Industrial Placement Student Review

I am working as a Mechanical engineer on various projects in the water and wastewater industry. This involves drafting risk assessments, writing technical notes, designing pumping stations, asset management, and more. We work in teams where tasks are distributed to individuals. The work ranges from small projects where for example one pump is being replaced/added to large scale projects where a whole wastewater plant is being refurbished or built.

I have been able to develop some industry specific skills, such as learning how to refer to industry standards such as health and safety regulations, or becoming more efficient in working with CAD models and P&IDs. I have also been able to develop my existing report writing skills and professional communication in general.

From quite early I was given responsibility for my tasks and time management. I did get enough support with this, but it is good that after a while I was trusted with organising my own time and work.

I felt like I received all the support and guidance I needed. Everyone I met in the company was always more than happy to help. Furthermore my line manager and members of my team have always gone above and beyond to check up on me and help me if I had any issues.

Although Mott MacDonald is a large international company I felt like the community is strong and you get to know people well. Everyone is willing to help no matter their seniority and the culture is very much centred about supporting each other to grow rather than maximising individual performance. I think the people in the company and the supportive and welcoming atmosphere have been the highlight of my time in the company.

I have been happy with my choice of placement and genuinely found it worthwhile. The only downside has been getting used to the varying workload in the engineering consultancy setting. Especially at the start of my placement there was not much work for me and I felt underutilised and not very useful. Talking to other people in my position this seems to be a trend in this job and something to be aware of.

Yes

I would recommend getting in touch with previous placement students asking them about their experience. I think it would be beneficial to help you manage your expectations as well as find out about the skills that are valued in the company. This could then help you better cater your application to the role. Definitely do your research on the company, there is a good amount of projects highlighted on the company website.