Student Quantity Surveyor Review

Throughout the placement, I was given a depth insight on my role that I wish to pursue. I was given plenty of work that was challenging and allowed me to benefit the team and project. I was allowed to experience every aspect of the role ie visiting site, attending meetings, working in the project office and head office while also maintaining a personal work load.

As I was given work that actually contributed to the work load of my colleagues, I felt as though I was useful and beneficial to them. They were extremely welcoming and had no issues when I asked for help. Coming from a Maths background into a Quantity Surveying role, I was very nervous that I wouldn't understand a lot of the work but my colleagues were excellent at explaining and helping me to understand some parts of the work so I was quickly put at ease. I also found that I could help them with some of my knowledge of computers and excel.

I was given the perfect amount of support. I was given a brief explanation of the task at hand which allowed to me to start on tasks quite quickly so I weren't bored or sat waiting. Not too much guidance was given which allowed me to work my way through problems so I actually learned and understood what I was doing rather than not needing to think. This was perfect for me as I feel I have gained so much knowledge of role. However, if I ever needed assistance, I could always ask and they'd be more than happy to help.

I always had tasks in progress which each had their own deadlines so I could choose what to prioritise. Once I finished a task, I asked my colleagues for more work and they would give me a task pretty much straight away so there wasn't much waiting.

All of the tasks I was given related directly to tenders at hand or subcontractors that the company were currently employing. Before starting the task, it was explained to me how the task related to the bigger picture and after finishing the task, I was shown what would happen with the work I had done or how to develop it further. During site visits, I was told how the work I'd been doing related to the actual project so I could see why I was doing particular tasks. I always felt that I was doing useful and important work.

Before starting the placement, I was unsure on what career I wanted to do as I did a degree in Mathematics so I had various options including quantity surveying. As I have enjoyed the placement so much, I know that this is a career I'd love to do in the future and can see myself enjoying my work. Due to this, I have applied to do a masters degree in quantity surveying. I feel as though my experience has been extremely positive which is a result of the wonderful staff that worked here. I have felt so welcomed and enjoyed all the tasks that have been given to me. This is also the first time I have lived away from home, which was also a concern for me but Costain have been very understandable by allowing me to work in the head office which is closer to home one day a week. This has made the transition easier than expected, however after a few weeks I found I preferred being at site as I enjoy the company of the all the staff. I now feel that I would no longer have an issue with travelling for work which is something I would have considered before working with Costain.

There was a wonderful atmosphere in the office. Everyone was very friendly and introduced themselves to me when I first started. The project manager was also very welcoming and made sure I was included in meetings and checked on me regularly to see how I was coping. I felt instantly at ease when working there.

Quite organised. I had particular tasks I needed to do throughout the placement such as set objectives so that I could achieve everything I wanted to throughout the placement. I was also was informed of the particular tasks I was going to do each week.

As I am still on my placement, nothing has been confirmed as of yet but there has been talk of continuing my placement while studying part time and also subsidising my masters degree. I also have a student to graduate conversion interview in August to apply for the graduate scheme.

At the moment, it depends on the budget of this particular project but I am of the understanding that it is very probable that I can continue my placement. I also have the student to graduate conversion interview in August to gain a place on the graduate scheme. From this and the feedback from my line manager and colleagues, prospects look very positive.

I am the only placement student on this project, however, I have socialised with the staff here outside of work already which was lovely to be invited.

I have been very fortunate as Costain have paid for my living here as it is away from home. The cost of living and socialising has been similar to home so I haven't noticed a difference. Costain are also paying my expenses.

I haven't experienced the night life in Peterborough as I go home during the weekends.

Yes, I was invited to several sports activities each week such as golfing and football.