Industrial Placement Student Review

I'm an industrial placement student within the bridges team. I have worked on a range of structural based projects where I have helped with drawings (checking, marking up) and documentation and I have recently started working on design and assessment work, including calculations. I mainly work with people within my team and office but have worked with others over teams including colleagues abroad. I mainly interact with internal people but have had the opportunity to call manufacturers (external) a couple of times. Lunchtimes are usually my own time but there are several lunch and learns/networking events which have helped me develop my skills and knowledge.

I was given tasks with ranges of responsibility, from doing simple inputs into documentation to coordinating drawing production for a retaining wall and handing over small tasks to other colleagues. I was never left in a situation where I had no one supporting me/checking my work so I'd say I worked independently at times but not unsupported.

I have learnt many new skills. I have learnt how to use softwares such as Midas and Autodesk softwares (AutoCAD/Structural bridge designer). Additionally, I think that the exposure to calculations that I have had will help me with university when I go back.
Other than technical skills, I have also developed my personal skills. My communication and organisation has drastically improved and I feel much more confident compared to when I started my placement.

There was a really good support system from my line manager including quarterly meetings to discuss my progress, goals and concerns. There was good guidance during the beginning of my placement when I was doing training whilst waiting to be assigned to a project. Later on in my placement, guidance online to training to do during downtime was a bit lacking but I managed to find something by asking people. Everyone in the company is friendly so I felt like I could go to anyone with questions/advice.

Very friendly, social and supportive. There were a lot of activities going on outside of work including sports clubs and bi-monthly drinks. Everyone in my office was very welcoming and would do their best to help me when possible.

I really enjoyed it. Personally, I found it nice to have a break from academics and develop my industry skills in a supportive environment which this company definitely is. I have made lots of lovely friends (mainly graduates who started in the same cohort as me) and I really appreciate the range of projects that I was able to work on. I think this placement will set me up well for when I return to university.

Yes