Student Civil Engineer Review

I really enjoyed the opportunity to network with new people across all disciplines. I struggled with the pace of the project- I found it too slow compared to previous projects I had worked on, with less civil works going on.

For the most part I felt valued, and it was interesting to have my opinions and comments implemented in changing documents. My younger, more simple view was valued despite my lack of experience.

I found that I had to go out of my way to ask for guidance and support mostly. I was given some but not as much as I expected- which is why I had to make sure I asked for it.

I was not very busy day to day at all. The only thing that ever really filled my time was meetings or longer walks around onsite. I was much less busy than last year and I found I was creating work for myself to fill the time.

I didn't expect to be given much responsibility due to the nature of the project and the security surrounding it. Some of the works I was partly responsible for didn't materialise in the end as the client changed their mind. So I wasn't given much responsibility on the whole.

Due to the much lighter work load I found that I did learn less with regards to practical Civil knowledge. The one thing I did learn more about was working with people and how to read their behaviours in different situations. I am looking forward to applying this knowledge I have gained this summer to my university studies this year and the university environment.

I really enjoyed working with and around the people with whom I was based. There was a slight negative attitude towards the project in general, from everyone. I think that there were also some stressful situations for some, but nothing that bothered me.

I found that this placement was not very well organised. By my understanding it seemed to be more due to the nature of the project rather than the organisation of my work colleagues. I struggled to connect with my line manager, who didn't seem to know how to manage me or give me any work. I have never been given work unless I had asked for it, or told people I had nothing to do.

I didn't have any training throughout this placement. The most investment I gained was being granted Visio software on my computer to make an OrganiGram chart. The investment for this placement was being paid to work and also have sponsorship at university.

Despite not enjoying this summer placement as much as my previous year, I am still very much interested in continuing to work for Costain in future summer placements and beyond graduation.

There was another student/apprentice who is going into his final year of part-time university- who I worked very closely with. He played a big role in my enjoyment of the placement. Due to the location of the project, this made socials quite difficult. I did attend a BBQ which I thoroughly enjoyed but all of the pubs/restaurants were a drive away, making it less appealing for all.

I didn't do much of this so I cannot really comment. I worked from home (Marlow) which is quite expensive to go out in.

I know that the nightlife in Reading is very good, but I didn't go out during my placement.

I was not made aware of any extra curricular activities so did not take part in any.