Project Engineer Review

The placement opened up a door way to the working world. I was expecting an office based, really strict job but I couldn't have been more wrong. It was a really friendly atmosphere with everyone working together as 'one', having laugh and just being themselves. It was a great place to work especially because of the team I worked with.

My colleagues were really friendly and down to earth characters. From day one I was treated like any other person rather than a ‘placement student’. This was really important because in order to adjust quickly with the team, you have to feel like you are part of the team and that’s exactly what they did.

My manager and supervisor has always been there to support me. I don't always see them on a daily basis but they were always a phone call away. They put a lot of trust in my abilities and that in a way expanded my work ethics and motivation.

The placement job I applied for is an operational based engineering job. This means that it’s not strictly office-based, it’s much more hands on and practical. The daily routine depends on what is usually going on at the time. Start of the projects are usually busy

This was one of the most important aspects of the job. The two primary projects solely relied on my hands. I was in charge budget over £1 million. The managers provided support when I needed it but they gave me the opportunity to carry out the project according to my best judgement. It was an immense task and the personal accountability gave me the extra motivation to carry out the job properly. Also, I had to be responsible of contractors that I employed. This involves making sure they had the right tools, job, qualifications, solving any of their problems, dealing with their time sheet and pay.

Overall the one year placement was a huge eye opener for me. I had the pleasure of working with some truly dedicated people with high integrity and great sense of humour. I have learned a lot in terms of technical knowledge/skills and also interpersonal skills for personal development. Everything I have learned will assist me during my last year at university and further on in my future career.

The atmosphere in the office was really friendly. It did vary from day to day, Some days were really busy and everyone working under pressure and other times it is not so busy. The people I worked with in a way created the mood in the office. If any issues occurred, my colleagues and supervisors were there to support and guide me through it.

The placement was well organised with exceptional training provided for interpersonal skills and personal development. Specialist training could be provided depends on the department but most of the learning is done on the job. Overall brilliant work from the HR and development team.

Personal development was a huge factor. The massive training facilities to various other courses to improve your technical skills and knowledge as well as personal attributes that will be beneficial for everyday.

If you are successful in your placement, you will be offered graduate scheme at a department of your choice. As long as you work hard and prove that you will be a great asset to National Grid, that's all it matters.

All sorts of conference, meal, site visits and much more. Just have to willing to take part in it.

I was based in North West so really cheap.

Fairly busy but not the best compared to big cities.

We organised trekking, karting, charity walks, cycling and other social events outside work