Design Lead Intern Review

Working on a design team, seeing all the different cogs that have to be in motion to complete a project was very interesting. It showed me that working on projects it encompasses many different peoples inputs to achieve the final product. The Mott Macdonald staff members I worked with were able to give interesting work upon request and would help if I had any issues.

I expected during a shorter placement ( summer rather than year placement) not to be given long tasks. I was given work that other people might not enjoy doing, but the completion of which were important in the design stage.

I was left to myself when working on a task, with little individual checks on how my work was going, but that may be because they thought I was capable of doing the tasks. There were no tasks where I had no idea of where to start of find past examples of similar schemes. I did have help when I asked for it, but finding the occasion to try and sit down with someone to chat was difficult as managers and those further up always seemed to be busy.

We had weekly design team meetings in which each member of the team spoke about what they were doing. During these meeting I regularly asked for work and was given it. There were occasion were I was sat not knowing what to do early in the process but that was to be expected.

I was left to complete certain tasks individually which felt like a good amount of responsibility. The tasks were of importance but would likely be checked by more than 2 people when completed.

The main extent of skills developed will benefit me after my degree studies. Although time management and meeting deadlines will be useful throughout university. Seeing how an office works, and learning to work in a team environment was very enjoyable

There was a lack of desks through introducing new employees and placement students, so I was rarely at one desk for more than a few days. Any place I sat I was welcomed and was able to chat both about work and home life.

Generally good, I was issued with a buddy to speak to about any issues I had.

On multiple occasions, those more experienced in the office would hold meetings/training where they would talk about what they had expertise in, such as reservoir safety

The team around me had a good mix of graduates and experience, so progression through the organisation seemed straight forward, which is what appeals to me. They offered me the possibility of further placements either summer or year.

Yes, we regularly had team outings for food and for a night out

The precinct in which we worked was 10 minutes from the city of Leeds, so prices were towards the more expensive

Great, Leeds is a brilliant city, especially the Stone Roses bar

Not particularly