Student Placement - Happold Scholar | Structures Review

I was always kept busy throughout my 8 weeks, and the responsibilities were of real tasks, some immediate to the client such as a feasibility study conducted by myself and a director. Other tasks were experimental in nature that involved me in the process of modelling, analysing, and checking the structural analyses by Excel spreadsheet calculations.

The roles and responsibilities taken on included researching and liaising information I found to the director. This information was then used during client meetings for which I also attended and delivered the information as needed, with my opinions taken into serious consideration. In addition, my time was valued on projects especially when it came to working on multiple projects simultaneously.

My supervisors were very helpful in briefing the project requirements and details, with any questions always being answered. Any issues I had I would be able to easily approach my supervisors and they would explain my questions to a sufficient level of understanding, be it a technical or conceptual issue.

I had a lot of work throughout my 8 week placement. Early in the process the work was gradual and so there was a lot more training at the beginning to understand the softwares used. Toward the end I was involved in 2 primary projects, both structural in nature, and 1 additional small project that I was interested in where the computational department of BuroHappold was looking at utilising virtual reality. I was looking into visual scripting in the Unreal Engine as a starting point.

A lot of responsibility fell on the 2 projects for which I was involved. The first project involving modelling and analysis of residential blocks and concrete slabs required some technical understanding (Most of which if I did not know would be thoroughly explained by my supervisor with supporting documents). The second was a feasibility study for a hospital extension for which I did a lot of the ground work in collecting information to find what was necessary to answer the brief of the task. My opinions based on this information found was also fundamental to the final report submitted to the client.

From the outset of beginning my final year of the masters degree in civil engineering (MEng), having an appreciation of parametric modelling being conducted in BuroHappold, as well as learning the skills of writing a client report, structural analysis techniques for new forms of structures I had not previously done (which will be done in our degree group design), as well as exploring computing aspects will all be beneficial.

Having the chance to join in the summer months meant many BBQs, as well as the chance to celebrate 40 years of the company with nice food and setting. The office itself had lovely people, with friendly characters that were helpful as well as work focused. During lunch, having the subsidised canteen was great (especially as a student - £2.50 (yes, that's right) in London was a bargain!), as well as table tennis table and Foosball table (2v2 for which you eventually become a pro).

Very well organised. I seamlessly transitioned into the work flow by the end of my 2nd week at the company. The Happold Foundation has been around for some time so has experience in bringing students together. The YEF (Young Engineer's Forum) was also great for teaching graduates and students about the work and experience of engineers within the company.

8 weeks is a short amount of time. The primary investment I felt was the time of more senior engineering and directors to discuss work related tasks, answer any queries I had, as well as conceptualise on the future of engineering and technology. The start of my placement was a day for induction and tour of the offices, as well as training courses for office related work. The YEF (Young Engineer's Forum) was a great way to get students and graduates together and made it easier to transition into knowing others in similar footsteps.

Very appealing. I am currently undergoing an internal process for applying for the graduate position, with a form completed soon after the end of my placement asking which areas I wanted to go into. In addition, the internal process should be less stressful than what I imagine trying to find a job from the outside would be.

The YEF brought students and graduates together. I also got to know a structural engineer who I would hang out with very frequently for the weekends. In addition, many graduates were on secondments from other locations, such as New York, so it was great to see so many people from international backgrounds.

I lived centrally via Airbnb, so I had my own flatmate which was great for socialising. However the cost of living at the centre was relatively expensive (although I did remove any commute cost and time (15 minute walk)). Cost/month exceeded £1000 (this included bills as it was Airbnb with a monthly discount), although I can imagine it being difficult to find costs below £1100/month. Fortunately the Happold scholarship in addition to the paid internship made it possible to enjoy living the short term lifestyle.

I'm not a nightlife kind of guy, but being in the centre of London next to Oxford Street and not far from Soho is huge I imagine. Also consider that night time tubes now run on the weekends.

Yes, every week there were sports activities (Touch Rugby and Basketball) on alternate days. There's also inter-company rivalry in sports against other consultancy and architectural firms, for anyone who is competitive to take part.