Geotechnical Summer Student Review

I thoroughly enjoyed my internship at Atkins. I worked on a variety of active jobs that encompassed all different types of work. I had the opportunity to be involved with staff meetings, which was of huge benefit to me as it allowed me to further develop my communication skills. I learnt a lot about all the different aspects of the geotechnical engineering industry.

I felt very valued by my colleagues. At the start of my internship my line manager introduced me to the team in the office - this meant that the team knew who I was and I knew who they were. I worked with a number of different members from the team and felt very valued by them. Throughout my internship I received 'Thanks' and encouragement from my colleagues and when I finished my internship I received many compliments and thanks from my work colleagues.

My line manager was very supportive. On my first day he introduced me to the whole team which made me feel very welcome. Throughout my internship my line manager was always there to help, nothing was too much trouble. My supervisor for the main project I was working on was also very supportive. She introduced each new task of the project with great guidance. Throughout the tasks I was completing she was always there to offer support.

For the full extent of my internship my time was very productive. I always had something to do on a daily basis, my tasks varied in nature and I was never just sat around waiting for something to do. I managed my time well and always gave my supervisor updates as to how I was progressing with tasks so they were aware as to when I was ready for a new task, Although I always had something to do I never felt overrun or pushed too far, I felt as though there was a perfect balance.

As my internship progressed I feel I was given more and more responsibility as I got more knowledgeable and comfortable with the tasks I was doing. The one project I worked on involved manipulating previously collected data into a new format for a more modern computer programme. This was then going to be given to a client. I was the only one working on this task, and although it was checked through once I had finished, I still felt great responsibility with this task. The other project I was working on involved carrying out various tasks for y supervisor and the project manager. Again, everything was checked through but very few changes had to be made, so I still felt I was given responsibility with these tasks.

Throughout my internship I further developed my communication, organisation and time management skills. These skills will be invaluable to both the continuation of my studies for the next year and my future career. I also developed more subject specific skills and training which I will be able to apply to my engineering module at University and will also be fantastic experience for pursuing a career within the geotechnical eengineering industry.

The atmosphere within the office was fantastic. Everyone got on really well which made the office a great place to work. There was regular 'Cake days' which kept the office happy!, and it allowed for interaction within the team. Everyone from the Senior engineers to the graduate engineers got a on really well and got involved with everything. The atmosphere allowed for a very good work and 'friendly/fun' balance,

The internship was very well organised. I had regular training to complete and had active jobs to work on. There was always tasks ready for me to complete and these tasks varied so I was not completing the same sort of work over and over again. This enabled me to develop my skills and learn a lot which is what I wanted to achieve from the internship.

I undertook health and safety training and there was weekly meetings with my line manager to monitor my development within my internship. There was also various induction online training modules for me to complete.

Future employment prospects within the company are very appealing. I found the work I undertook during my placement very interesting and something I would like to pursue. Not only was the work interesting but the company was a great company to work for. Everyone in the office was very friendly and I immediately felt part of the team. There is fantastic opportunities for development and progression within the company and having spoken the the current graduates they thoroughly enjoy working for Atkins. I have applied for the graduate scheme.

Yes there was a good social scene among all colleagues. On friday's they regularly went for drinks/food after work. There was also a 'Social Committee' among the team I was working in. There were regularly organised activities. Whilst I was undertaking my internship the team went on a weekend camping and surfing trip to Wales (I was invited but unfortunately I was unable to attend due to other commitments).

Due to my proximity to the offices in Birmingham I commuted from home. Train travel was fairly reasonable to and from the city.

Yes there were opportunities to get involved in activities. The team I was working in regularly go for food/drink on a friday night and the social committee organise regular events such as camping trips and evening walks. Whilst I was undertaking my placement I was invited to join the team on their camping trip to Wales (but unfortunately I was unable to attend).