Placement Trainee Project Manager (Consultancy) Review

I really enjoyed working at Mace during my work placement. I felt that my role really lived up to my expectations and I enjoyed going to work in the mornings, it didn't feel like it was something that I had to do, rather it was something I wanted to do. Not only was it that the work I enjoyed, the social life and way that you are treated also made the whole experience enjoyable.

I felt that my colleagues and I had a very good relationship. We are aware of how to be professional and friends at the same time. I feel that this makes work a lot easier because you know that they will help you with any tasks that you need help for. Everybody at Mace is very approachable and up to have a casual chat which makes coming to work a lot more fun!

I feel that my managers were always there if I needed there help. At first I expected that I'd be given very minor tasks, however this wasn't the case. They'd let me get on with it and say to approach them once it is done so that together we could run through it and see what I had done, what needed to be changed and why it needed to be changed. As time went on and my managers knew my capabilities, I became more independent knowing that they are always there if I needed help. I don't think there has been once instance where I needed to turn to somebody for help and they weren't available, even if it was through the phone.

I was replacing a graduate who was moving to America to carry out their second year on the graduate scheme, so for me even at the beginning of my placement I found that I was very busy in learning what I had to do, From then, I have picked up additional responsibilities and been moved on to a second project so I find that there is always work that needs to be done. Some times I am working till very late due to the deadlines we have coming up, but some times it is a little more relaxing. Nonetheless as I mentioned, there is always work that needs to be done everyday so I am never sitting bored at my desk.

I felt that I was given a very good amount of responsibility despite being an undergraduate placement student. I proved to my managers that I am capable and that allowed me to pick up an important part of one of my projects where I issue instructions to the contractor which are not specified in the contract. These instructions need to be carefully worded and issued as necessary as they are contractual and are paid for by the client.

I feel that the skills I developed during my placement will be very useful in completing my degree. I say this because I study Project Management for Construction, and this was my role while on my placement. So seeing the theory applied in real life has really helped me to understand what I was taught and will help in the future. Furthermore, I feel the communication skills and people skills I have developed will be of great use. Lastly, as I have completed one year already at Mace, I think that coming back on the graduate scheme will put me on a pedal-stool as I will already know what to expect.

Everybody in the office was very active and the layout of the office encouraged collaborative working with colleagues, which is essential when working on a project. There isn't a time when I feel depressed when walking into my office as everybody is very approachable and a pleasure to work with.

The placement programme for undergraduate students was very nicely set up. There were reviews with HR to ensure that everything was running smoothly. Even beforehand, I was provided with the right information to make myself know what I was doing and where I had to be when I first started.

Training sessions are always available to placement students and this can be in the form of classroom learning, Skype learning or online learning. There are a wide range of courses we can attend and I have attended some, they are very useful and relevant to the job role. In terms of technology given, we were provided with the latest technology that the company were giving out at the time to enable us to carry out our role which shows perfect equality.

Once you complete a placement year and have your end of year review with you line manager, they recommend to HR whether or not you should be considered to be brought back for the Graduate scheme once you complete your degree. This is very useful as it saves time for having to re-apply and I will defineately go back if I get offered the job. They also sponsor you in your final year at university if you accept their offer which is a great incentive!

I think that the social scene with other students on the placement was very good. We were all a good bunch of people who could easily have a fun time, be it at a bar or at work! The placement students organised a volunteering day which we all took part in at a golf club, this was one of the best times we had together and it was a lot of fun too!

There are many bars and places to go to after work in the same area which is handy. The atmosphere is also very good as it is populated with many companies, so it's always a good time to even network with other people whilst having a few drinks.