PMO Support Review

I do program and project management for the commonwealth games as part of Arup, in which I have multiple responsibilities and a constantly adapting workstream of tasks. I attend group meetings and take actions on them. I gather information by reaching out to different people, so that I can keep spreadsheets up to date. I set up meetings and events to make sure as many people as possible can get to them. I also keep records of meetings.

Throughout my placement I have developed different management skills, including how to update and gather information for a spreadsheet. I have also developed my understanding of risk reviews, and how comprehensive they have to be on a large project. I have also learnt how to use new software, such as Microsoft teams, Smart sheets and SharePoint. Working as part of a large organization has also been new to me, which has allowed me to develop my understanding of how big consultancies work.

During my placement I have been given lots of responsibility, the flat business style of Arup gave me a lot of possibility to see how the consultancy operates and allow me to be part of it. All the tasks I have been given in my placement have been impactful on the project and have made me involved in what is going on. I have been put in charge of tasks and been allowed to interpret them and complete them.

Throughout my placement I have been constantly keeping in contact with my line manager, which has allowed me to have as much support and guidance as needed. I also have meetings with the wider team regularly so I know what is going on within the team. I have had meetings with different departments who have all been friendly so I know who to contact if I need something specific. I have also been assigned a buddy that I can talk to.

Everyone in the company is really friendly and willing to help if you need it. The company keeps you up to date on current events going on through regular emails. There is a gym onsite as well as café, which gives things to do on campus. There is lots of space on campus and the company really focuses on the well being of its staff. This is shown through various benefits in order to have the best working conditions.

I have enjoyed my placement and all the opportunities it has given me. Arup has been very welcoming and is a friendly environment for new employees. I was introduced well to the project and was properly involved, which made my placement exciting. I did lots of activities throughout the placement which kept me engaged and involved with what was going on. The team I was working with is friendly and willing to help with problems

Yes

Arup are a very friendly company with a focus on staff well-being. They want staff who have similar ideals to the company policy and key speech, which is working towards a more sustainable future, striving for a high quality of work and aiming to create an inclusive environment. Arup also wants enthusiastic members who want to do the job. When doing the interview it is best to be confident in your abilities and present your ideals as well as what you want to achieve.