Pre University Placement Review

I extremely enjoyed my placement at Arup, I learnt a great deal from being in the Advanced technology and Research department, and has really helped me start off at university understanding a lot more about the career path, and what is achievable with a degree in civil engineering.

I felt very valued by my colleagues on all levels. On my last day I had a few associate directors comparing my skills and attributes to that of graduates, which since I had yet to start university was very encouraging!

I was given great advice and help over my 9 month pre-university placement, they helped me understand new topics, and were very approachable when I was unsure on tasks.

At the beginning of the placement, I was busy for roughly 3 out of 5 days a week, and it just depended on what jobs were on offer, some of these were quite menial, but gave me something to do. Towards the end of my placement, I was given a large project to help with, where i spent all my time for 3 months, even earning some overtime in the process. However in comparison to some of the other pre-university students, i had a lot more work, and had a better system in which i could ask directors or associates if they needed my help.

During the large project, i was given a huge responsibility, where I did the main bulk of the work, as the associate director was pleased with my work standard. All this analysis work, resulted in me writing a 200 page report to be issued to Nuclear councils to approve my work for the client. Therefore i felt very responsible.

As i have only just commenced my studies at University, it is hard to say. However already it has helped in confirming to me, how i want to become a civil engineer and have a real interest in the mechanics within static objects. Knowing a vast amount of background knowledge will also assist in me applying theories from my degree and being able to apply them.

The general atmosphere was very positive in the office, the only time people got down, was when they got stuck on a problem or spent a large amount of time doing one thing, and could see others doing more interesting and exciting projects.

The overall placement was very well set up and professional, and this was clear to see. The end date was flexible either way, and everyone was very accommodating. Since i was by no means the first pre-university placement student in AT+R, I felt very comfortable from the beginning.

They invested a large amount of time into my development, in the first week, i completed the same training as the graduates, so that i knew how to use the programmes used within the work, this allowed me to be at the same speed as them. I also went on a drawing course, which has helped me with my drawing lectures already!

Very, by the sounds of it, Arup are very interested in working and investing in talented and driven young engineers, and are keen to retain them for further placements. I am very interested in staying involved with them, as not only are they a company at the forefront of the civil engineering field, but also the company has great morals, close to my own, that i want to pursue.

Yes, we would meet in the café for a free hot chocolate most lunches, and would share links to talks, to widen our experiences.

The cost to travel to London was very high, however fortunately i was able to stay with my sister, which made my accommodation considerably cheaper!

I didn't go out , so can't comment.

Yes there were loads of opportunities, I organised a trip to the velodrome just before Christmas, and I also played squash every week at a local squash court.