Summer Placement - Water Review

As a summer intern in Arup’s water engineering team, I assist with the design and development of infrastructure projects across the water cycle, including storm-overflow management, drainage systems, and wastewater treatment. Day-to-day tasks involve supporting engineers with computational design work, building geospatial datasets, and collaborating with professionals from other disciplines. I also participate in site visits and learning sessions, gaining practical experience and insight into multidisciplinary project delivery in a real-world engineering environment.

I was given a healthy level of responsibility during my internship. While tasks were appropriately supervised, I was trusted to contribute to real project work, particularly in areas where I had proved my competency. I collaborated with team members to support design decisions and was encouraged to take initiative in problem-solving. This balance allowed me to develop confidence in my technical abilities while learning how to work effectively within a professional, multidisciplinary team environment.

During my internship, I developed my teamwork skills by collaborating closely with engineers and consultants across disciplines on water infrastructure projects. I also enhanced my GIS capabilities, using spatial data to support design decisions and environmental assessments. Working within a multidisciplinary team helped me understand how GIS integrates with engineering workflows, and I gained confidence in communicating technical insights effectively. These experiences have strengthened both my technical proficiency and my ability to contribute within collaborative environments.

I received as much support and guidance as I needed throughout the internship. My team was approachable and always willing to help, whether I had technical questions or needed feedback on my work. Regular check-ins and collaborative tasks ensured I felt supported, while also giving me space to work independently and build confidence. I was also encouraged to communicate with other consultants if I had a specific interest or problem regarding another discipline.

The company culture at Arup was modern, flexible, and inclusive, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and professional development. The atmosphere was both professional and relaxed—people took their work seriously but were approachable and supportive. There was a healthy balance between structure and autonomy, and I felt comfortable asking questions or contributing ideas. The flexible working environment and open communication made it easy to integrate into the team and feel part of the wider company

I really enjoyed my internship at Arup. The work was engaging and varied, and I appreciated the opportunity to contribute to real projects. The team was welcoming and supportive, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I liked the balance between professional expectations and a relaxed, flexible working environment. The chance to apply and develop my skills, particularly in GIS and teamwork, made the placement both rewarding and memorable.

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