Civil Engineer Summer Placement Review

I really enjoyed my placement especially as I was given the opportunity to work with different engineers learning new things as well as being given some independence to work on my own as well.

I had previously worked with a few of the engineers in my team last year so already knew some of them which was nice. The whole team were really friendly and welcomed me immediately and were always willing to help me and ensure I was getting the most of out the placement.

I was given a line manager as well as a senior engineer to work under and both made sure I was enjoying the placement and learning as much as I could. I had meetings with my line manager through out the placement to set targets and ensure I was meeting them which really helped me get the most from my placement.

I was busy most days and was always working with an engineer or had a job to do but did spend some time waiting to do work. For example, I had to wait for the gang I was with to finish one section in order to set out the next but overall was kept busy for my placement which I was happy with.

Having previously worked with the engineers I was given more responsibility throughout the placement and was trusted with more difficult jobs, but the people I worked with always made sure I was comfortable with the responsibility given and were happy to offer any help if needed.

As the university course is mainly based on design engineering, the experience I got on placement is extremely helpful in learning how to work on site and gain more practical skills for being an engineer.

The office was really friendly and chatty. Everyone was really nice and were more than happy to have a chat and offer some advice if needed.

The placement became more organised as time passed with arranging what engineers I was working with each day. The setting of targets for the placement helped to focus the placement and give it more structure.

Everyone I worked with was more than happy to help me where ever possible and ensure I got the most out of my placement. My line manager checked regularly that I was gaining as much experience as I could and to ask if I had anything specifically I wanted to do. I have also been offered a sponsorship since completing the placement.

Since completing the placement I have been offered a sponsorship which gives me grants throughout the academic year and further placements in the summer.

During my placement I did not socialise with my colleges outside of work due to the distance from my home to the site but there were a few work dos I was invited on.

I stayed at home and commuted to work.

I didn't experience the nightlife at my area of work during the placement.

There were a few opportunities available mainly sport-based.