Gap Year Student Review
at Via East Midlands
Placement (10 Months+)
Civil Engineering
NG22 8ST
Review Submitted: October 2022
Overall Rating
4.7 /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
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Overview of Role
4.8/5
-
Skills Development
5/5
-
Support and Guidance
4.8/5
-
Company Culture
5/5
-
Overall Experience
4/5
-
Future Career Prospects
Overview of Role
Please give an overview of your role and what this involves on a day-to-day basis.
I was responsible for assisting Project Engineers within the team. Day-to-day I would be producing technical drawings. Undertaking feasibility studies and writing their respective reports. Participating in frequent site visits. Building relationships with clients and other departments within the company. Understanding the consultancies systems and processes. Monitoring schemes. Liaising with contractors and partners of the business. Producing 'Bill of Quantities' for schemes (pricing work) ... and so much more!
Were you given much responsibility during your placement / internship?
Yes! From day one, I was given real projects to work on from inception until final handover of the designs. At the beginning it did feel a bit overwhelming however, my mentors were always by my side willing to help and push me through in which, that initial feeling soon faded. Within my placement year I had a big involvement with a high-profile scheme in Nottingham which later would aid me winning an industry award.
Please rate how meaningful the work you were doing was
4/5
Skills Development
Have you learnt any new skills, or developed your existing skills?
You're always learning, literally new things every day. Computer aided design skills have developed (faster ways of doing things). Technical knowledge is constantly building through experience and seeing the construction process on site. Written and communication skills improved. The importance of organisation. A real understanding of the industry was gained. How to price schemes. But the greatest thing I gained was more confidence!
How would you rate the training provided during your experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of industry-specific skills during the experience?
5/5
How would you rate your development of personal / soft skills during the experience?
4/5
Please rate how these skills have helped you in your career development
5/5
Support and Guidance
How much support and guidance did you receive during your placement / internship?
I had an assigned mentor who I worked very closely with throughout my placement but, it didn't take long until I realised that the whole team, were my mentors. Everybody wanted to help and were always willing to take the time out. I can't praise them enough. One of my biggest worries before starting was that people wouldn't have time for me, which looking back was such a silly worry!
How would you rate the support and guidance from your line manager?
5/5
How would you rate the support and guidance from the wider team?
5/5
Company Culture
What was the company culture and general atmosphere like?
Hard working, the delivery of high-quality services to clients was crucial but at the same time, you feel valued for the hard work, and it is acknowledged. The general atmosphere in the office I worked in was down to earth. I can honestly say that everyone is approachable and friendly. People genuinely care and I never felt like a number.
How would you rate the inclusiveness of the culture?
5/5
How would you rate the social opportunities?
4/5
How would you rate the diversity initiatives?
5/5
How would you rate the charity, sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives?
5/5
Overall Experience
To what extent did you enjoy your placement / internship?
I never woke up and didn't want to go to work and would happily commute 2 hours just to get into work (total time spent commuting/day was 4 hours).
Please rate your level of enjoyment on your placement / internship
5/5
Please rate how your experience met your expectations
5/5
Future Career Prospects
Please rate the future employment prospects at Via East Midlands
4/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Via East Midlands to a friend?
Yes
What advice would you give to others applying to Via East Midlands
Do it! You must be willing to learn, ask lots of questions ... there's no such thing as a stupid question at Via. Have a positive attitude and be friendly. Never be afraid to say you don't know something, people don't expect you to know everything and it's ok to not get something right away, they'll a find way to explain things in a way that you understand. Also, be motivated!
