Placement Year Review at Amey

The Role

Role Description

Prepare reports with a view to obtaining geotechnical certification at four key stages. Was involved in preparation of the following documents: Statement of Intent; Annex A; Site Walkover Report; Preliminary Source Study Report; and Ground Investigation Report. These involved assessing and managing geotechnical risks associated with highway projects for Transport Scotland or The Highways Agency.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

I found the placement thourably enjoyable and believe it was of great benifit to my development. The work was challanging and there was a lot to learn in the short period of time, but I was glad to be kept busy and engaged.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Colleagues were very helpfull and went out of there way to involve me in whatever they were working on. I recieved help and advice whenever I asked for it. My colleagues always made me feel that my questions were worth their time in answering fully.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

My manager made time to ask me how I was getting on and offer assistance and guidance. A work review system every used effectively to complement timesheets and provide management and guidence.

At times my manager was understandably too busy too help me, but the role of offering support and guidance was delegated to graduates at those times.

4. How busy were you on a daily basis?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

I was given time to work things through logically and methodicall without having too much pressure, which I was gratefull for as there was a lot to learn in the short time period.

However, at times the pace I could proceed was dependant on other factors such as finance. As I was only usually involved with one or two project simultaniously, I didnt have the flexibility to manage my work around such delays so I was perhaps not working at full efficiency. To improve my efficiency I could have been given other projects to work on while my main project was at a standstill.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was given more responsibility than I had expected, which was very rewarding. I was given the opportunity to undertake a site walkover, representing my department in a multi-disciplinary investigation. Using the notes and photographs I took during the site visit I produced a report which the rest of the team would require in later phases of the project.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

One of the main achievements I believe I can take back to University is a more professional writting style. I believe the time I spent re-phrasing reports based on my managers feedback was very worthwile and has definately improved my report writing skills, which will help me next year when I write my dissertation.

My technical skills were also developed and I now appriciate a whole aspect of the geotechnical process which was not really taught at university. The preliminary stages of the process (including determining preliminary engineering assessments anf material properties) is not well covered in my course, but I believe learning more about it has given me more of a well rounded knowlage and understanding of geotechnical engineering. I was also shown a few emperical techniques to make preliminary assessments which would otherwise be imposible, and I believe such expeience is invaluable to my development as an engineer.

The Organisation

7. What was the general atmosphere in your office?

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

The office was busy and friendly and I felt as though I could as anobody for help with anything. I really enjoyed the office and think the areas (kitchen, meeting rooms etc) worked really well.

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

The placement was very well organised and everything was run smoothly. I enjoyed sharing the experience with other students, of which there were perhaps around 8 all together.

The only poorly organisied aspect was in HRs dealing with tax codes. I submitted a P38 which should have allowed my tax code to be 'NT', however despite calling the HR department on numerous occasions, they insisted that tax codes couldnt be changed. I will now have to wait untill the end of the tax year to claim back my dues from HMRC directly.

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I was invited to attend a few training seminars which all contributed to the experience. I was also given a driving assessment to allow me to drive the company cars, while also improving my driving skills.

10. What were the perks on your work placement?

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

• Flexi Time
• Company Parties/Events

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

I think I would really enjoy a career with Amey.

Other Information

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

★★★★★★★★☆☆

Rated 8/10

A number of events were planned throughout the placement which was good, as well as occasionally organising lunches out. I was invided back to the Chrismas lunch which was a nice gesture as its after the placement ends.

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

★★★★★★★☆☆☆

Rated 7/10

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

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

★★★★★★★★★☆

Rated 9/10

Review 15/22 for Amey

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