Vacation Student (Programme and Project Management) Review

Provide support to team members to deliver an effective and professional service to clients on strategically important projects. Support the programme and project management team in delivering to clients. Assist with the day to day tasks involved in the management of projects. Coordinate between members of various disciplines and departments. Gain exposure to the various aspects of programme and project management. Responsibilities include problem-solving tasks, data reconciliation and auditing of data as directed by senior team members.

I have developed skills as a result of completing an internship here. These include presenting skills as I had the opportunity to present my work to my placement lead each day and solve problems through discussion. I gained confidence in communication by talking each day to skilled communicators and experts in programme and project management. I gained skills in Excel through completing the work I was tasked with. I had the opportunity to work independently and this lead to developing skills in time management and prioritisation. I was also able to have input towards choosing the work that I was interested in completing whilst I was there.

I was given responsibility to choose what work I wanted to be involved in during my time at the company. I was given responsibility to create a new process within the department that will be further developed and of use to the firm and the team. I was responsible for completing work that was required by senior project managers that they went on to use and this consequently saved them time. So the work that I completed was of actual use to the team, meaning that I had meaningful responsibilities.

I received a lot of support and guidance during my placement. I was assigned a placement lead and a buddy within the company. The placement lead helped me to develop objectives for my placement to complete whilst I was there to give direction and purpose. The placement buddy is assigned to everybody who is on placement and you are able to talk to them and ask questions and advice as much as you want confidentially.

Everybody I met during the placement was extremely welcoming and polite. The culture is very relaxed and easy-going. It is clear that people are respected by the employer and trusted to work in a way that suits them. Working hours are flexible, it is possible to work abroad for 2 weeks per year. Everybody I spoke to seemed happy to working at the company and to enjoy the work their team was completing. I think the general atmosphere is very healthy

I have really enjoyed my placement here. I feel like the company has invested in me and my future. I feel like the company is keen to strategically develop the next generation of project managers and to give back to society with this opportunity. I enjoyed each day, I found the work interesting and challenging. I learned a lot that will be helpful in my future career and I look forward to hopefully working here as a full time employee.

Yes

I would recommend looking at the Arup website and gaining a thorough understanding of Ove Arup and his vision for the company and it's employees. I would recommend that you are well prepared for the interview by considering your strengths and weaknesses and planning answers on how you can demonstrate key skills such as logic, collaboration, passion and interest in your field, industry knowledge and commercial awareness. I think it is important to remember to come across as keen to learn, be curious