Year in Industry Civil Engineer Review

Really fantastic experience - learnt a lot and developed all my skills, good support network in place for placement students, right amount of work and responsibility to push you but not so you are too far out of your comfort zone.

I felt very comfortable within my team very quickly - everyone on my Placement has been really welcoming and extremely happy to help with any issues and questions. I felt respected and valued by everyone.

I was really well supported. My manager was quite laid back about my supervision and was quite happy to let me get on with things knowing that he would offer support if needed. I found this approach a bit strange at first as I expected a lot more guidance and support but I think it worked in my favour in the end. The support offered to me by my HR co-ordinator and others within the business was really good - always happy to help and answer any questions no matter how silly.

I had very quiet periods and busier periods throughout the placement. I always felt happy enough to ask for more work if I felt that I could take on more and people were happy to ask me to take things on if needed.

I was given more and more responsibility as the year progressed. It was more a case of if you asked for more they would give you more but no one is really pushing you to take on more.

I learnt a huge amount on this placement - both personally and professionally. All skills I will go on to use in my final years at University, my future career and my personal life. I feel a lot more prepared for professional life after University and overall I am really glad I have the opportunity to join TfL for the year.

Really good atmosphere - high pressured and fast faced at times, everyone works very hard towards the same goal but appreciates the importance of a bit of down time. There was always someone to chat to or have a laugh with.

Generally well organised -could do with a bit more structure the first few weeks when you are still getting to know your role and everyone on the team. For me, it worked because the structure was pretty loose which meant I could determine which team I wanted to work with and identify areas I wanted to work in rather than it all having been preplanned for me.

TfL supported all development I wanted. In terms of training I was treated much the same as a Graduate and as such I was encourage to do as much training as possible in my year. The business paid for and supported my attendance at multiple conferences throughout the year which only required a business case for approval.

Very appealing. I spent a lot of time with Graduates from other years and learnt a lot about life on the TfL Graduate scheme. This has prompted me to take an interest in getting on the TfL grad scheme and they have offered a fast track application having done a years placement.

Easy to meet and stay in contact with Graduates and other placement students. Induction week was excellent for meeting graduates on the same scheme and others. See familiar faces on training days and there was a lot of Christmas parties involving everyone!

London - little but more expensive than I was used to but the salary was reasonably well suited. I was lucky to find a room to rent with family so saved a lot this way - I think it would be hard to rent in London and have a decent social life on the salary you get paid with TfL. Although you save a lot on travel with free oyster card!

Great nightlife in London and always people keen to go out. Only downside is expense!

Working in London means there are lots of things to do and working on a big project meant there was a lot of people to do them with