Mendy Laoda

Mendy graduated with a Civil Engineering with Seismic Design MSc in 2016. We caught up with Mendy to find out what she has been up to since graduating and how her studies helped shape her journey.

What programme did you study at UCL Engineering and when did you graduate?

I studied Civil Engineering with Seismic Design MSc and graduated in September 2016.

Which country are you from?

Indonesia.

Where are you living now?

Jakarta, Indonesia. However, I’m moving to Canada soon to pursue my PhD.

Where do you work now - and what is your role? 

I work at the World Bank Jakarta as a consultant engineer. My role involves providing technical support and developing guidance on retrofitting, rehabilitating, and reconstructing residential buildings. I contribute to the National Affordable Housing Programme, helping ensure that homes are built to be disaster-resilient, and I also work to raise community awareness of earthquake safety. Alongside disaster resilience, I support green building projects, conducting assessments using EDGE and Greenship tools to promote sustainable practices in Indonesia.

Why did you choose to study at UCL?

I chose UCL because of its outstanding reputation in engineering and its strong focus on sustainable solutions. When I was considering grad school, many of my seniors were heading to the UK, including UCL, which inspired me to look into its programmes. I found a programme that matched my interests—Civil Engineering with a focus on seismic design. The location in London was also a big attraction; I imagined the lively yet serene atmosphere, which was very appealing. Another plus was that a master’s programme in the UK takes just one year, so I thought I could quickly get back to work.

That year flew by because I enjoyed it so much—honestly, I even wished the programme could have lasted longer!

How did you get from graduating at UCL to where you are now - tell us about your journey!

After graduating in 2016, I returned to Indonesia, where I applied my knowledge in both engineering and sustainable development. Initially, I sought opportunities with branches of UK firms closer to Indonesia, but due to some challenges with work permits, I decided to head back home. 

Once I began my job search, I revisited the profiles of my UCL professors for inspiration. Before joining the World Bank in 2019, I worked for a company that specialised in seismic-resistant industrial racking, which allowed me to apply much of what I learned during my master’s programme.

My experience at the World Bank has further deepened my passion for earthquake-resistant buildings, particularly in the residential sector. Not only do I contribute from an engineering perspective, but meeting homeowners across various regions in Indonesia has been incredibly fulfilling for me. This direct engagement with communities reinforces my commitment to promoting disaster resilience and sustainable practices in housing.

What kind of things are you currently working on - and how has your UCL Engineering degree helped you?

At the World Bank in Jakarta, I am involved in the National Affordable Housing Programme, which aims to improve access to safe and comfortable housing for low-income communities in Indonesia. My role focuses on ensuring that the homes constructed comply with existing building codes, especially to withstand disasters like earthquakes, given Indonesia's location in a seismically active region.

In addition to implementation, I contribute to policy reviews and the development of monitoring and evaluation systems to ensure construction quality. I also engage in educating communities about earthquake risks and the importance of building earthquake-resistant homes.

In my current role, I frequently refer back to the course materials and research papers from my time at UCL. The knowledge and skills I gained have been invaluable and continue to shape my work. UCL provided me with a solid foundation in technical skills and problem-solving, which has been crucial for my efforts in promoting disaster resilience and sustainable practices in my community. I am grateful for the opportunity to apply what I've learned to make a positive impact.

Do you stay in touch with UCL (via events, volunteering) or with your classmates? If so, tell us a bit about this experience of being in the UCL alumni community.

Yes, I stay connected with some of my UCL lecturers through LinkedIn, and I also keep in touch with several classmates. We often chat and follow each other on social media. There have been instances where I've come across a classmate's research paper, which I found really insightful and ended up using as a reference for my own work.

The professors at UCL have been incredibly supportive and friendly. They are always quick to respond to my emails and have been especially helpful when I needed recommendation letters for my further studies. Being part of the UCL alumni community has been a wonderful experience, and I appreciate the connections and support that continue even after graduation.

What is a favourite memory of your time with us, or something you particularly liked about UCL Engineering / your department? 

One of my favorite memories from UCL was a field trip to L'Aquila, an area recently impacted by an earthquake, where we got to see firsthand how they were retrofitting buildings to withstand future tremors. It was such a memorable experience, as I probably wouldn't have thought to visit L'Aquila otherwise. Beyond the learning aspect, it was also a great chance to spend time with classmates and explore a new place together.

Another memorable experience was in our seismic design class, where we discussed earthquake risk in various countries. The session discussed about Indonesia, my home country, and examined how it faces significant seismic and tsunami risks. It was eye-opening to learn about these issues from a global perspective and to see my country’s challenges being analysed in an academic setting. These experiences made me feel both proud and more determined to make a difference in the field of disaster resilience.

If you could choose just one thing - what was the best thing about your UCL experience?

If I had to choose just one thing, it would be the inspiring global perspective UCL offers. Being surrounded by talented people from all over the world, sharing ideas, and learning from each other opened my mind in ways I hadn’t expected. My professors and classmates brought insights from diverse backgrounds and experiences, which truly shaped how I approach engineering and problem-solving. I also gained a deeper understanding of how people from different countries see things, which broadened my own perspective significantly. This experience has been incredibly valuable, especially as I apply it in my career today.

Do you have any advice for prospective students considering UCL Engineering for their degree? 

Don't focus solely on academics or classroom activities—make sure to explore everything else UCL has to offer. There’s so much more to experience outside of lectures, from unique facilities to diverse student communities. Get involved in clubs, join interest groups, and take advantage of the amazing resources on campus. The Institute of Making, for instance, is one group I wish I had joined, as it would have opened up new skills and interests for me.

The chance to learn from a talented, international community is truly special, so be open to new ideas and perspectives—they’ll broaden your outlook in ways you may not expect. Engage with people from all over the world, try new activities, and let each experience shape your journey. UCL offers a world of opportunities, so dive in and make the most of it!

Do you have any advice for fellow alumni who are just starting out on their career path?

For fellow alumni just starting out, my advice would be to stay curious and adaptable. Take your time to understand what you truly enjoy and what you want to contribute in your career. Don’t be afraid to explore a variety of paths, even if they seem unrelated to your current role, or push beyond your comfort zone. This openness can help you discover unexpected strengths and interests.

Keep in touch with your classmates, professors, and colleagues from UCL—these connections can bring valuable opportunities and insights. And don’t hesitate to reach out for guidance or mentorship; people who have been where you are are often willing to share their experiences. Most importantly, don’t ever feel afraid or left behind; remember that everyone has their own unique starting line and finish line. Embrace challenges, stay open to learning, and trust in the pace and direction of your own journey.

To follow Mendy:

Instagram : @mladao LinkedIn : Mendy Laoda