Student structural engineer Review

I was based in the team for 8 weeks, working on several exciting and interesting projects, ranging from a steel framed entertainments building to a reinforced concrete football stadium. This stimulating and challenging work provided a valuable experience for me moving into my next year of university and future career. Some work can be repetitive however but knowing the future outcome of it (ie an amazing building is built) provided all the incentive required to get it done.

I was given work appropriate to my level of ability and when I had proved I could do certain tasks they were happy to give me more difficult tasks. I felt very welcome and like any other member of the team and also felt like my work was contributing to the groups efforts.

Whenever I required help my supervisors were only to happy to assist. If they didn't know the answers then they would know and find someone who did! That said, I always made sure to try to solve problems off my own initiative before asking for help however whenever it was needed, it was available.

Due to the nature of project work it depended on the day to day condition of the job and also which project I was working on. Some days were busy with deadlines to meet and others less so allowing time to explore and Learn at my own pace. Personally, I like to be busy and under pressure so I enjoyed the deadlines and days where there was lots to do, however others may not.

I was treated much like any other engineer and given my own tasks and jobs within the project teams to design and complete. My work, as all engineering work should be, was checked however and this was a good feedback and learning opportunity. I was also trusted to communicate with external stakeholders on behalf of the company which was good to be given the responsibility for this.

As I want to become a structural engineer in the future, my experiences will help me immensely both back at university where I will be studying and also as a graduate. More than just the practical day to day working skills, just being In the kind of environment found at BuroHappold is an education in itself and I also found that senior staff are genuinely dedicated to developing those more junior than themselves.

Very positive and upbeat - had just pulled through some hard times however the team seemed effective together and had a "we are going places" attitude which was great to be a part of. Monthly office town hall meetings were a good way to find out what others were up to and also to feedback to senior management about issues faced.

Little disorganised at the start - IT problems etc. However they were resolved quickly and the team found me work to do in the mean time. Otherwise organising dates, contracts and information beforehand was simple and organised.

Very much learning on the job, which is I believe the best way to do things for a summer placement. It allows you to get stuck into real work with the team and provides an insight into what you would do as a graduate engineer. More widely there were discussions about training for graduates however I left the company before anything was fixed.

I would love to go back as the work was interesting and challenging, the team friendly and supportive and the company a joy to work in with a great history and attitude to design and engineering. They also appear to be a successful company with a bright future ahead so they would also be a draw for me to return.

Usually drinks on Friday evenings to get to know other colleagues from all teams. Running and cycling groups existed although I didn't make use of them, and there seemed to be a fairly regular social scene too although not much through the summer as I expect people were on holiday.

Edinburgh is a fantastic city and is moderately expensive as a result. However I didn't feel financially pressured during my time so it want really a problem. It is definitely worth the cost as there is loads going on (including the fringe festival in August)

Bars and pubs mainly, lots of nice restaurants as well. Didn't really experience nightlife as it's not high on my priorities however the places we went for drinks were pleasant and good value.

Yes, running and cycling groups as well as a climbing group also. Didn't make much use of them over the summer but as a graduate it would be good. The young engineers forum also exists which is a great initiative although they did not organise any events whilst I was there.