Undergraduate Engineer Review

I am an undergraduate civil engineer, this primarily involves shadowing the site or senior engineers initially and then learning as much as possible from them and other members of the site what engineering involves, what contracting involves and how every member of the team has an important part to play in the end. As my placement went on I acquired more responsibility and more skills to be able to help even more on the project completing a site diary, setting out and surveying tasks.

I have learnt many new skills throughout my placement due to the opportunity to experience hands on learning on a live construction site. These include: setting out and surveying with a Leica total station, AutoCAD skills, 3D modelling, levelling with a dumpy level, reading and understanding technical drawings, producing technical drawings, Excel and spread sheeting, STATs identification, LWD testing, instrument testing, site safety, commercial and management skills, building upon theoretical engineering understanding (Hydraulics, drainage, concrete, geotechnics etc).

I was given a fair amount of responsibility throughout my placement. I began working under the wing of one of the site engineers assisting with their daily activities and learning along the way and ended up working directly for one of the site managers and the freelance STATs coordinator doing direct independent tasks for them yet still feeling that I had the advice and support available to me both from my new supervisors and from my site engineer.

I received a lot of support from my fellow workmates, HR and managerial staff. I never felt like I was completely abandoned or lost during my placement always having the help available when it was needed whilst still receiving plenty of workload to keep busy with resulting in me feeling well supported yet still productive towards the project.

Jovial, light-hearted and supportive. One of the greatest advantages to working in construction is the feeling of comradery between your colleagues feeling like everyone is working hard towards an end goal. Everyone was extremely hard working and dedicated throughout my placement yet we could still have a good laugh and joke during breaks.

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship to the point where I will be disappointed to return back to university.

Yes

Work hard, ask plenty of questions and really listen to what the experienced members of the team have to say. Most importantly just be yourself and you will fit into the team with no problem.