Industrial Placement Student, Environment and Sustainability Review

My main role is to support environment and sustainability consultants in the production of environmental reports for large scale infrastructure projects in various sectors including highways, rail, ports and water. I regularly use GIS for mapping and analysis of environmental data. I work closely with the Stakeholder Engagement team, which involves creating stakeholder engagement trackers, taking meeting minutes, and analysing consultation responses. I also work closely with the Ecology team, where I support with technical specialist work and help with surveys including habitat, bat, badger, dormouse, reptile, and great crested newt. Every day is different.

The skill I have improved most is GIS. This skill was very basic before starting placement, but I expressed an interest in the area and was subsequently put forward for opportunities to develop my ArcGIS Pro competency. I really enjoyed it and was given appropriate responsibilities, such as GIS Lead for four early-stage highways schemes and GIS Coordinator for an Environmental Statement. I expressed an interest in ecology and have been able to work with the ecology team and learnt a lot about ecology and protected species. I have also improved my communication, presentation, organisation, teamwork and leadership skills through working in multiple teams on various projects around the country.

Yes. I have been given responsibilities which I have felt ready for, and I have regular check-ins with my line manager to make sure I am happy, enjoying the work I am doing, and not becoming overloaded. I have been GIS Lead and Coordinator for a few different reports, and also the main environmental support for a major highways project. I have also led multiple air quality surveys. I also have responsibility outside of project work, the main one being that I have led and coordinated a wellbeing event for the colleagues in my office. I have also been responsible for organising social events for my team.

I received lots of support throughout my placement. My line manager has always been very friendly and approachable which, as well as being present in the office, has made me feel able to ask any questions I have, no matter how small. There was another placement student and graduate who started at a similar time, and it was nice to have peers in a similar situation to me. I was also assigned a buddy within my team before I started, who I could go to for support and advice. I also had a video call with my line manager and buddy ahead of my start date to help me feel less nervous.

The company culture is fantastic. Everyone is friendly and approachable which makes working in teams very enjoyable. I quickly felt like part of the team and always felt like my manager had my back. I like that they have a flexible working policy, which has meant I can make my work day suit me. I have also been able to go and work in other offices from time to time, which has been useful, as I am on placement very far away from my university city. They also take health, safety and wellbeing very importantly. I experienced a minor health and safety incident and the situation was dealt with very well.

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement. I was given opportunities to do work that I was interested in, and through this I have been able to form strong working and social relationships with my colleagues. I have also had opportunities to do non project-related work, such as running a wellbeing event, which has brought variety to my work days. The people I have worked with have been great, and I would definitely recommend applying to Mott MacDonald for a placement or graduate job.

Yes

Make sure you research the company thoroughly to know what specifically you like and what makes you want to work there. Also make sure you understand the job role you are applying for to know what will be expected of you on placement. Try not to be nervous if you think you do not know everything. Everyone I have worked with has been really friendly and understanding, and they know that you are there to learn and gain experience in the job role. Ask lots of questions and get involved.