Mechanical Engineer Review

Thoroughly enjoyed my placement with Costain. It was an excellent opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge I have gained over my time at university. I was also exposed to real world business and construction principles which are difficult to teach in a classroom. Working on Crossrail - Europe's largest construction project was an invaluable opportunity.

My colleagues came from a plethora of different backgrounds, I was able to learn a great deal from all of them. Once I had familiarised myself with the project and the team various colleagues would ask me for help or assistance on a large variety of tasks. I felt valued as my skill set allowed my colleagues to focus on other tasks and increase our group's overall productivity.

Support and guidance was provided unofficially from all members of the team and officially by the HR department and my line manager. I met with my line manager 3 times over the course of the year to discuss my role, objectives and any questions I had. Though we met officially 3 times throughout the year we worked together on a daily basis.

How busy I was on a daily basis varied greatly. At some stages in the project it is natural that there is more/less work than other times. My individual responsibilities didn't always take all day, however in moments like this I was usually given work from colleagues or took the opportunity to go out on site and gain practical experience.

I was given a good deal of responsibility throughout the year. My responsibility increased throughout my placement as I gained experience. I was tasked with creating several Work Package Plans and Task Briefings - important safety critical documents of high importance. I enjoyed the opportunity to undertake genuinely high importance tasks.

Throughout the placement year I developed various skills which are difficult to hone in a university setting. Project management as well as business fundamentals are two aspects I really enjoyed learning from first hand experience. I also developed various practical construction skills while spending time out on site, overseeing the delivery of works.

The general atmosphere in the office could only be described as business casual. Given the nature of the construction industry we worked together with people from all walks of life. The office was relatively informal and laid back, taking work seriously but joking and having fun on an interpersonal level. I made many good friends throughout my year and was fortunate enough to get to know a variety of people from completely different walks of life.

Overall the placement was very well organised, as Costain is a well established company with a developed grad scheme. Most communication went through HR, where the project I was going to be on was decided and official documentation was shared. I was given the opportunity to pick preferences for my working location which was great. I got my first choice of working in London.

personal training and development are things which costain invests significantly in. I spent several days out of the office, attending training days for grads and placement students alike. This included a day spent at the institution of mechanical engineers, receiving talks on the ins and outs of obtaining charter ship as efficiently as possible.

I'm very interested in the prospect of future employment at Costain. The opportunity to work on massive projects all around the United Kingdom is very exciting, The construction industry is relevant, interesting and rewarding. I hope to be offered a full time role with Costain upon finishing my university studies.

There were no other placement students on my project. However there were plenty of social gatherings with the working team. We went out for company drinks on several occasions like celebrations of targets reached, birthdays and leaving drinks. I really enjoyed socialising with work members who are very different to my usual social scene.

I was living in London, which is the most expensive city to live in in the United kingdom. I was given a London allowance on top of my salary to account for this. Socialising in London is also very expensive but it is a vibrant city with so much to offer at all times. I thoroughly enjoyed living there despite the additional costs - I consider them well worth it.

As I mentioned previously, London's nightlife is exceptional, with something on every single day of the week. Its a vibrant city which offers so much to do for anyone - no matter what your interest areas are. There are so many like minded young professionals from all over the world living in London which really adds to the social scene.

London is a city where something is happening at all times, so I found myself taking part in all sorts of activities after work or on the weekend. As part of work we took part in a charity football 5 a side competition but other than work drinks I didn't do an enormous amount with my work colleagues outside of the office.