Day in the Life: Ryan Donoghue, Graduate Building Pathologist

As part of the Building Pathology team, Ryan has been able to transfer his university learning to the practical skills needed as a building pathologist and gain confidence for on-site work.

Ryan on…his career at SOCOTEC

“When I joined SOCOTEC in 2024, I was in my second year of university and looking for a placement opportunity to gain practical experience alongside my studies. I had become particularly interested in building pathology, an area that I could explore with H + R SOCOTEC UK.

“Since joining SOCOTEC, I have progressed from Intern Building Pathologist to Graduate Building Pathologist, after recently achieving First Class Honours in Building Surveying.

“During that time, I have been given opportunities to take on increasing levels of responsibility and work on a broader range of projects. I’ve even had the opportunity to take the lead on some projects, which has been a great step in my professional development.

“My progression has been about gradually developing my knowledge, confidence and independence. Each role and project has given me something different to take forward, whether that has been technical knowledge, communicating with clients, managing my own workload or becoming more confident in making professional decisions.”

Ryan on…choosing building pathology

“My route into the industry began through my studies in Building Surveying at the University of the West of England. During my degree, I developed an interest in existing buildings, building pathology, refurbishment and understanding how buildings perform, with this interest continuing to shape the direction of my career.”

Ryan on…his training and development

“Training and development have been vital for my progression. It has been valuable to combine formal training and practical experience while working with industry experts.

“My initial training with Tim Hutton put me on the right track to becoming a Building Pathologist. He taught me to look at problems holistically and gave me a thorough understanding of diagnosing damp-related defects. My experience on-site has shown me just how valuable that advice was.

“One of the biggest things I’ve learned is that development doesn’t stop once you’ve completed a qualification. There’s always something new to learn, particularly in a profession where every building, project and client can present a different challenge.”

Ryan on…the challenges

“Like any career, my progression has not been without its challenges. My main challenge has been the move from an academic environment into professional practice as I’ve had to learn how to apply the theoretical knowledge to real situations.

“There is a big difference between understanding something in a classroom and being responsible for applying that knowledge to a live project. This has meant sometimes stepping outside my comfort zone, asking questions and being willing to admit when I don’t know something.”

Ryan on…advice for pursuing a career in building pathology

“Don’t worry too much about having everything figured out. Your career will develop as you gain experience, and opportunities will come along that you cannot always plan for. Some of the best learning comes from the people around you, and being willing to listen and learn is just as important as having the right qualifications.

“Most importantly, I would say to take every opportunity to learn and challenge yourself. You might not always feel ready, but sometimes the opportunities that push you outside your comfort zone are the ones that help you progress the most.”

Ryan on…the future of his career at SOCOTEC

“Looking ahead, I am excited to continue developing my career within SOCOTEC and building on the experience I have gained so far. My immediate focus is on continuing to develop my technical knowledge, take on greater responsibility and learn from the experienced professionals around me.

“In the longer term, I am working towards achieving RICS chartership and further developing my expertise in building surveying.

“For me, career progression is more than simply moving into a new role or getting a promotion. It’s about continually developing your knowledge, gaining experience and becoming more confident in what you do.

“I’m looking forward to continuing to take on new challenges, broaden my experience and contribute to the work of the team while continuing to develop both personally and professionally.”