Summer Student - Infrastructure Review

It was very enjoyable and gave me a brilliant experience of working on exciting projects alongside great engineers. The first week was a bit slow and therefore I didn't quite enjoy all the induction work, but I do realise the importance of this. However, once I was put onto proper project work, I truly enjoyed my time with Atkins.

Initially I found it a bit difficult to integrate into a new team, however everyone soon made me feel very welcome. After I began working on projects, I felt that I was a valued member of the team during projects meetings and work. Also, all colleagues were happy to help whenever I had a question or needed help. Nearing the end of my placement, I now totally feel part of the team.

My line manager welcomed me on my first day for orientation and gave me a tour of the office. He personally introduced me to all members of staff in the department that helped me feel welcomed. Throughout my internship, my line manager kept up-to-date with my work and occasionally spoke with myself and my Atkins 'Buddy' to make sure that I was getting the most from my internship. Any problems, he was happy to help.

The first week I was very bored as I was too new to begin project work. Once I had completed my relevant induction work, I was soon looking for anything to keep me busy. This led to me updating Personal CPD records for myself which I felt was beneficial, however I wasn't learning much. However, once suitable project work became available at the end of Week 1, I was soon given very exiting work to complete. By Week 4 I was being given project work objectives to complete myself, whilst also having support by my 'Buddy' and fellow colleagues. Now, nearing the end of my internship, I am enjoying busy work days where I am completing exciting and beneficial work.

I was given the exciting responsibility of completing the Ditch Designs for a large Infrastructure project for my departments road section. The designing process was not known by colleagues within my department, and therefore I was given the task of communicating with a member of staff in another office, and learning how to complete this design process via software that was new to me. This was difficult but very beneficial, and I ended up submitting my part of the project on time with the Senior Engineer being very impressed with my work.

This internship has given me a great knowledge of CAD and modelling software I have never experienced before. I feel that the software could be very usefully during my final year of university. Also, I have been given brilliant support in completing my university degree by my line manager and practice director who have given me permission to use Atkins software in the office during my university term if required for any class projects or my Masters Thesis.

Overall a very friendly atmosphere in the office. Colleagues were eager to communicate with each other and often spent lunch breaks with each other. All colleagues within my department, and from other departments that I were in contact with, were eager to help me. Also, during my time with Atkins I joined the weekly basketball blub and everyone was very welcoming.

Atkins have a very good induction checklist that helped with my introduction to the company. After the induction period was completed, I was given great support in completing my work. However, it didn't feel like I was being taught all the time. I was learning on the job and teaching myself a lot of the time.

Gave me the opportunities of gaining CPD via lunchtime presentations from outside organisations, and provided online webinars in regards to the software I was using. Fellow colleagues also gave me a brilliant insight into how Atkins support young engineers working towards gaining charter-ship.

After such a brilliant experience working within Atkins, I would say that the future prospect of working with them is very appealing. The opportunities of working on some of the largest and most exciting projects in the world is incredible. Also, I see Atkins as one of the bets companies to work for as a young engineer who is aiming to obtain my ICE CEng.

I didn't meet any of my fellow placement students and I am unsure if there are even any fellow placement students/colleagues within the office. I feel like this was one draw back of my experience as I would have gained a lot from regularly meeting with other people in my position working with other departments. Not only would this have allowed me to socially meet more people involved with the company, I would have gained an insight into other departments internship teaching methods and work they're completing.

As I didn't move away from my current university living situation, I therefore didn't feel much of a change. The office was in a convenient location where I could get the bus to work every day. Places for lunch were relatively cheap.

Good nightlife in Glasgow.

From day 1 I was contacted about the basketball club as my Atkins 'Buddy' was the founder of the sports club. Through this club I also found out about other clubs such as the badminton club etc. which I would be interested in attending as well.