Summer Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my work placement of 8 weeks here. I was in the Energy sector and was able to float between teams to ensure I got the most from the placement and gained as much experience as possible. The work I was doing felt meaningful and was very engaging.

I felt extremely valued by colleagues. Working on live project deliverables; I was able to ease the work they were doing by being an extra pair of hands and learn on the job. I was always thanked for my hard work at the end of every shift and was given feedback on the work I had done.

In the team my line manager had a 2 week policy where they would talk with me at least once every two weeks to ensure I was happy with the work I was doing and reassured I was doing well. Every week toolbox talks took place to ensure the team were busy, this was where you were able to express concern to management.

I was lucky enough to be placed on a time critical deliverable and therefore I was busy every day. That was just one of the teams, in another team; I was learning how to use computer software doing tutorials in preparation for live project work. I was always kept busy!

As I was assisting on all live project work that I done over my placement this comes with a great deal of responsibility to get the work done to an extremely high standard. I was also lucky enough to meet with a client as well, which does not usually happen at this level. The experience and responsibility were great.

Being able to relate my studies to a job and vice versa is a great thing to be able to do and after my placement here I am sure that it will help exceptionally. I have gained a lot of useful insight into engineering to be able to use in my final year.

The atmosphere in the office is very positive. Everyone is very happy and willing to engage in conversation. All of the staff no matter what level all feel like a team and are all very approachable for help and assistance at any time. All while remaining professional and productive.

The organisation was fantastic. It was all a very easy transition for me to float between teams and jobs on my own accord. I was included in any decisions about the work I would be assisting on. When I was required to travel to Aberdeen for the client meeting, 2 hours after applying for my travel tickets I had them on my desk. Everything was very smooth.

The company has a charge on training modules and computer software packages. I was able to log on to the training portal and choose any online package I wanted to do freely and for any software packages I was able to easily acquire if needed. My travel to Aberdeen was all provided as well as some lunches at various meetings.

For any future employment opportunities that may arise I would be more than willing to accept these above any other Engineering consultancy. The company is one I have wanted to work for my whole University career and my placement has all but confirmed that further. After two placements in the team, I have been offered fast pass job application. Which means I do not need to fill out an application or go through an assessment centre.

Unfortunately, there weren't many students that were on placement at the same time as me in the office. The ones that were there at the same time were a great laugh and good to talk to. They were keen to engage in social activities with the rest of the team.

The cost of socialising for a city centre is very reasonable but like with everywhere it is about looking for the good deals on a night. The cost of living is something I am unable to comment on as I was able to travel daily to and from my house. The travel to and from the city is great though.

On the occasions where the team went out for some drinks after work or for dinner the city always had a great buzz to it and a good atmosphere with very friendly people. Some places were very busy - usually the cheap places so there was a call to be made, busy or slightly more expensive.

Unfortunately not. I do think that some members of the team participated in football against other engineering consultancies. As a summer student I never would have been able to commit to the team. I was not aware of any other activities.