Student SHE Advisor Review

This was my first experience within the civil engineering industry and I enjoyed it thoroughly. It allowed me to use the skills learnt during my degree in a practical environment (something that is difficult to do in a university setting). The staff at Costain were welcoming and gave me every opportunity to explore the different roles that they offer their graduates.

I worked mainly within a small team, even independtly at times during my internship, which meant that the work I was doing felt useful and of value. I never felt I was doing work just for the sake of being kept busy. Having said that when the workload was confusing or overwhelming my line manager was always happy to help.

Throughout the internship I spent a large portion of my time assisting and shadowing more senior employees in Costain. While learning with these employees I was given guidance in how complete the tasks I was dealt with in a competent and safe manner (something which is key in the civil engineering industry). This was vital in hindsight, as towards the end of my placement my work was increasingly more independent. The guidance and experience given by Costain staff members allowed me to excel.

The majority of the skills I learnt and exercised during my placement were geared towards improving as a professional as opposed to helping me improve as an academic in university. I was by no means opposed to this as the whole point of my placement was to gain relevant professional experience within an industry I intend to pursue a career within

The tasks and guidance I was given tied together well. I was tasked with working on one section of a highways based job (noise and vibration nuisances). The work I undertook increased in complexity and importance throughout the project, with one task being intrinsically tied to another as I went on. For example the collection of vibration data caused from the highways worked helped me when conversing to local residents about any complaints they may have about the works.

I felt welcomed and a valued part of the team from the start to the end of my project. The people I worked with helped me settle in and I doubt I would have got as much out of the internship if I was placed with a different team. The work I undertook was engaging and thorough enough from preventing boredom.

The placement was full time and as I was treated like a regular member of staff I immediately gained a sense as to what a full time with career with Costain would offer. I was constantly kept in the loop with regards to relevant updates surrounding the works and felt valued. It quickly became apparent that Costain were a people first company meaning they were very invested in staff welfare. This is something I will remember when applying for jobs in the future.

I was fully paid for my work, something which was necessary. Large multi million companies that expect students or graduates to work for just the experience was something that I was keen to avoid, as while experience is vital in today's job market, I needed to have an income. The salary was fair and included some expenses including working away from home and commuting. I got the sense from older and more experienced employees that Costain on the whole always pay a fair salary.

I was regularly invited to Costain events and 'roadshows' allowing me to meet other employees and placement students from other projects. As well as this there were several opportunities to present any work I had done on the project, both to employees I worked with and other students working with Costain.

I worked on 2 projects in total. One was a project in the last stages of its implementation and the other was just beginning. Activities outside of work on the former were few, as the work load felt intense. However several team building events organised by senior management on the newer project were organised and definitely helped the team gel

Absolutely. If not because of the varied and interesting tasks you have to undertake then because the fantastic networking and future contacts the placement can offer. I have already organised to return with Costain at a future point after my studies to help me further myself in a professional environement.