Student Engineer Review

Student Engineer in the Water & Energy Structures Team. Produced calculations using Excel as well as Tekla Tedds and Autodesk Robot. Produce many concrete foundation stability and reinforcement checks and occasional wind and snow loading. Produce a few simple drawings to coincide with calculations. Make suggestions for designs based on calculations. Occasional site visits varying from less than a day to a week long. Requirement to travel to site visits (easiest to drive but can take trains).

Learnt new software like Tekla Tedds and Autodesk Robot. Developed skills in other software like Microsoft Word and Excel. Improved on knowledge from university to produce calculations effectively and efficiently. Improved communication skills and developed independence in the workforce. Critical thinking was often utilised to make the best decisions when it comes to designs and approaching problems.

Level of responsibility increased as I progressed with my placement. Was given a lot of guidance and support at the beginning which was slowly replaced with more opportunities to produce work independently. This transition was smooth and therefore wasn't daunting to take on sole responsibility due to improved confidence and resources provided.

Level of responsibility increased as I progressed with my placement. Was given a lot of guidance and support at the beginning which was slowly replaced with more opportunities to produce work independently. This transition was smooth and therefore wasn't daunting to take on sole responsibility due to improved confidence and resources provided.

Good company culture. Very sociable but not distracting. People often gathered together for lunch or sometimes at the end of the day to socialise. Adequate amount of socials and opportunities to meat new people. Also a suitable environment for more introverted people as it is not a requirement to attend events. Hybrid working environment with most people coming into the office mid-week on Wednesdays and Thursdays. A lot of collaboration between offices so the people you work with is not confined to one location.

I very much enjoyed my placement with Arcadis. I learnt and grew a lot during this time and am better equipped to go back and finish university. Even been offered a bursary and to return for a summer placement next year so am very happy with the opportunities which have opened up to me through doing this placement.

Yes

Be enthusiastic and open about your goals that you want to achieve through doing a placement with them. It is beneficial to be able to drive but not essential in my opinion. Be confident in your interview showcase that you are flexible. Do your research on the company and their values and note which part of their website stands out to you (for example, any of their previous projects which catch your interest).