Year Out Building Surveyor Review

Extremely enjoyable, the work was varied and challenging, there was steady learning curve and the colleagues were supportive and helpful

Difficult to answear, during my particular placement my team was understaffed so I was given work not expected of someone in my position, as a result I felt I was actually contributing to the team and was valued by my colleagues

Guidance was sufficient, could have been more but would be different for each person, I personally found it ok as I was quite happy to ask for help when I needed it rather than wait for it to be offered.

It varied, however i took a proactive approach to my work and was never without something to do, if you plan your workload and see gaps in advance you can nominate yourself as a resource with free time and keep yourself busy

It started off slow due to the fact that I joined the company half way through a complicated project, however this gradually improved over the course of the year to the point where I was given responsibility for my own projects. The only time you’re treated as a graduate is through the tasks you’re given, with everything else, in terms of time-sheets, team meetings, managing your workloads etc… you’re treated as an equal and expected to perform as such.

The experiences I gained were mainly in confidence, the ability to manage myself and my workload. However, knowledge of processes and procedures in the industry are also helping with my studies and my colleagues have agreed to help with dissertation questionnaires. Having a years’ worth of experience also helps with job applications and I've received very positive responses from employers so far.

A friendly atmosphere, they promoted hot desking and socialising with different people each day, it was very laid back and well integrated with other teams.

I got the impression that they weren't expecting a year out placement when I arrived and as a result it took a while for me to get settled and organised. Upon asking my line manager I discovered that the previous placement before me had been a failure so they weren't expecting HR to send me there. However I did receive regular reviews and a structured development programme with the opportunity to start my portfolio.

I did spend a lot of time undergoing internal training such as business ethic modules, health and safety modules, asbestos awareness etc…. however I felt the majority of my growth came from the actual work experience, there was no set time and date were I was told I had to undertake specific training. The company intranet also has their own academy for completing training modules which count as CPD.

I would definitely join the organisation and was offered employment after my studies, however due to the location I wouldn't want to relocate permanently but would consider employment if offered a position in a closer office. However, it must be noted that it is a consultancy, it has very bureaucratic processes and I felt restricted at times which was slightly off putting.

Can’t comment, I was the only year out placement in the office. However, the office I was based in did have a social committee who organised regular events, such as Christmas parties, summer BBQ’s, theater bookings, indoor skiing etc… which worked out ok as I wasn't segregated with other students, instead I was just part of the office.

All social events were discounted through the social committee (funded by the company). Being from London I believe the cost of living there was quite cheap, however I was told by colleagues that it could have been even cheaper if I hadn't been living in the city center. Overall I was very happy with the costs and found the year out wage to be sufficient.

I lived in the city center so there was a variety of bars, restaurants, theaters etc…

There was a big focus on fitness in the office and a lot of my colleagues ran or cycled marathon and other sporting activities which I got involved in.