Cost Consultant Review

I extremely enjoyed the insight week, as it was a great way for me to see the variety of pathways that Mace offers, as well as how broad the construction sector is. It helped me make the correct choices when planning for the future, as well as what each type of job entails. It was interesting to look into how they plan, consult and build their projects, for example the Shard, or Tottenham Hotspurs Stadium, which both acted as a testament of Mace's high quality projects, but also explains why Mace is a very successful company.

I felt valued during my time at Mace's Work Experience insight week, as when we were asked questions, or asked to participate in the different group activities that they held, I felt that my opinion, and my questions were acknowledged and answered with sincerity. The activites that were set up by the different people joining the event clearly demonstrated what their job is like, so when I was able to ask questions, they were able to understand where I was coming from, thus answering it properly.

Throughout the week, the hosts who had worked tirelessly to set up the week even helped us hone our skills, such as how to approach writing our CV's or demonstrate our qualities in an assessment centre. Therefore, they were able to guide us in planning what steps we should aim to take if working in the construction sector is of interest for us, as well as explaining how the degree apprenticeship works, and what is involved.

The early careers team was able to help me understand what is involved with studying as an apprentice for Mace. Due to the different apprenticeships that Mace offer, I was able to understand what they require, and how Mace helps you balance your time with your studying and your on site working. Helping us get used to different tools that we can use to our advantage like Linkedin really helped me to understand what steps I need to take to increase my chances of showcasing my abilities to an employer.

Due to Covid disrupting the original plan for what the Insight event would include, I feel the HR team responsible for setting up the virtual insight event did an excellent job, working with so many people to set up scheduled meetings, that helped us to understand what working in the construction sector would be like, if it was working as a cost consultant, or as an architect, or being on site, the early careers team did a tremendous job, which I really enjoyed.

The general atmosphere during the virtual insight week event was warm and joyful, with those taking the lead being very lighthearted hosts, allowing us to really enjoy and grasp what we were taking in with what they had available to use. Limited to using zoom, the HR team helped us feel relaxed, through working as a team so we could get to know each other, as well trying to find out more about those who had joined, thus breaking the ice between everyone. This helped me relax and focus on what was taking place, knowing more about those who were hosting this lovely work experience event.

Investing in separate people at the event was achieved to a certain extent, with the majority of the activities taking place as a group. However, once someone asked a question, the hosts and those presenting their different field were very helpful in giving practical advice instead of a more general answer. This was really helpful. Furthermore, once the week ended, the HR team took more time to email me separately to see how I was doing, and to also talk about what I could try and improve on, and what I am doing well.

The early career team helped me understand what is involved in their apprenticeships, but also made it clear that once an applicant has successfully joined as an apprentice, they have a secure role within the company. This helped me to understand that instead of feeling insecure about your place at Mace, the moment you start working you have secured your full time role at the company which is very reassuring to know, thus helping me understand their process to a great extent.

I was able to grasp how Mace operates as a company, and how they treat those who work across their different fields of expertise. I was able to learn how Mace offers lunches for apprenctices doing well in their course to meet higher members within the company to branch out and meet new people expanding their own network of colleagues with the company. This helped me understand how Mace valued connecting everyone in the company, so they all have a chance to progress in their professional career.

The content of the work experiene insight even helped me understand what is involved in becoming an apprentice not only for Mace, but in general what takes place if I was to apply for an apprenticeship role in cost consultancy. This field in construction was what appealed to me, and Mace helped me understand how they help each apprentice grow and improve with their chosen role. Mace also helped me understand what comes after someone has completed their apprenticeship, as I was able to understand that the training will continue, with the chance of extending the degree into becoming a part of RICS which is a great accreditation to have.

I was not paid or reimbursed for this weekly event as it took place at home, and I did not have to travel anywhere to be a part of the event. However, once I had completed my work experience insight event at Mace, they sent me a giftcard of £20 which was very generous of them, and I greatly appreciate it. If this event was to take place in person, it would have been handled differently, but even at home, I was still able to enjoy the event.

Near the end of work experience insight event, the HR team took out some time to help us all understand what we can do to connect with more employees of the company, and this was through Linkedin. For example, Mace offered mock interviews, so we could get to know how an interview would take place, as well as understand what we need to improve on so we can better our chances of being successful at an interview. By meeting many different people across the company throughout the week, we were all given the chance to add them on Linkedin to expand our own network within Mace.

The networking/social event opportunites took place in a way where we were able to get to know the hosts of the event, as well as those who were joining into the zoom call to help us understand about what they do in their field. We were able to connect with a wide variety of people, with those working for the HR team and the early career team offering their Linkedin account details so we could add them. That way we were able to stay connected with the company,

This was not the focus of the event, as throughout the week we considered the different roles that Mace offer within the sector of construction. However, for those who were able to work abroad gave accounts of how they were able to use this amazing opportunity to explore the different cultures and beauty of the world, such as working in Vietnam, or the Middle East. These accounts helped me to understand that wherever you worked, you had the chance to explore the area when you were on a break or when you were finished for the day.

I would recommend this insight work experience to a friend due to the amazing service and explanation that you will be able to enjoy. Throughout the week, the team offered great advice on what steps you should take if you are interested in applying for an apprenticeship, as well as tips for how to present yourself in the best way possible to an employer. The wide range of jobs that Mace offer was truly staggering, as it served as a great way to help someone narrow down their choices on what they want to do in the future.