Student Engineer Review

I was in charge of developing and revising Work Package Plans, Construction Phase Plans, and whiteboard briefings with Task Briefing sheets. Within the team, I was also involved in the tendering and bidding for projects process, which included drafting a methodology for completing the jobs and pricing them, as well as physically working on these projects.

As I kept meeting new people, I developed a lot of skills, including communication and interpersonal skills, which helped me a lot to expand my network and maintain a very positive relationship with subcontractors. This placement experience has also helped me develop my planning, organising, teamwork, software, creativity, problem solving, industry skills, and many other skills as I worked on multiple different projects from the tendering stage to the physical completion of the projects.

I really enjoy working with my team because everyone is so supportive and understanding, and they don't make you feel awkward at all, even when you're working on unfamiliar tasks. I enjoy being assigned tasks that I haven't done before because it demonstrates the team's confidence in me. I also like how the company expects and pushes us to work with required trainings where necessary, as well as planning events to bring colleagues together.

The programme is actually quite simple in that you are trained on what you need to know to begin working, and the extent of your training is determined by how far you progress within your placement. You do not have a predetermined structured plan ahead of your placement, and in my experience, we planned the programme after I began working with my Line Manager and Mentor.

My teammates provide me with a lot of support, and they make me feel very comfortable speaking to them and asking them questions about anything that is unclear to me or makes me feel uncomfortable. The company also offers support to each employee and ensures that everyone is aware of who to contact and what to do if they require any assistance.

The University stays in touch with you at all times and responds quickly to any questions you may have. They even offer to speak with your company if you do not feel comfortable speaking up about any problems or issues you may be experiencing. They hold termly meetings with you and your Line Manager to ensure that everyone is satisfied with your progress and that you are happy in your role.

When it comes to working on site, I am very confident with the engineering side of things because it allows me to apply what I have learned at university, such as infiltration tests and soil sampling and description, which required me to use my university knowledge and skills to complete these tasks successfully. Overall, I believe that my qualification helps me perform better in my role, but I still have a lot to learn because I work in a different engineering field.

Yes! We occasionally have the opportunity to work in different offices, such as Canary Wharf, to expand our network and have a little change to your daily routine. We will also hold BBQs at the base office on a periodic basis so that everyone can get together and enjoy lunch together while becoming more connected. In addition, we would organise a Christmas dinner every year and participate in other volunteer activities to raise funds for people in need or help the community, such as football tournaments, beach cleanups, and school visits.

Yes

Balfour Beatty is the UK's largest infrastructure contractor, so starting your career in such a prestigious and passionate company would be fantastic for you, your CV, and your future career. The company has incredible goals and targets, such as becoming the first Net Zero company, which aims to eliminate the pollution caused by the company, including the vehicles that employees drive, which have now been started to be converted to either hybrid or electric vehicles.

Be open and honest in your interview and do your research before applying to Balfour Beatty. Review the job description and requirements to ensure that you are a suitable candidate. Demonstrate your willingness to join this big company, and make sure to persuade them of what you can bring to the company.