Placement Year Review

Given ample opportunity to work on projects varied in task raging from geotechnical parameter studies to structural modelling. allowing me to better understand and choose a field to specialize. In addition all my colleagues were approachable and welcoming making the placement more enjoyable.

Worked on many project with many members of the team from different offices both international and within the UK. Other opportunity with the companies like outreach volunteering programs helped me socialize with undergraduates from other disciplines. The initiatives allowed me to take more responsibility and feel more inclusive as part of a wider team not just Mott MacDonald FNG.

I was given frequent advice and undertook quarter reviews to evaluate both the current projects and possible future opportunities. I have also received guidance from university, I believe that the coordination between my supervisors at work and university mentors has help produce a long term development plan which will be helpful beyond just my placement year.

The days varied depending on projects and deadlines. At times i was very busy and stayed longer (Flexi-time) to complete certain deliverable before deadlines, at times it became necessary to ask for extensions. However, same days work was a lot slower giving opportunity to reflect on my development. The placement helped me understand better the expected work load of an engineer.

In many project i was tasked with producing the final deliverable for the client this meant that I had to collate work from different engineers as well as my own. This was a lot of responsibility as I was representing and conveying the work done by Motts to the client(s).

I believe that the work done will help both in organisation and management of the projects conducted at university and beyond. As I have not restarted studies yet, I believe the technical skills developed on my placement will be an asset to my degree especially 3D modelling and critical parameter assessment. However the most useful experience will be working as part of a team and communication skills that were greatly enhanced by working with teams across the globe.

It was as i expected for an office environment however at times there it was quiet as people were mobilized to a different project/ floor. However there was a common room that had a relaxation with table tennis and other activities that opened for use near the end of my placement.

The overall the organisation was very good, however I found that the first week could have been improved. The organisation stems from the relationship between the company and the university, for example I had meet some colleagues months prior to my starting my placement. In addition i had also done a prior placement at the company which helped me through the induction process.

I believe i was given ample opportunity, I visited sites and worked on varied and different projects. In addition the company prepared training schemes and held frequent lectures that I attended to gain knowledge and insight from the experiences of other engineers. I was also made aware of the training and lectures seminars held by other bodies such as network rail.

I have been offered another placement for the next summer. Due to knowing many colleagues and learning many of the internal process (e.g. claiming expensive) the transition between university and work will become much smoother.

During the winter and Christmas there was events and company parties. within the year there were occasional events such as bar crawls etc. However at times it was lack luster, in addition the area around the offices was not very accommodating which resulted in fewer social events. In addition many fellow placement students commuted to work will leave earlier and arrive earlier.

I had a shared accommodation in Croydon which was convenient as it was very close to work. But there was also some violence and crime and on one occasion I had my street closed due to car accident. This meant I was reluctant to go out at nights or stay out very late.

Not accommodating, This meant I was reluctant to go out at nights or stay out very late. However very very good transport links to London and Clapham.

There were several sports clubs and teams, initiatives to improve your skills and volunteer work.