model helps us find and solve problems before they happen. It’s great to know that I’m part of the team that’s helping to save time and effort on jobs. I also get to work with some of the best and smartest engineering and design tech. We are part of the team straight away – I’m building models of temporary and permanent works and I’m getting great experience by being part of Digital Build review meetings with technical leads and engineers. 

What have you done so far that you’re proud of? 

I did a clash detection on temporary works packages. I found and helped resolved issues ahead of site execution prevent delays and maintain safety. I also got to support the logistics planning on site by performing vehicle tracking – which made sure that everyone moved material around the site efficiently and safely. 

Why construction?

What first drew me to the industry is the combination of technology and real-world impact. I enjoy working with digital tools, but what excites me most is seeing how those tools shape the built environment and directly support the people who use it. There’s something rewarding about knowing the work I do behind a screen eventually translates into something physical and lasting.

No two projects are ever the same - each brings its own challenges, constraints, and opportunities to learn. That keeps the work engaging and means there’s always something new to tackle. At the same time, the industry is broad enough that if one role doesn’t feel like the right fit, there’s always space to explore different paths while still contributing meaningfully.

What drew you to LOR and the role you applied for: 

Laing O’Rourke is the leader in digital engineering and modern construction methods. The company’s commitment to innovation - through DfMA, digital twins, and its Centre of Excellence for Modern Construction - creates a forward-thinking environment where I can contribute meaningfully while continuing to develop my expertise.

The role appeals to me as it sits at the intersection of design, technology, and delivery. I enjoy bridging these areas - transforming models and data into actionable outputs that directly support site teams. Working closely with engineers and project teams, while applying digital tools to address real-world challenges, aligns perfectly with the responsibilities I am eager to take on.

Tips for the recruitment process: 

Get a head start by learning about Laing O’Rourke - its values are at the heart of everything we do here, learn about key projects, and the technologies they use. Prepare examples from your experience that demonstrate problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability - even if your experience isn’t in construction, examples from part-time jobs, volunteering, or other roles are valid. Practice common interview questions to build confidence, and keep a tracker to stay organised throughout your applications.

What advice would you give to students looking for a graduate or apprenticeship role?

Be curious - ask questions, and don’t be afraid to try different roles to see what fits. Showing genuine interest in the industry can open doors, and demonstrating a willingness to contribute and adapt goes a long way in standing out for graduate or apprenticeship roles.