Bhavya B.
'Professional Training Placement played a crucial part in informing my career plans by providing me with opportunities to experience various engineering disciplines prior to graduation.'
Course
Civil Engineering MEngPlacement company
WSPDescribe your placement experience.
I received the Special Award as part of the Surrey/ICE Scholarship Scheme where I was matched with WSP, a civil engineering consultancy, who have provided me with over 18 months of experience in the form of summer and year placements since my first year of university.
During my placement year, I was placed in the London Highways team for 13 months where I got involved in a variety of exciting projects, gaining experience working in various roles – Assistant Project Manager and Trainee Designer, although my official job title was Placement Student.
Over the year, I was able to gain experience in both project management & design. The main projects I worked on were two contraflow cycleway schemes for the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea, HS2 Phase 1 (Old Oak Common & HS2 Phase 2b (Crewe to Manchester and beyond).
What were the best things about it?
I enjoyed working with a variety of different people, some based in the UK and some abroad. Having the opportunity to work with not only those within Highways, but other engineering disciplines within WSP was something I thoroughly appreciated.
The placement year helped me grow professionally and helped me discover my love for transportation which is an area I have pursued further since then.
Bhavya on her Professional Training placement with WSP
Have your career plans been informed by your placement?
The Surrey/ICE Scholarship Scheme, along with the connections I made with WSP during my placement, helped me secure a graduate role with the company.
During my masters year, I took an optional module that enhanced my understanding of infrastructure financing, which prepared me for securing a job as a graduate consultant within WSP’s infrastructure advisory team in London.
The Professional Training placement played a crucial part in informing my career plans by providing me with opportunities to experience various engineering disciplines prior to graduation.
What advice do you have for students considering doing a placement?
The Professional Training placement offers each student a valuable opportunity to explore the professional world before graduating, which I believe is crucial for gaining insight into potential career fields. It gives you the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge in a real-world setting, develop workplace skills, gain hands-on experience, which will make you more competitive in the job market after graduation.
My advice would be to take any placement opportunities you get! Approach the experience with an open mind and don’t be afraid to ask questions, seek feedback, and take on challenges!
