GIS Summer Vacation Student Review

I was involved in a lot of projects throughout my internship which was enjoyable. The project work meant I was always busy but also worked on real-life projects which were very rewarding. I was also introduced to different offices and people which meant I wasn't bored and gave me the opportunity to see how different teams work

My colleagues made sure at every point I felt supported and that I had someone to turn to if I ever was struggling. Everyone within the team was very inviting and the made sure I felt welcome. They arrange a team lunch so I felt part of the team. As soon as I settled in I felt like part of the team and a permanent member of staff.

I was always in close contact with colleagues or managers whilst being sat near the team or on skype to ask and questions. They spent time explaining how to do each task until I gain confidence. The only downside was that sometimes your colleagues or managers are very busy and in meetings, all day and you are unable to ask them any questions.

During the first few weeks, there wasn't as much work available due to waiting for work to come in as well as mobilization. After this period I was given projects to manage which sometimes meant I was busy but most of the time it was a good balance of work.

During the first few weeks, I was being overseen which helped me to understand what processes the team followed. I was then given more responsibility within projects whilst still being managed by a team member. During the last month of my placement, I was given a full project to manage by myself.

The skills I learnt are much greater than those I have currently learnt in my degree. They have helped me enormously grow my talent and skills which I would not have leant without this placement. Due to the practical nature of the placement, I have learnt so many skills that will benefit me in my career prospects

It was a nice atmosphere to work with large windows meaning there is lots of light. Each desk has ample space to work and wasn't very noisy to work in. There were also breakout areas which allowed you to do informal meetings as well as have lunch away from your desk

I was the first person to ever do a summer internship within this team at Arup which did meant there were some times when things could have gone slightly smoother but overall on my arrival I was given everything I needed and received training on the first day which was well organized

The company invested a significant amount of time and effort into integrating me into the company as well as developing my personal skills. I was given the opportunity to attend training courses as well as training the team gave me on the job. The training that was offered was personal development ( like programming) as well as mandatory ( such as health and safety)

I hope to apply to Arup when I leave university. I was so happy and settled working for my team. I always felt welcomed and a valued part of the team which made me want to return. They also have a lot of flexibility to work which is very helpful in a long term job.

I met other placement a few times throughout the placement but mostly spoke to them on the first day. I had the chance to catch up with some of the students in the corridors but most of them were located on other floors and in different teams which meant I didn't see them often

I lived at home and commuted to work which meant I didn't have to rent whilst working. Most of the time I brought my own lunch to save money. The highest cost was the price of communicating and the time to commute. As for team lunches since you are located in the center of the city the price is slightly more expensive but you can choose to make it cheaper.

I commuted to work which meant I didn't often stay after work for drinks. I know after a big team meeting some people would have relaxed events outside of work. Other events were set up on the weekend such as pride, to attend the nightlife scene outside of work. I perosnal never went so I can't comment on the experience

There were many opportunities to get involved such as sports clubs, game club, and health clubs. These were run outside work (after work) as well as within lunchtimes which gave a bit more flexibility to attend. They were well-publicized so you knew what was going on each week if you wanted to go