Project Assistant Review

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement across the board. The work itself has been interesting and enjoyable. I have been given more responsibility as the year has progressed through building trust with my colleagues which has resulted in more involvement within jobs. As a result of the increased responsibility I have learnt a great deal. I have been extremely happy with the balance between office/site work. I have had the opportunity to visits sites independently to conduct a variety of tasks such as conducting interim valuations, representing MDA at site meetings, carrying out surveys etc. Not only has the work been enjoyable, my colleagues have been helpful throughout. From a purely academic perspective they have provided a structured training programme to assist with my RICS membership with periodic meetings to monitor my progress along the APC pathway. Aside from the academic assistance, my colleagues have offered much more. They have offered their help and support throughout and I have developed some great relationships throughout the company.

I have felt valued throughout by my colleagues. I have always offered my unwavering commitment to my work and my colleagues which has resulted in me providing help for my colleagues when required. I am an approachable individual therefore my colleagues have come to me to assist with their workload and even ask for my guidance where they require it.

My boss has been there for me throughout. Though we may be passing ships throughout the week as we both have roles to fulfil on site, I have always felt that if I was ever in need of assistance/guidance I could comfortably contact my boss to seek his wisdom/advice. The Project Managers in my team who I assist on a day to day basis are also equally supporting. Though we have a professional working relationship I feel as though I can go to them for help as though I were approaching a close friend.

On a daily basis I have been very busy. This has been to my benefit as it has ensured I have kept learning throughout. Just how busy I have been throughout proves testament to how my colleagues have valued my productivity throughout. Through being busy on a day to day basis I have also developed time management skills and I am now proficient at meeting deadlines and prioritising work accordingly.

As mentioned previously I have received a great deal of responsibility throughout my placement. Despite this level of responsibility I have never felt out of my depth as I have always been confident that if ever I needed support I would have the unconditional support of my colleagues. I have attended pre start meetings and carried out various site inspections from DLP inspections to handover inspections. I have also been given the responsibility of collating tender documents for schemes ranging in value with limited input from my peers. This highlights their faith in me.

I have not been assigned with the same day to day task throughout my placement which has resulted in me learning a great deal across the construction industry. It has put the theory I have previously learnt in lectures and seminars at university into context. Not only has it equipped me with the technical knowledge it has also helped me become a more well rounded person. I have developed social skills from liaising with both contractors and clients on a day to day basis whether that be on the phone or via email which has also had a positive effect on my overall confidence with working in the real world. What proves testament to how much I have enjoyed my placement is how my career aspirations have changed. Though I am studying Quantity Surveying at SHU my placement has now made me motivated to pursue a career in Project Management having fulfilled the role of a Project Assistant over the last 13 months.

The office is very sophisticated which makes it a professional environment to conduct my daily job roles. Though it is a professional organisation there is also a great deal of camaraderie with my colleagues on a day to day basis. Whilst it is important to remain professional whilst at work I can admit I have had plenty of fun throughout the year with my colleagues both through conversing with them on a daily basis and through the various socials the company have thrown over the course of the year.

The placement was well organised from interview stage right through to the end. I was kept well informed throughout the application process. At the start of my placement there was a two week overlap with the previous years undergraduate to provide me with support and to teach me the companies expectations of me. I have had review meetings throughout my placement to assess my progress (these came after 2 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 9 months and then an end of placement review. These coincided with my RICS review meetings previously mentioned).

The company financially supported my CSCS Site Operative training as a tool for future use. My company also invests both money and time in training their staff through hosting CPD seminars in lunch hours to enhance my training as well as the rest of the companies.

If I were offered a job I would not hesitate to come back once I have graduated. Despite this I am also aware that it is a medium sized company and not a charity so if there is not capacity to take me on then I am understanding of that. I have a meeting scheduled with my boss to discuss possible opportunities midway through my final year at university.

3 of the placement students at the firm rented a house together. I have also integrated very well with the undergraduates highlighted by going out for drinks with them outside work time.

The office is based in a very nice village. It has a number of bars and restaurants which we have visited for various socials throughout the year. The company Christmas meal was hosted in the village at a Tapas bar which was covered by the company (including a free bar).

Huddersfield was only a short drive away which I have visited a great deal with one of my colleagues. It has provided many memorable nights out and it is not to far from where I live which is ideal.

Yes. The social society organised many events from sports events such as an archery night through to wine tasting.