Industrial Placement Student Review

Undertake a variety of tasks including: - Drawing work using AutoCAD and Revit - Structural calculations - Carbon calculations - Report writing - Project management tasks - Site support, helping to manage technical queries Project work is varied greatly between large, multi-million pound projects and smaller localised work. Clients are also greatly varied and include water companies, local councils and private landowners. Flexible working is offered, time is split between office working, home working and site visits.

My technical skills have been greatly improved, confidence using CAD and other software has rocketed. I had not used AutoCAD at the start of my placement but now use it everyday. Knowledge of technical standards has also been developed. I now know how to apply relevant regulations to my work to ensure that it is satisfactory. Soft skills have also been improved. Working as part of a team is a great opportunity.

I have undertaken some design task that I have had complete ownership of, producing my own calculations and drawings. I also worked on an asset management framework which I was given a lot of ownership over. Other aspects of my placement have had less responsibility such as completing drawing markups, but overall there has felt to be a good balance.

I am supported exceptionally well by my team members who are also happy to help and to share knowledge they are learnt over their career. I have regular check-ins with my line manager to ensure that I am happy and that I have an appropriate amount of work to do.

Strong ECP culture within the company, events and talks are regularly held so it is easy to engage with people also towards the beginning of their careers. On joining Mott MacDonald, the atmosphere was very welcoming and I was introduced to every member of the team at a team lunch on my first day.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement, it has been a great opportunity to experience many aspects within my chosen field and I feel confident that I want to further pursue this as a career on finishing uni. I find the work to be fulfilling and meaningful which is very positive.

Yes

Research the projects that are being undertaken, there are so many to get involved with so having a good idea of what you yourself want to be involved in can help to determine whether you are a good fit.