Virtual Insight Week Review

The Virtual Insight Week has helped enhance my understanding of the construction industry as a whole. Different employees explaining their role within the company and industry was particularly useful as I am unsure on what route to take after graduating. The virtual site tour was particularly enjoyable because I was able to apply the knowledge which I had gained in my first year of university. Overall, the week has increased my motivation and reinforced my desire to work in the construction industry.

The one to one meeting after the week was very nice. It made the experience seem more personable as I was able to get individual feedback on my participation and CV. It was useful to be bale to speak to employees who are on the graduate programme as it made the experience far more relatable. I always felt at ease when asking questions and the breakout rooms helped in reducing the technological barriers when networking.

I wouldn't say that I received a lot of guidance on the virtual experience but I don't think that it was required. This is because we weren't required to fill out tasks which were particularly demanding. Our main form of participation was when carrying out tasks which the speaker at the time described clearly and asking questions after each session. We were all sent a timetable so we knew what was going to happen during the week.

I have already used the virtual site tour as a case study in parts of my coursework at university. Techniques which I was unaware of at the time prompted me to carry out additional research as the speakers prompted my curiosity. Being spoken to about the different career paths available to me has helped me to narrow down what I would like to specialise in once graduating.

The structure was faultless. We were sent a timetable in advance which meant that we always knew what each day involved. There were smaller breakout rooms which were organised which were very useful. There was always time for questions at the end of each session.

The atmosphere did become more relaxed as the virtual experience went on. As it was being held over zoom, there were always going to be restrictions. There was always a professional expectation throughout the virtual experience which was good preparation for life beyond university.

The main form of investment from the company was in the one to one session after the experience. This was very useful as I was able to get feedback on my participation and my CV. I have stayed in contact with Sara and Mace who have kept me updated on their position on a summer placement in 2020.

Having different speakers from different parts of the company helped in my understanding in what a full time role would be like. The range of speakers also helped me to understand how roles at Mace vary. Sessions on working abroad also helped me to understand what opportunities Mace can offer.

The first session of the virtual experience addressed Mace's core values. These values were something which were visible through all of the speakers. The talk on diversity within the company on topics such as race, gender and sexual orientation also provided a clear understanding into the inclusive culture of the company.

The talks from employees who carried out different roles within the company and industry was particularly useful. This included construction managers, engineers, facilities managers and cost consultants. This wide range of speakers has helped me narrow down what paths I would and would not like to take in the future.

As the experience was virtual, there were no costs in terms of transport or food.

Every day included networking sessions in small breakout rooms so we could have more of an informal discussion with the speakers. This was a good way of combatting the issues when communicating virtually.

The sessions were quite short and they felt rushed. We also weren't able to choose who we spoke with. This meant that I was unable to speak with the cost consultant, something which I was particularly interested in.

We were made aware of the sporting, social and charitable work which Mace carries out outside of work.

I have already recommended the virtual experience with first year students at university. I found it very insightful into the work which Mace carry out, their culture and the industry as a whole.