Industrial Placement Student

What is your current field of study and why did you choose it?

I am currently studying Civil Engineering. I have always had a strong interest in architecture and design, alongside a natural strength in mathematics and physics. Civil Engineering felt like the perfect combination of these interests, allowing me to apply technical knowledge to real-world infrastructure and design challenges.

Where are you currently doing your placement and what is your role?

I am completing my industrial placement at Mott MacDonald in the Reading office, within the Water Utilities division, specifically in the Pipelines and Networks team. My role is an Industrial Placement Student, where I support both technical and project-based activities.

What are your main responsibilities and tasks in this role?

My role involves supporting both technical engineering work and project delivery. I have been involved in a range of activities, including identifying and screening options based on engineering criteria, performing calculations, contributing to design development, and conducting background research.

I have also gained experience using GIS tools, including working with Mott MacDonald’s internal platform Moata. Alongside this, I support project management activities such as preparing technical documentation, producing stakeholder materials, developing PMO manuals, and creating Power BI dashboards and tracking tools for budget and programme management.

What skills have you developed or improved during your placement?

Throughout my placement, I have significantly developed my project management skills and gained a strong understanding of how projects are delivered in a consultancy environment, particularly in budgeting and resourcing.

I have also developed technical skills, including working with GIS tools and improving my ability to contribute to engineering design tasks. In addition, I have gained experience using tools such as Power BI, which has strengthened my data analysis and visualisation capabilities.

What are your career goals after completing your studies?

After completing my studies, I aim to work towards becoming a Chartered Engineer. I am particularly interested in progressing into roles that combine technical engineering with project management and leadership responsibilities.

How do you think this placement will help you achieve your career goals?

This placement has given me valuable industry experience before graduation, which has significantly increased my confidence in transitioning into the professional world. It has also helped me better understand how engineering projects are structured and delivered in practice.

Additionally, the experience has made me a more focused and motivated student and has influenced my choice of final-year research project by aligning it with both my interests and industry demand.

What have you enjoyed the most about your placement experience?

I have really enjoyed gaining insight into professional working life and experiencing how engineering is applied in real-world projects. The placement provided a refreshing change from academic study and allowed me to explore different career pathways. It has helped me gain clarity and direction for my future career.

What advice would you give to future placement students?

Make the most of the experience by being proactive, asking questions, and getting involved in as many different tasks as possible. Stay curious and open to learning and take the initiative to build connections with colleagues early on, as this can really help shape your experience and future direction.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience or future plans?

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