Undergraduate Engineer Review

I worked as part of a team to undertake schemes which ensure the future performance of existing sewage treatment works by designing new assets to meet the permits set out by the Environment Agency. As a mechanical engineer this meant selecting the type, and size of the mechanical Plant such as Pumps and Screens as well as costing and evaluating the use of different Mechanical technologies in the waste water treatment process.

Whilst on Placement I gained Experienced in sizing Mechanical plant and the considerations that need to be made in its installation. I developed an understanding of the waste water treatment process and the technologies it employs whilst Improving on a whole host of Soft skills such as communication and teamwork through a number of excellent opportunities given to me. These include chairing the monthly team meeting and presenting designs to project stakeholders all which I feel have furthered my professional development through the support and help I have received from Everyone I've worked with. I have been encouraged to write regular reports to monitor my professional development and meet with a mentor to discuss ways I can really maximize my experience at the company, this will help with my aspirations beyond Finishing my degree.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Placement having had the opportunity to do more than I had first expected. The Team have played a particularly big role in this with their attitude to helping develop one another and their friendliness. I have particularly Enjoyed being able to visit the sites we are working on and seeing first hand the challenges faced by the engineers.

The Placement was particularly well organized to ease me in to a different way of working and processes. Regular Performance reviews have also meant I always have something to work towards with support from my manager to achieve any targets set by myself

The Nature of Everyone I have worked with has been exceptional, no one has ever been too busy to help and have put time aside to help me with my own tasks where necessary. Despite not being in the office too much due to the pandemic, The office atmosphere is very welcoming and work Inspiring. The values and behavior's of the people who work at Severn Trent make for a very inclusive and supportive work environment even when facing challenges such as working from home

Before starting my placement I was unsure as to whether the water industry could offer the Job satisfaction and involvement in projects that I wanted out of my future career. Through the course of the placement I have found an increasing enjoyment in the work I have been doing I will seriously consider the industry as a potential Career path once I've completed my degree. The Opportunities and variety of work I've experienced has been excellent with plenty to go at!

Yes, I was paid a monthly wage as well as reimbursed fuel costs for travelling to sites.

Whilst the Covid-19 Pandemic has limited face to face interaction there have been a number of virtual networking events that have allowed me to meet colleagues working in other areas of the business and understand the kind if work they are part of - this has been easy given the approachability of everyone I've met

Yes

The support in achieving personal goals and professional development has been excellent from the start and I cannot emphasize this enough. The work environment accelerates personal growth by giving you the help and resources you need with colleagues more than happy in sharing their own experiences.

Be Yourself and really make the most of whatever opportunities you are offered. Don't stress prior knowledge of the water industry or lack there of and really make clear the soft skills you can bring to the job and the willingness to learn and develop.