Assistant Building Surveyor Review

My role in the contract administration team was to help in the contracts and procurement of projects. This would include various roles from employers agent, project manager and CDM Principal Designer in both pre-contract and post-contract elements of a project. This meant aiding the client into acquiring a contractor to undertake works and help aid the construction process. From this I also undertook technical roles as clerk of works, snagging, quality inspector and building surveyor services.

I was given a good level of responsibility, from firstly spending two weeks with the current undergraduate, to then swiftly becoming independent. This meant I felt like a fully functioning member of the team. This would mean me going to site and conducting my own inspections of works quality. Well as in the office I was given responsibility in drafting tender documents and writing up reports that were sent directly to clients.

MDA allowed me to become an independent part of the team at an early stage meaning experience and development was easy to come by. The deep end nature of the placement meant that I was exposed to a number of different projects in different roles. This helped develop my knowledge of both technical aspects and contractual aspects of the building surveying world. I felt I got a well-rounded experience of differing roles in the industry.

I was given a good amount of support, having a direct mentor I would work with on a daily basis and who I could contact at all times. I would have meetings every 3 months to set goals, discuss how I was doing and bring up any potential experience I wanted. This support allowed me to voice my opinion and gain experience I felt that I needed. All meetings were recorded and actioned well.

Atmosphere was great, with all team members being very helpful and open. The company give out a social budget which meant the team could go to social events of their choosing meaning I could integrate quickly. The office is a site and office work split meaning you got a mixed bag of people in the office each day. This meant fresh ideas, experience and faces were seen on a daily basis.

I thoroughly enjoyed my experience at MDA and I am happy that I undertook my placement year here. I gained a plethora of experience of different roles in a number of interesting projects in newbuild, refurbishment & retrofit sectors. These projects spanned between commercial and residential developments that really gave me a good foundation of knowledge. I would highly recommend a placement at MDA but be willing to work hard and put the effort in.

Yes