Student Engineer Review

I work as a structural engineer for water-based projects. Over the course of the year, this has included concrete base slab design for sewage treatment work sites, mitigation options for settlement tanks prone to flotation, pipe bridge inspections, etc. I work closely with the UK team as well as the team based in India providing a mix of design calculations and reports across all these projects.

I was given more responsibility during my placement than I had previously expected. However, this was never pressurizing because I always had help and support near by. Furthermore, I was never given a task to do completely independently which I hadn't worked on something similar with another engineer previously. Even though this responsibility did intimidate me, it was one of the factors which contributed most to my growth.

I have developed both my interpersonal skills, as well as my general engineering skills over the course of this year. A personal goal I had set myself was to grow my confidence and therefore develop my communication skills. I feel I have achieved this through having to speak to loads of new people both face-to-face and on Teams. In terms of engineering skills, I have learnt to use Tedds, and applied engineering theories learnt to real-life contexts.

I received lots of guidance and support through my "buddy" whom I was assigned to on my first week at the company. At first I got to work with her on projects, allowing me to learn directly from her. However, even as time went on and I started being given my own projects, she was always there to help or give any advice she could. My line manager has also been extremely supportive throughout.

I have nothing bad to say about the company culture at Arcadis or its general atmosphere. Working for them this year has been a pleasure and I have felt very warmly welcomed and looked after.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my placement so far. It has pushed me so far out of my comfort zone and because of that I have learnt so much. I feel I will be going back to uni a much more competent engineer than I was previously. Being on placement has also allowed me to meet so many people in the industry who have given me valuable advice. I have loved it.

Yes