Geotechnics Vacation Student Review

I enjoyed the opportunity to learn about a different aspect of consultancy and would consider this area in a future career. The projects I worked on were interesting and varied and challenged me to learn new skills and experience new software and techniques. I enjoyed working with my colleagues and they were happy to help me progress.

Colleagues had confidence in my abilities and pushed me to achieve and apply the skills I had gained academically to the industrial setting. I was trusted to work on several projects, and given time to develop new techniques. The work I completed was appreciated and I was given advice for improvement.

I had a designated mentor from whom I received new tasks and could have a catch up on my progress. During my mentor's absence I received help as well as new tasks from other members of the team which gave me further insight into the types of projects the team undertakes.

The most valuable aspect of the placement was the opportunity to experience a professional environment, and the communication, organisational and social skills that comes with this. This has helped me feel more experienced in my first job since graduating. The additional skills I gained in GIS and data analysis will also be widely used in the future.

The insight started with an induction about the office and the company so I could understand the work that was undertaken there. For my first few days I reviewed previous projects to get used to the tasks undertaken, policies and guidelines consulted and the terminology used. After settling in, I assisted in live projects and was able to go on site visits

I found the first few days whilst solely completing induction activities very long and tedious. However, once I had tasks to complete time went much quicker and I enjoyed my work. My team was very nice but I found there wasn't much opportunity for mingling outside of the team. I found many people also ate alone at their desks so social interaction was limited.

I was asked to complete the online training modules for new starters which, although not relevant to my discipline, gave me more of an understanding of how large companies operate. I was allowed to complete work on projects at my own pace and given time to become familiar with software and procedures.

The insight gave me a good idea of day to day life at the company, including aspects of working in a professional environment such as commuting and dressing smartly! I had the opportunity to experience desk-based work which contributes to most of the hours in a full time role as well as a site visit.

The insight was very useful in understanding the company. We had inductions on the company's history, mission and values as well as e-learning modules on aspects such as corruption. I was also able to attend a workshop on digital innovation which spoke about Arup's future plans for automation and utilisation of data.

The placement confirmed that I wanted a career within environmental consultancy and I was particularly interested in applying to Arup as I enjoyed the company's ethos, office and the people I worked with. I got a good idea of the range of projects undertaken within my discipline and how I could apply my academic skills to this role.

I was paid the vacation student rate of £10 an hour (subject to filling in a timesheet correctly). I also received some additional money for pro rata annual leave not taken. When I was required to travel to a different office and for a site visit, the company bought my train ticket.

There weren't really any networking or social events during my 3 week placement. I was introduced to the people in my team and attended the 20 minute cake sessions they organised each week where we got a chance to chat and catch up. However, there wasn't an opportunity to get to know people from other teams

Networking and social activities were limited during my 3 week placement. Within my team, a walk was organised around the city so I could get to know the area and the projects the team had worked on. Lunchtime seminars were also available over skype with staff in other offices but this did not allow for social interaction.

No social activities were available outside of work whilst I was on placement and interaction between teams seemed limited. I was aware of the additional training weekends that staff could attend such as the digital innovation training as well as lunch time seminars staff could skype in to listen to, but no

I would definitely recommend the placement and my only regret is I couldn't stay longer. Having professional experience was one of the most important aspects of my MSc and was really valued in interviews. It allowed me to gain skills but most importantly increase my confidence in working in a professional environment.