Placement Building Surveyor Review

My week is usually a mix of being out on site and working from the office. Around three days a week, I’m out and about visiting different sites across the country. While I’m there, I take on a variety of roles, sometimes I’m acting as Clerk of Works, other times as Employer’s Agent or Principal Designer. That can mean anything from attending site meetings and checking on progress, to snagging properties or doing End of Defects inspections. I spend a lot of time walking around the sites, chatting with the site teams and clients, and making sure everything’s on track and up to standard.
The other two days, I’m back in the office catching up on reports, sending out emails, and following up on what I’ve seen during the week. I also get involved in the behind-the-scenes side of things, helping out with the day-to-day running of the business and supporting the team wherever I can.

From the very start of my placement at Michael Dyson Associates, I was given a high level of responsibility. It felt a bit like being thrown in at the deep end, but in a good way. I’ve always found that I work and learn best in high-pressure situations, and this experience really confirmed that for me.
Rather than going through a formal step-by-step training process, I was trusted to take on real tasks straight away and learn as I went. While that might sound daunting, it actually helped me develop much faster than I expected. Being hands-on from day one meant I was constantly learning, adapting, and building confidence in my role.
What made a big difference was the support from the team. Even though I was given a lot of independence, I always knew I could reach out for help or advice when I needed it. That balance of trust and support created a great environment for growth, and I’ve come away from the experience with a much stronger skill set and a better understanding of the industry.

Definitely. Being out on site so often has really helped me sharpen my communication and problem-solving skills, especially when working closely with different site teams and clients. Every project is a bit different, so I’m constantly picking up new ways of approaching things, whether it’s how I manage snagging lists more efficiently or how I handle tricky situations during site meetings.
I’ve also developed a much better understanding of the different roles I take on, like Clerk of Works, Employer’s Agent, and Principal Designer. The more I do, the more confident I’ve become in switching between those hats and knowing what’s expected in each role.
Back in the office, I’ve improved how I structure my reports and manage my time, especially when juggling multiple projects. Plus, getting involved in the behind-the-scenes side of the business has given me a broader view of how everything fits together, which has been a great learning experience.

Throughout my placement at Michael Dyson Associates, I felt very well supported by the team. Even though I was given a lot of responsibility early on, I never felt like I was left to figure things out completely on my own. The team was always approachable and willing to help whenever I had questions or needed a bit of guidance.
There was a strong sense of trust, which gave me the confidence to take on new challenges, but also a safety net of experienced colleagues who were happy to share their knowledge and offer advice when needed. Whether it was a quick chat on-site or a more in-depth discussion back in the office, I always felt like my development was important to those around me.
That mix of independence and support created a really positive learning environment, and it played a big part in helping me grow both professionally and personally during my time with the company.

The culture within the Contract Administration team at Michael Dyson Associates is one of hard work, mutual respect, and good humour. Everyone is committed to getting the job done and isn’t afraid to put in the extra hours when needed, but there’s also a strong sense of camaraderie and a genuine effort to keep things enjoyable. What stood out to me most was how balanced and equal the team felt, there was no strong sense of hierarchy, and I always felt that my ideas and suggestions were listened to and valued. It’s a team that takes pride in its work but also knows how to have a laugh along the way, which made for a really positive and motivating environment.

While the amount of travelling could be a bit tiring at times, I understood that it comes with the nature of the role, and in many ways, it added to the variety and hands on experience I gained. The placement gave me the chance to work on real projects, take on meaningful responsibilities, and develop a wide range of skills that I know will benefit me in the long run. On top of that, the social side of the company made the experience even more enjoyable. Whether it was team events or just day-to-day interactions, there was always a great atmosphere that made me feel part of the team. It’s been a valuable and rewarding experience that I’m grateful for.

Yes