Summer Student Review

I have given a rating of 8 as I really enjoyed my placement. I was able to work alongside some lovely people who were always laughing and including me in the group. I also got involved with some of the social activities at Atkins including a charity inflatable obstacle course and the summer BBQ.

I felt valued by the team I was working with and everyone was very welcoming. However, at some points I didn't have much work to do and in those cases I felt like more of a burden as people had to go out of their way to find me something to work on.

When I first arrived at Atkins I was assigned a "buddy" who was very helpful in showing me around the office, introducing me to people and helping me with administrative problems during the first week. This was great as it meant there was always someone I could ask questions of. My line manager was also there to help me find work to do and advise me on submitting my timesheet.

This varied massively during my placement. I had several days where there was not much work for me and I had to ask around the office several times before something was found for me. On other occasions I was very busy especially when I got the chance to work on a rebar drawing and bar bending schedule as I was set a deadline for the end of the week.

I was given responsibility in liaising with colleagues via email and skype. However, in terms of workload I was mainly given smaller tasks that did not require much responsibility and I would often be working under someone else who would check over my work. Therefore, I have given a rating of 5.

I think I learnt a lot from this placement, particularly within the realm of transport engineering, which is a discipline we don't often get chance to explore at university. I am hoping this background knowledge will help me this year with my Railway Technology module. During my placement, I also undertook some basic training for Bentley MicroStation, so I have developed a new software skill.

The atmosphere in my office was great! I was sat with other young professionals (mainly recent graduates and apprentices) who were of a similar age to me and we would go for lunch together and chat. Also, as they had been with the company much longer than me, they were always eager to help me and share their knowledge/experience.

Overall, the placement was rather organised. However, I encountered some technical difficulties at the start of my placement which could have been sorted before I arrived. Also, it would have been better if there had been thought before I arrived as to what projects I would be working on as I often found I had no work to do.

I had to complete several health and safety modules in the first week. I was then able to do online courses in my free time at work to develop my CAD skills on both AutoCAD and MicroStation software. In addition to this, when I was set a challenging task I was always pointed to someone who would be able to help me if I got stuck or needed clarification.

The employment prospects are very good.The Early Careers department are keen to keep in touch with students after their placements and invite them back. I completed 2 summer placement with Atkins and since finishing have been offered a graduate job with the firm. Atkins have a very attractive graduate scheme and so I am thrilled to have been offered this role.

The transportation business in Warrington has their own social committee who organise several events for colleagues to mix. This summer I took part in a inflatable obstacle course for charity during my first week with the company! I also attended a summer BBQ and a staff meal at a local pub. All these events were very well attended by a range of age groups.

Warrington/North West in general are cheap areas to live, but the cafes near the office were rather expensive.

There is little to no nightlife near the office. You would have to go into Manchester or Liverpool

The transportation business in Warrington has their own social committee who organise several events for colleagues to mix outside of work. This summer I took part in a inflatable obstacle course, attended a summer BBQ and went to a staff meal at a local pub. All these events were organised very well.