Assistant Building Surveyor Review

Being exposed to everyday duties of a Building Surveyor has given me a real insight into the roles and responsibilities expected of you on both a commercial level and professional level. I was given a high level of responsibility, but the support in place if and when required to aid my learning was exceptional.

My director, regional director, and general colleagues have been extremely welcoming and helpful during my placement. I have been given a wide range of responsibilities by different colleagues working in different disciplines, all of whom have relied on the information I provided. The support that has been offered by everyone has certainly made me feel valued and that they are interested in supporting my development.

The support and guidance I have received has been second to none, not only have I received support and guidance from general day to day work colleagues, but I have also received this from directors both regionally and nationally. Any question I have had was always welcomed, and not once did I feel judged for asking what seemed to me a silly question.

My day to day duties have varied dependent on what work was available and what work was in the pipeline. For me personally, I enjoy being busy and dislike clock watching, so the busier I have been the better. For some people this may be a deterrent, but I enjoy working under time sensitive projects and portfolios due to the satisfaction felt when meeting tight deadlines. I have certainly be busy, but this has not compromised my time to question and learn from experienced industry professionals.

The responsibility level I have been given has been quite surprising in all honesty, and certainly in a good way. Some projects I have been shadowing and working closely with colleagues and given certain responsibilities within that project, whilst others I have been given the responsibility of leading, completing, and facing a whole job with the knowledge that my colleagues are here to support me if I require additional support.

The skills I have developed and improved upon will certainly aid me in my final year of study. Time management, ability to assess requirements, and being able to explain technical aspects concisely are all going to be an advantage when completing coursework. Interacting with clients and colleagues on a regular basis to gain briefs and expectations will be a benefit for completing group work and has helped me improve my interaction skills. Technical knowledge gained from experienced industry professionals has also improved my knowledge in certain disciplines.

The general atmosphere within the office has been brilliant. Everyone interacts and during lunch breaks a large number of people go for a walk to stretch legs and gain some fresh air. There hasn't been a day when I haven't laughed when in the office which certainly makes coming to work more enjoyable.

Being the first building surveyor to be taken on an industrial placement in South West the overall work placement set up has been good. The support centrally has been fantastic and extremely helpful, that has certainly been seamless. I think only positive learning lessons will come from my experiences and that is mainly based around capabilities, but the support in place has ensured nothing has been a problem.

The support received and training put in place has been superb. I have had regular trips to London to the central office for training and development and have also been enrolled on a variety of external and internal training programmes regionally. Both regional and national directors have taken time to talk with me and discuss my future which has been very welcoming.

I've successfully gained part-time employment for when I return to university for my final year and also been offered a place on the graduate programme upon completion of my degree. Mace are certainly an employer who recognizes hard work and there is certainly scope to progress through the company quickly with the right attitude and willingness to learn.

There was certainly a good social scene in more central areas where multiple placement students were taken on. I was the only one in the South West, which didn't bother me as other placement students were always contactable. Events for placement student where regularly organized in which I attended the majority.

Being able to live with my parents and commute into work on a daily basis made the cost of living and socializing very minimal.

Living in a fairly rural location you need to commute around 15-20miles to a more vibrant nightlife, unless you're happy with local pubs and bars! The nightlife in Exeter is certainly good with a multitude of pubs, bars, and nightclubs on offer.

There were lots of opportunities to network and activities to get involved in during my placement year both inside and outside of work. Myself and another young professional/colleague are currently trying to create a young professional group to help improve the networking opportunities for younger people further within the area.