Undergraduate Engineer Review
at Severn Trent
Work Experience
Engineering
Derby
Review Submitted: April 2021
Overall Rating
4.4 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
-
Overview of the Experience
5/5
-
Skills Development
4/5
-
Company Culture
Overview of the Experience
Please give an overview of what your work experience involved:
5/5
I worked on Waste Treatment projects, specifically in the outline design stage. This included pump calculations, populating mechanical data sheets and project scope documents and producing piping and instrumentation diagrams for Sewage Treatment processes.
I have also had the opportunity to visit numerous sites and liaise with external suppliers and site operators.
I have also had the opportunity to visit numerous sites and liaise with external suppliers and site operators.
To what extent did you enjoy your work experience?
4/5
Despite not having a great understanding of the water industry prior to this placement, I have enjoyed my time on the programme. I have been surrounded by a great team and am grateful that I have been involved in design work for real life engineering problems.
How well organised was your work experience?
3/5
During the introductory period there wasn't a great deal to be working on, however after settling in and meeting the team things became much more organised.
Being involved in comm cells, collaborative plans and ad-hoc meetings enabled me to adjust into the working environment.
Points of contact for undergraduate support were well established and regular check ups were made to ensure we were settling in well.
Being involved in comm cells, collaborative plans and ad-hoc meetings enabled me to adjust into the working environment.
Points of contact for undergraduate support were well established and regular check ups were made to ensure we were settling in well.
How much did your work experience help you in deciding on your future career path?
3/5
The work experience has given me a good insight into the engineering design aspect of this industry and has also made me aware of the financial, environmental and commercial aspects.
Throughout the programme I have been producing Quarterly Training Reports to log my experience and have received constructive feedback from my mentor. I have learnt about the IMechE chartership process and the competencies that are involved.
Throughout the programme I have been producing Quarterly Training Reports to log my experience and have received constructive feedback from my mentor. I have learnt about the IMechE chartership process and the competencies that are involved.
Were you paid or reimbursed for this experience?
5/5
Yes this was a paid placement. Training experiences, virtual seminars and travel costs were covered by Severn Trent.
Skills Development
What training and skills development did you learn from your work experience?
5/5
I have attended virtual seminars and training courses (including health and safety training) which has developed my understanding of the water industry and aspects such as pumped systems.
Delivering presentations and being involved in design focussed meetings has improved my interpersonal skills.
Through communicating with external suppliers and contractors, I have learnt a great amount about mechanical equipment on site and how they operate.
Delivering presentations and being involved in design focussed meetings has improved my interpersonal skills.
Through communicating with external suppliers and contractors, I have learnt a great amount about mechanical equipment on site and how they operate.
Company Culture
How much did you learn about the company culture and what it would be like to work there?
5/5
I felt very comfortable within the working environment.
Everyone is very supportive and willing to answer any questions you may have. Members of the team are also willing to share valuable career advice and aid in your personal development.
I have also been involved in the Women in Water focus groups during my placement which was a great way of sharing and listening to the experience of others.
Everyone is very supportive and willing to answer any questions you may have. Members of the team are also willing to share valuable career advice and aid in your personal development.
I have also been involved in the Women in Water focus groups during my placement which was a great way of sharing and listening to the experience of others.
Were there opportunities for networking and meeting other employees?
3/5
I have been fortunate to meet most of the wider design team, despite lockdown and the effects of COVID-19.
Site visits were most beneficial for meeting with other employees from different areas of the business.
Site visits were most beneficial for meeting with other employees from different areas of the business.
Recommendations and Advice
Would you recommend Severn Trent to a friend?
Yes
Why?
This placement has allowed me to learn a lot about industry scale projects and what is involved from start to completion. The work I have been involved in has had a purpose and wasn't just menial tasks. It has exposed me to real engineering challenges and has encouraged me to improve my soft skills.
What tips or advice would you give to others applying to Severn Trent?
You aren't expected to know a huge amount about the water industry prior to the placement. However, as a mechanical engineer a surface level understanding of the treatment processes, pumps and things like static head would be helpful.
Make the most out of site visits and other opportunities that come your way.
Severn Trent use a lot of acronyms, but don't panic as you won't be expected to memorise all of these!
Make the most out of site visits and other opportunities that come your way.
Severn Trent use a lot of acronyms, but don't panic as you won't be expected to memorise all of these!
