Vacation Student Review

Very much so. The placement gave a great insight into the role of an energy consultant and also exposed me to specialist softwares including energyPRO. Additionally, my MS excel skills improved significantly.

Due to the time of year, there was very little billable work however even when completely tasks to benefit the team in their roles I always felt valued and never felt like I couldn't ask for help when required.

Many people were out of the office during the placement due to the summer period however there was always a member of the team to ask for advice. Guidance was given but a more hands off approach was taken in which you aren't micro-managed, enabling you to figure out a lot yourself and be in more control.

Some days were very quiet but things did pick up on others, it fluctuated.

I was given a large amount of responsibility with the tasks I was involved with. Due to not having the opportunity to work on billable work at the time of writing this review, I can't comment on anything regarding this.

The skills I've acquired will be of large benefit to me. In terms of my studies, the placement has helped me form a better idea of the career path I want to take and what I need to do to get there. For example, my masters dissertation project will be very similar to part of the jobs completed by the team. Additionally, having completed a summer placement with Arup now improves my chances of returning to them once I graduate.

It varies between offices and teams within them, however my team was chatty sometimes and quieter when there were important tasks/deadlines to be completed as you'd expect.

Very well. Upon arrival a laptop, visitor pass and all IT information were provided.

To a far higher extent than I expected going into it. On my previous placement certain training programmes weren't accessible to me despite being there for a year whereas I attended training such as a general site safety briefing which allows access to site.

I intend to apply for a graduate scheme when I return to university, so very.

Yes, the whole office does a monthly payday drinks event in addition to a few other yearly events. Additionally, lunches were often eaten with other placements/graduates and a more regular Friday drinks soon became a thing.

Average.

Excellent, no shortage of cheap or expensive places to spent an evening.

There are groups who play football etc but as I don't play I didn't get involved.