Civil Engineer Summer Placement Review

Placement manager seemed to be informed that I was working with him with relatively short notice, during a critical phase of the project. As a result, the start was slow and I struggled to get involved in meaningful work. However, by the end of the placement I have managed to integrate myself within the team and now meaningfully contribute to the project. Now thoroughly enjoying my job.

As the placement progressed and I began to show my worth, I feel as though my value was greatly appreciated. Managers have regularly taken me out for a few pints after work - refusing my money, saying it was a thank you. I'm now towards the end of my placement and my manager is taking the team out for a meal, at his expense, to thank me for my work for him and say goodbye.

My direct manager is the top engineer working on a £1bn project - always extremely busy. However he finds the time to mentor and help staff below him, providing valuable guidance about how to get the most out of my time with the company. When I requested on site experience, he immediately sent me on-site to meet a colleague, who I was able to shadow for the next week. Everyone more than happy to provide their time and advice, both about work and my future career.

Due to the nature of the department I was working in, this varied greatly from week to week. Some weeks I could not stop for 5 days - others I would be asking around trying to get scraps of work to keep myself busy. As the placement progressed and I proved my value, more work was sent my way.

Again, this improved over the course of the placement. Initially I felt like management never recognised what I could contribute - whereas now I am in charge of producing an important internal document which will be used throughout the remainder of the project. I have also been responsible for briefing with contractors and meeting with designers.

The knowledge I have gained simply from spending time in this company will benefit my career massively. It has changed my perspective on how an engineering office should work, and given me valuable on-site experience. I may have been lucky with my manager in this respect - he has worked in the company for over 40 years and passed on his views and knowledge in regular meetings.

The atmosphere was generally good - everyone got on well. As I only worked here for 10 weeks I got to know small teams of people as opposed to the whole office - but we got on well and met outside of work regularly.

Initially it was extremely poor - I only found out where I would be based 5 days prior to my placement starting. As someone moving to London, that is far from ideal. However, I believe the system is in the process of being rectified - placement applicants now go through the same hiring process as graduates, and there is a fast-track onto the graduate scheme should you be successful. HR are always approachable should you need any assistance - I'm meeting mine next week to prepare me for the graduate fast-track presentation.

I never attended any formal training courses - however I was only with the company for 10 weeks. Should you stay longer, there is a wealth of training plans which you can volunteer to take should you be interested. Everything from work related courses to cycling road safety.

This is probably the best company in Europe to work for if you want to work as a civil engineer in the transport industry. Everything from £10k maintenance jobs to £15bn projects are available

Yes, we organised visits to each others placements; free tours of the emirates air line, abandoned tube stations and other TFL infrastructure. The induction week was a good way to get to know people, and a decent excuse for a pint.

Rent - £760 per month, staying in private student accommodation. This was at Holloway Road, which is a good area to stay in. Plenty of pubs, takeaways and a market at the weekend.

More of a pub person than nightclub, but the pubs are good. Also easy access by night bus (free with staff pass) to the centre, so no need to restrict yourself to HollowayRoad area.

Yes, but only if you seek them out. The majority of my office is 40 years old with a family - not that keen to spend their weekend with a 20y/o in the pub. However, if you make an effort with the younger people they are always happy to invite you out for a drink with their friends - not had a bad night yet