Engineering Geology Review

I really enjoyed my work placement with Atkins. It gave me an opportunity to work on a number of different aspects of engineering geology that I hope to deal with in the future.

I like to think that my colleagues could trust me to complete any work they needed done for them. They were very open to teaching me new things and appreciated what I could manage.

For each new task assigned to me, my supervisor would outline what I was expected to do and if I ever had any questions I knew I could really on them to help me out. It really made learning on the job possible for me.

Some days there we're quiet hours where I was able to do training modules on the intranet, but for the most part I was kept busy with new and exciting pieces of work.

Being a work placement student you don't expect much responsibilities, but I knew that my work had to be to the highest standard and I couldn't afford to have my supervisor double check all my work. It gave me a sense of purpose and value with the team.

The things I learned and develoled on work placement will be crucial during my masters. Not only the things I learned, but also where to find the information, will go a long way when I get back to college.

It was a busy work placement,but there was never any tension or friction. There was a sense of motivation to get the work done, but also a place willing to chat or help out wherever possible. Laughs and jokes were pretty common too, which goes a long way.

From my first application, through to my interview, and my first day the process was very straight forward and very well communicated. Once I arrived, there was a desk set up for me with all my things and once I got through health and safety, is sent straight into work.

I was able to do a number of online training modules while at work, however the real value of my work placement came through the jobs which I worked on and the site visits which we went on. It was through those that I learned the most.

Atkins was a genuine pleasure to work for, with a growing ground engineering department and some really exciting projects in the future. To work with them in the future would be incredibly appealing to say the least.

Yes there was. Once a week a few of us from the office would be play 5-a-side football which really helped get to know people as well as a social night during my last week as a farewell. It was a really nice touch.

My rent was 130 pound a week with travel being 14 pound for a week bus pass. Socialising varied but it was not absurd.

A good mix of things to experience,from quite pubs to lively dance clubs. You could find anything you're looking for.

Because most things come to a close during the summer, there were few activities that were still running when I was over there.