Internship Review at Costain

The Role

Role Description

Work and shadow land surveyor on site and in the office working on M1 Junction 10 to 13 widening project.
Setting out marks, pins and pegs (position and height level) for concrete pour, kerb lines, tarmac lines, piles.
Set up control points.
Level run of control points.
As built survey for checking levels and position of gantries.
Mark up white lines.
Calibrate instruments.
Survey existing features (such as bridge).
Process surveys.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I worked with some great people who were very supportive and encouraging. I did a lot more advanced hands on tasks than I expected therefore learnt at a encouraging pace.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

The surveyors and civil engineers I worked with on site were all very helpful. And treated me as a normal employee and not just a intern. It was a great working environment.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

My line manager was very helpful even when he was busy. I felt he tried to give me as much guidance as I needed but not so much that he was patronizing. I felt he gave me enough responsibilities yet still space an time to learn and take it all in.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

I literally worked a normal shift with my other colllegues. Did as much work in a day as we could. But I was not singled out on work so did nearly same amount as others, maybe a little less at the start on my placement when it was a busy day as I was still new to the techniques, which I understand. By the end of the placement I was given enough training to be responsible on working without supervising on certain tasks. Only checks were made by supervisor to ensure the work I done was correct.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

As stated on the question before. At the beginning of the internship I was given little whilst training. I was trained on site, by doing actual tasks which was overlooked by senior. After 2 weeks my basic training was over and I would be given responsibility to do tasks with my senior checking rather than overlooking what I do. The learning was really interesting as I was left to work out issues on my own and maybe even sOme mistakes however I would also have my superior at hand to help with any issues or mistakes. This way I learnt through solvin problems and doing actual meaningful tasks.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Everything I learnt will help me in my career. It has given me such useful experience and developed a great deal of my university knowledge. Having put theory into practice on my internship I have been motivated more for my
Studies.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

It felt that work was needed tO be done but to an efficient speed. Everyone was very friendly with a bit of friendly banter.

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

Very well

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Having taken a chance on taking in a first year student they investing in developing my skills which I was paid for in return they may have been able to scout for a future employee.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

Very appealing as they do a whole graduate scheme. This could therefore ensure I will receive a career once I graduate. To work for Costain will be a great bonus. They have been a brilliant company to work for.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★★★

Rated 10/10

It was good fun. EveryOne got along, within all different sectors of the company

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

★★★★★★☆☆☆☆

Rated 6/10

There was a small village by the office site where there were a few public houses and cafes. However I commuted from home so was not able to socialise too much.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

I commuted from hOme which was. 20m drive so was not able to stay out to socialize.

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

★★★★★☆☆☆☆☆

Rated 5/10

Same answer as before

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?

I feel that the placement has been a brilliant interesting an exciting experience. Well worth doing ifyou have the opportunity.

Review 27/31 for Costain

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