Undergraduate Architectural Technologist Review

Architectural Technologist Placement: My placement was highly enjoyable and provided an invaluable experience to my professional career. MDA is an excellent place for an undergraduate to learn and get some real world experience. My colleagues are highly skilled and willing to share their knowledge though the projects I have worked on with them. They have provided me with a pleasant and kind work place for the last 14 months one that I will happily return to once my studies are completed.

Architectural Technologist Placement: Despite being knowing I am the least experience and knowledgeable person on the design team, I am always made to feel like a member of the team and not an undergraduate. My work load has been based on my skill throughout my placement, gaining more responsibility as time passed. My ideas and opinions have always been valued and considered my project managers, despite my lack of experience. I have not felt like an undergrad at MDA but a member of a full design team working towards improving my skills and knowledge.

Architectural Technologist Placement: MDA is well versed in supporting and guiding undergraduates though work. When ever I didn't know or understanding something the team have always been more than happy to explain and run me thought the work or show me the places to find information. My placement was reviewed quarterly to ensure I am on track and outline any issues i might have had. It has never been an issue to contact HR or my unit head to get guidance due to the size of the business and how close everyone is, I do not feel this would be the case with a larger business and think MDA is so valuable for this reason.

Architectural Technologist Placement: My workload has varied through out my placement, as my skills have developed my workload has increased. Originally I was working on smaller 'bitty' work before being put on full projects developing planning and tender packages. I have also been fully involved with assist projects on site which became almost a full time job in its self. You will be worked at MDA but within your means, there is no slacking on the placement as you are seen as a team member that needs to for fill their part. However, as an undergrad, I was given longer periods of time to complete work which is more appropriate for my skill level.

Architectural Technologist Placement: My responsibility have gone from drawing work to assisting projects on site, I have been trusted to alter designs and work with Architects as a full technologist. I have been responsible for talking to clients and contractors on and off site with supervision from my project managers. At MDA I have been able to see how I could progress through my future years and how I can develop. returning undergraduates are now responsible for managing projects, an opportunity that i hope to get at MDA

Architectural Technologist Placement: at university I struggled with what are no basic and trivia tasks that I preform daily. I have no doubt my final year will be considerably more manageable than it would have had I not undertake this placement. I excited to go back to university to practice what i have learn and put my skills to the test. I also have been preparing my CIAT accreditation for my future profession with my experiences and CPD I have undertaken at MDA.

Architectural Technologist Placement: The atmosphere in the office was always professional and extremely friendly. I was nervous to start as it was apparent MDA was a close knit organisation with a strong team behind them and I wasn't sure where I would fit in. However, from the very beginning I was welcomed with open arms, everyone was so helpful and friendly. Atmosphere in the office was always positive, even on the harder days everyone remained in good spirits and professional.

Before the placement started I got a glimpse of how well organised the placement was, this included a welcome day with all the other undergrads for that year. I had a week long induction in the office where I met all staff and had multiple training courses. Every three months I had quarterly reviews about the placement. The company is well structured, deadlines are always met, resource is organised efficiently therefore each week there is a clear view of what is happening.

Architectural Technologist Placement: MDA offer their undergraduates the opportunity to secure a full time job after their placement. I have been lucky enough to secure a job for two years with MDA, meaning after my final year at university (where I am now sponsored by MDA) I have the security of a job. I look forward to this incredible opportunity, it will give me the chance of full time employment after university, the chance to gain industry skills after university, further develop professional relationships with a team I thoroughly enjoy working.

There were frequent events organised by the company's social team, these included staff meals out and Christmas events. The MD hosts a BBQ at his house every year. The events were a good chance to meet people in the company you don't see everyday. When Covid happened and we couldn't socialise in person, MDA were very good at organising weekly team quizzes where we competed against other members of MDA. I had a good social scene with other placement students who I got on well with and were the same age as me.

I chose to live in Huddersfield with a short commute to Honley, it was cheap and easy to get to and from to work. I stayed in student accommodation which was on average the same price to any other student accommodation in the UK. I lived in the same building as one of the other undergrads, so it was easy to socialise, and made the ease in the company a lot less daunting. Socialising in Huddersfield was slightly cheaper than other UK cities.