This review was submitted over 4 years ago, so some of the information it contains may no longer be relevant.
Rating
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About You
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The Company
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Everything Else
- 1. To what extent did you enjoy the insight?
- 2. To what extent did you feel valued during your time at the company or firm?
- 3. How much guidance/support did you receive during the insight?
- 4. To what extent did/will the skills you developed, and information you received, assist you in your degree studies and beyond?
- 5. How well structured was the insight?
- 6. How was the general atmosphere during your insight?
- 7. In terms of personal training and development, to what extent did the company or firm invest in you?
- 8. To what extent did the insight help you to understand what it would be like to have a full time role with the company or firm?
- 9. How much did the insight help you in understanding the company culture?
- 10. How valuable was the content in helping you to decide on your future career path?
- 11. Were you paid or reimbursed adequately for this experience?
- 12. Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees of the company or firm?
- 13. How were the networking/ social event opportunities?
- 14. Did you find out about activities that employees can get involved in outside of work?
- 15. Would you recommend this insight to a friend?
About You
I had a really good time at this placement with pinnacle engineering as I have always had an interest in structural engineering and it was great to get a chance to see how a real company worked and the day to day jobs of every employee and how they integrated so well with each other to make a very high functioning team
The team made me feel like one of them every one was so nice and made me feel like I was a truly valued member of the team. I was set some very rewarding challenges that tested me and gave me a very strong feeling of accomplishment afterwards. This helped me feel like I was contributing to the companies work and felt very validated because of this
I got a lot of help from each member of staff depending on which department I was in. My work was regularly checked so that I knew it would be too a good standard and I would get constant feedback on how to improve. As well they were all so friendly so it was easy to ask for help or to get any answers
As I had learnt lots of new programmes to design different Cad models through various packages I was able to apply this into my studies and help to design my projects for my studies. I also learnt various calculations to do with beam strength stress and support. These helped with my solids and structure module as it was along similar lines
The Company
The structure overall was good and I was set many challenges to help me develop my skills and become a better engineer it offered a lot of insight into the role of a civil engineer and helped me decide whether that was the right path to go down or not. There was occasional moments where the work would be photocopying or a similar task but they were jobs that had to be done by the whole staff so I didn't mind
The atmosphere was great everyone was so friendly and from the moment I walked into the building I felt like one of the team. Every team member would have chats with me like I'd known them for years and I was included with all the jokes and work chats. The receptionist was so friendly and was always please to see everyone which really helped settle my nerves on the first day.
As it was a short placement there were not many chances for the company to invest in me however there was a range of apprentiships opened and I was told that I would be a good suit for it. The company did also offer me chances to go back and do further placements with them If the need arrised
The whole experience really gave a great insight into the working life of a civil engineer and all the roles and responsibilities involved throughout the working week. As I was treated like a member of full time staff I felt that I got a good understanding on how life would be as a full time employee and it was defiantly a good impression
The inside helped me to understand the culture as it allowed me to network and chat with real engineers giving a good look into the culture in the office and similar places and how each member of staff integrated with each other to get jobs done effectively and efficiently while still maintaining a lovely friendly atmosphere
The content of each day was very well planned so I could get the best experience from every day. They were all filled with many good activities and chances to show what I could do as well as have many opportunities to learn from each member of staff and discover new skills from all aspects from design to calculations to presentations
Everything Else
I was fine with not being paid as it was a great opportunity to learn what it was like to be a civil engineering and I was only there for a short time so the experience gained was worth it
I met several people from different branches in the company and managed to network with a large variety of people from each sector in the company as I started with the marketing and accounting department and moved through many sectors like design calculation and management. This gave me a broad view from many members of the company including many senior staff
As I was only there for a short time I didn't take part in any social events as there wasn't any during my time however if I went back or stayed for longer there were many opportunities to meet the clients that the company would be working for as well as look on site to measure up and see the job and go to other branches too meet all the staff
I did not find out about any activities really outside of work there were a couple like a cricket club that a few of the employees were a member of and employee trips to places but I don't feel like I was there long enough to properly get involved with any other activities outside. This wasn't really a major point for me as I'm sure if I had stayed there longer I would of had more opportunities
I would definately recommend this company to anyone who is debating whether to go into structural or civil engineering as it was a great company that has bases all around the country that offer not only an amazingly friendly and fun atmosphere with a great insight into the world of an engineer but the opportunities offered afterward like the apprentiships make it a better place to go
Details
Insight / Vacation Scheme (< 4 Weeks)
Civil Engineering
East of England
September 2017