Student Mechanical Engineer Review

I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to gain 1st hand experience on a huge national project. I gained valuable insight into the complex delivery of a massive project. Such knowledge and skills I have no possibility of learning in lectures or labs at university. The practical teaching I obtained this year cannot be effectively emulated in a classroom.

My colleagues were all extremely busy as the project was in its completion phase. Consequently I enjoyed the opportunity to help these individuals with their work loads, making their lives as easy as possible. I felt highly valued as I could help out in a variety of disciplines and genuinely felt I was making a contribution to project productivity.

Before starting my placement I was allocated a Line Manager whom I was in touch with in the days running up to my start date. On my first day I was allocated a buddy - a recent graduate not much older than myself to guide me on a day to day basis. Through both these channels I felt well supported throughout the duration of the placement.

My usual workload varied greatly over the course of my placement - such is the nature of large scale project management. Some days were extremely busy while others were more relaxed. On less busy days my extra time was spent doing e-learning modules or corporate/graduate induction days. There was a vast library of e learning modules which could be completed to further my knowledge in a variety of sectors.

I felt I was given a large amount of responsibility - my daily work loads included preparing the workforce for the strategic weekend works taking place that week while also preparing presentations outlining the strategic plan for delivery of individual project phases. It was motivating to be given such responsibilities early on and made me feel a part of the team very quickly.

The skills I developed and training I received can simply not be emulated in a university setting. I learnt things which could only be experienced by taking part in a real life living and breathing project ecosystem. Consequently I believe this year to have been an invaluable experience, complementing the technical expertise I develop at university with real life project management skills.

The atmosphere in the office varied greatly. Sometimes it was casual, relaxed and friendly while at other more critical moments it was serious and work focussed. This meant that we were comfortable and happy in the office though were also able to achieve the project's multifaceted goals and requirements. A good atmosphere overall.

Overall, the work placement was well organised. I had good guidance from my Line Manager and also from my allocated buddy. In addition to this support, I was regularly supported by HR through the more administrative parts of the job. My work load was well structured and the learning/induction events I attended were excellently organised.

In terms of personal training and development, not only was I able to attend and e-learning modules I wanted - from an extensive library but the were several compulsory induction events throughout the year. These events introduced me to Costain's corporate vision for the future as well as inductions on specifically my own professional development.

A high number of graduates who were on summer placements are offered places on the companies graduate scheme once they have reached the completion of their studies. I look forward to hopefully having this opportunity myself as I complete my studies and graduate in the near future. There are many different sector possibilities within Costain which I look forward to exploring.

There was a good social scene amongst all workers on the CrossRail East Anglia project. Several social functions were organised by management as an opportunity to socialise outside of the work environment, these aided in creating a social bond between us which in turn benefitted our day to day performance.

I am in London so the cost of living & socialising is relatively high. To counteract this, I was given a London Allowance which greatly helped to mitigate this expense. Working full time however means that there is limited time available to socialise and consequently the related costs are lower than expected.

my placement was in London so the nightlife was highly varied. There is almost always something going on at any time of week as is familiar in other big cities. While working full time there isn't so much time to sample the local nightlife but from what I have experienced it's been good fun and expensive.

There were a few office social gatherings but not much else work related. I was in London though where there is always plenty to do. I joined a gym and a rugby club which takes up the majority of my free time. There are a plethora of other possibilities while located in such a big city.