Project Managament Trainee Review

My placement was brilliant. Having undertaken a placement at another firm within the sector, there is no comparison. The emerging talent team handle the application system efficiently. While the team and network within my sector made my placement run smoothly and engaging. I would not change anything and hope to continue at MACE.

The first impression when talking to our assigned managers is that they want you to learn and actually do work. Everyone would rather utilize you, than waste everyone's time doing meaningless tasks (coffee runs). I often wrote reports and documents for my line manager like weekly reports. Then they would correct them with me and send them off. After a couple attempts I was able to write the reports solely

My line manager and colleagues were extremely supportive and approachable. This aided in my progression on the placement massively as it enabled me to undertake tasks with a strong support network. They always made time to help me, so when I was stuck, we were able to solve the solution quickly.

I cycled between two projects/Line managers while on my placement. My first cycle I shadowed every meeting and was involved in every process of a Project manager. My other project had numerous sites and a couple of Project managers on it. So I travelled around he country attending weekly site visits and progress meetings. I rarely bored or over my head in work.

Throughout my placement I was given more responsibility than anticipated. This was a great opportunity and enabled me to learn on the job. I was never thrown in the deep end due to my support network. Near the end of the placement I was chairing meetings, writing reports, minute meetings.

My degree is not directly related to project management, being Civil Engineering (MEng). However working within construction sites I was able to learn more about the industry. I will transfer the work ethic and style of writing over to my work life. Also I will be more experienced in handling group-work within my degree.

The atmosphere in the office is positive and easy going. The main office is more serious but there is still a relaxed attitude but with people getting on with there day to day tasks. People will stop for a chat. Attitude to some seconded projects vary and can be very relaxed.

The placement is very well run. It is obvious that there has been a lot of work put in from the sectors "emerging talent champions". There is equal support staff to placements during the summer before the graduates start. The project cycling idea is very good to ensure that every aspect is covered in the 10 weeks.

There was no structured training for the summer placements due to the short time within the company. However there was plenty of informal training from line managers. This informal advice was given on a range of areas within project management. From meeting minutes to presentation advice. Just another example of the strong support network.

Near the end of my placement I had my review. I was offered to progress with MACE. There was an option for graduate scheme or another placement. They were very flexible for whatever route I chose. The atmosphere is that everyone is kept on with MACE as long as nothing majorly wrong occurs

There is a good social scene, however because the majority of people do not work in the main office. It is sometimes harder to spontaneously have a social event after work (pub). However there was a starters/finishers event which was for everyone on the grad and placement scheme within my sector which was very fun (and free!)

I was able to live at home and commute. London is expensive. My commute was quite expensive and the everyday lunch very quickly added up. If I lived in London I'm not sure how I would afford it. The canteen in the main office has a very good lunch with a large array of subsided food.

Being London, the nightlife was whatever you fancied. The office is in City of London and there are numerous "City Bars". If you "adventure further away" there is everything from crazy golf bars to table tennis bars to the biggest clubs in the UK. There is obviously a vast and great dining options nearby.

There were many opportunities from charity events to 5 a side football