Assistant Cost Consultant Review

In addition to appreciating the opportunity and responsibility of the works ( such as contract administration works, Measurement by using soft wares) that I did during the placement experience, I also really enjoyed having the opportunity to go onto site visits, weekly meetings with the client on site and having Skype meetings.

I felt valued by my colleagues when I received a lot of feedback (good encouragement comments) and advice that they have given me for each task that I have completed. Whenever I spotted errors that they did not noticed and I report to them about this, the colleagues were impressed at my work. This made me feel valued and more motivated to continue the given task.

For of the tasks that I was given and after each task was done, I was able to ask questions and the manager gave a clear explanation of what was expected for the task given and the purpose of the task. Software training was provided and through colleagues, I was able to understand tasks better.

I was busy most of time because every week, I would be going onto site visits, weekly meetings on site and skype meetings. In the Office, I would be conducting contract administration works (such as creating, issuing and agreeing Final account and payment recommendation documents) and helping out creating the cost plan by getting quotations for items from the supplier.

I got a lot of responsibility as I was able to get quotations for items from suppliers, administrating, creating and issuing construction contracts for multiple small projects simultaneously. In addition to this, I was also able to create change control request documents, Quality Assurance checks and create project feedback forms.

The training, which enhanced my knowledge in construction, and skills (such as time-management, contract administration, research and IT skills) will help me in my final year because I can become more confident ensuring a good quality outcome in all tasks and help me understanding subjects such as "law" and "digital technology".

The general atmosphere was good and always very busy in the office. The Colleagues (whom I worked for) were very informative, friendly and approachable if someone needed help with a task. Within the office, the cost consultants are very helpful and thoroughly understanding the projects that they are working on.

The work placement system was very good. However, there are some improvements need to be done. Before the start of the placement, send informative emails (whom are we working for,project details) to let placements know the full description of works. On induction day, get laptops and access passes set up.

Learnt more on what soft wares cost consultants used so I developed on my IT Skills. On induction day, the speakers talked about professionalism which was good. Through colleagues, I was able to gain further knowledge in construction through tasks that I did and learning about professionalism in the office.

After attending the Graduate event on March-April of this year and after I had meetings with the other graduates, I was very interested in the training opportunities within the Graduate Development Programme. In addition, After hearing the great results of the other Cost Consultants and the amount of training provided, I was definitely sure that I wanted to stay and work within the organisation.

Yes, the social scene is good and I was able to network and meet other placement students.

Overall, the cost of living and socialising was alright.

Nightlife was good.

Yes as I was able to network and get to know my colleagues more after work.