Infrastructure Project Controls Intern Review

I really enjoyed this internship. It was my second internship with Bechtel, and I was lucky to have an experience as great as last year.

My colleagues treated me extremely well. I didn't feel like I was treated any differently from any other member of full time staff. All the team took the time to introduce themselves to me and make me feel welcome.

My supervisor was great. My supervisor mainly checked in with me day to day, and made sure I wasn't having any issues. Even when we were not in the same office, it was clear I could always reach out for him if I needed any assistance. Additionally, the team at my office an HR always made it clear I could ask them for help if I ever needed it.

Generally I was quite busy day to day. The goals my supervisor and I had set were long term and required me to regularly update information, and therefore didn't require my supervisor setting me particular work each day. Of course with the project there was times where there was more pressure and so I had more to do, and other times where there was less for me to do but I didn't find this an issue.

I felt like the work I did was really valued by the company. It was clear from the start that I was responsible for my own work, and my supervisor made it clear the importance of the work. This aspect of the internship really impressed me, because it meant I felt like a valued employee straight away.

I definitely improved my software skills on this internship, I spent a lot of time on Visio and Excel. Furthermore, one thing that will definitely be useful both at University and at work is the emphasis on teamwork and communication that I picked up whilst on my internship.

The atmosphere in my office was fine. It was not staffed purely by Bechtel, so would be a different environment than working in a solely Bechtel office. Although it was not the most social office, everyone was friendly and I was lucky to have other interns in the same office as me, which made it more fun.

The internship was well organised. It was clear what needed to be done and the deadline, in regards to both HR and goals set by my supervisor. Information before the internship started, on project and dates etc, could have been communicated a little better, as some information was given last minute.

Everyone in the company seemed very interested in what I wanted to gain from the internship. As it was my second internship, I was given more choice regarding my role and function for the summer, which I appreciated. Additionally, my supervisor asked me continually if there was certain tasks or roles I wanted to undertake, which really helped me tailor my internship to what i wanted. Furthermore, we were given full access to both Bechtel University courses and on site courses that could be used for further personal development.

Bechtel make it clear that there will be opportunities to return for further internships and graduate schemes, dependent on performance.

The social scene amongst the other interns was great, everyone was always keen to go for food or drink after work, this was definitely helped by the fact a lot of us were in the same office. Additionally, interns were always invited to NextGen events - which allowed us to meet further Bechtel colleagues.

The cost of living and socialising is high, as the internship is based in Central London. Bechtel's salary does definitely help account for this. You are at a slight disadvantage if you do not already live in London, as renting can be expensive.

The internship was based in Central London, so there is a wide range of Nightlife.

Interns were invited to all Bechtel events, such as NextGen events and Bechtel All Hands, both of which allow you to meet and socialise with other people who you would otherwise not meet on the internship.