Internship Review at Costain

The Role

Role Description

Working on site, in a site office and out on the site itself. Analysing computer model and proposing works order for the ongoing works. Working alongside the site coordinator to organise the work force to maximise productivity. Problem solving, working with the lead mechanical engineer, talking with the lads on site and making decisions on how to go forward. Later preparing packs of work and time frames for them.

1. To what extent did you enjoy your work placement or internship?

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

Interesting placement and fantastic opportunity to work in a Nuclear Facility, but actual work did get a bit tedious.

2. To what extent did you feel valued by your colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Most staff were very friendly and helpful. However they weren;t so open about sharing work or making time for your work amidst theirs.

3. To what extent were you given support and guidance by management/your supervisor(s)?

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

Mostly left to work on my own, with not much direction, no planned meetings or deadlines to hit. Those around me were very helpful, but those I was working for much harder to track down or get work from.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

When work was around I was happily busy, but there were some long gaps where I was held up by needing to talk to someone who was impossible to track down.

5. How much responsibility were you given during your placement?

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

Not much responsibility, apparently it was limited what we were able to do.

6. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and training you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Knowledge of a Nuclear Plant workings, and a new software package.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

Good laugh, people were friendly, and young people around to keep it fun!

8. How well organised was the overall work placement or internship set up?

★★★☆☆☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 3/10

They only knew I was coming a week before, and had my name wrong when I turned up. Wasn't sure who I was working for and they had no work for me to start with.

9. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Not very much, they weren't too bothered about me being here. Got to experience site work, which is what I wanted, but largely opportunities were generated by myself.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Flexi Time
• Subsidised Canteen
• Company Parties/Events
• Healthcare/Dental

11. How appealing are future employment prospects within the organisation?

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Not too sure, not sure the placement reflects the company.

Other Information

12. Was there a good social scene amongst any fellow placement students/colleagues?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Were other people my age around to go out with and have a laugh with.

13. What was the cost of living and socialising in the area you worked in?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Pretty cheap, because you could entertain yourself with the beach and teh beautiful countryside, and going out on a night was cheap.

14. What was the Nightlife like in the area you worked?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Suprisingly good considering in the middle of nowhere. Friday nights were actually quite busy!

15. Were there many opportunities to get involved in activities outside of work?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Going out for curry or drinks, plus a football team, plus lots of people play squash.

In addition to these questions, is there any extra information you would like to leave about your experiences on your work placement that other students may be interested in?

Great part of the country to spend a summer in if you like walking or cycling. Middle of nowhere though! You really have to work hard to make opportunities for yourself if you want something out of it.

Review 12/31 for Costain

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