Mechanical Engineering Vacation Student Review

My day to day role was varied. I participated in design meetings, created design sketches, drew schematics, and created reports. I also was given training in areas I found interesting, and had the opportunity to go on site visits and collect information for the projects I was working on. Day to day, I would collaborate with my colleagues on these tasks, with regular meetings to check progress and learn from my line manager.

Yes, I have gained skills in professional report writing and submission, in the reading/ creation of building services drawings and schematics, and in new software such as Bluebeam. I have also developed my existing skills in Autodesk Revit, IES Virtual Environment and AutoCAD, in sketching/design development, and in the presentation of ideas and work in meetings. I have also had more experience in collaboration across multiple disciplines.

Yes. I was set specific tasks, and submission dates for these tasks. They were greatly educational as they gave a practical application to the theoretical knowledge I have gained during my degree, and I learnt a lot about working toward deadlines in the working world and the reviewing process of work.

I was working in a team who were consistently supportive. I had regular meetings with my manager, who taught me a lot and made sure I received a varied experience of what the team had to offer. Other engineers I worked with were also always happy to lend a hand/ schedule a meeting if I had any queries, which lead to this being a very educational and insightful experience.

It was friendly- the office was always buzzing with collaboration. People were hard working but always supportive of each other. There were social events also scheduled, with the opportunity to meet many of the engineers I was working with.

I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was productive, and a fantastic opportunity to learn around a wonderful team.

Yes

There are a range of positions available to people of many different educational backgrounds and interests. Make sure to research and apply to those that interest you most as Arup is a place at which these interests can be pursued to the full extent.