Civil Engineer - Year in Industry Review

I worked within Network Rail’s Engineering Services Design team, primarily supporting early‑stage civil engineering feasibility and option development. My role involved assisting senior engineers across multiple projects, providing targeted technical input where required to help progress studies efficiently.
On a day‑to‑day basis, this included contributing to desktop and site‑based investigations such as Muon tomography reviews, bridge strike risk assessments, and gauging analysis. I regularly supported site visits to gather engineering information and develop an understanding of asset condition and constraints.
I was also involved in the design and checking of limited structural elements, producing and updating technical drawings using AutoCAD and Autodesk Inventor, and ensuring work aligned with relevant Network Rail standards and procedures. Through this role, I developed a strong understanding of early‑stage design workflows, multidisciplinary coordination, and the practical application of Network Rail standards within feasibility and concept design work.

Yes, I was given responsibility appropriate to my level within a safety‑critical engineering environment. While I did not hold formal design or approval authority as a placement student, I was trusted to take ownership of defined technical tasks and deliver work to the required standards under supervision.
This included carrying out technical analyses, preparing drawings and calculations, contributing to desktop studies, and supporting site visits. I was responsible for managing my own workload, meeting deadlines, and ensuring my outputs aligned with Network Rail standards before submission for review.
The role gave me a realistic understanding of how responsibility is managed in the rail industry — with clear governance, checking, and approval processes — and allowed me to contribute meaningfully to projects while maintaining the high safety and assurance requirements of the organisation.

Yes - Excel, Assisted coding, AutoCad, Structural Design, presentation/ communication skills, automation and systems.

Lot's of support was given, however, the way I liked to work was try my best, go and seek feedback/guidance and iterate until the work is finalised.

Everyone is pleasant, no personal problems of conflict.

I really enjoyed it, I think this is the perfect role for getting your foot in the door,

Yes