Reflections and revelations: A half-year journey on a year in industry placement

As we quickly approach the end of March, it’s astonishing to think that our undergraduate placement student, Dami, has already been with us for 6 months. Currently enrolled at Nottingham Trent University, Dami is pursuing a BEng in Civil Engineering. He will resume his studies in September to complete the final year of his degree.

We asked Dami to share his thoughts on his placement year so far. Keep reading to discover what he has to say.

“Reflecting on my journey halfway through my placement, I am filled with a sense of growth and excitement about the future. My placement has been an invaluable experience, providing me with insights into the world of structural design and engineering.

One of the most significant things I have learned is the importance of collaboration and communication within a multidisciplinary team. Working along with experienced engineers has taught me the value of working together as a team to solve complex problems efficiently. Looking forward, I am eager to improve on my ability to solve problems.

My perspective of engineering has undoubtedly developed since starting my placement. During the first 6 months of my placement, I have had the opportunity to visit construction sites and witness how design translates from drawings to reality. These site visits have been incredibly insightful, allowing me to gain a deeper understanding of the practical challenges and considerations involved in structural engineering.

In the upcoming months before the end of my placement, I’m excited to expand my knowledge with structural design software.

In terms of my career aspiration, this placement has been instrumental in shaping my path forward and providing clarity and direction for the future. I am grateful for the mentorship and guidance I have received, and I am excited to continue growing.

My advice for any future placement student is to embrace any learning opportunity with an open mind and seek feedback to grow.”

This positive sentiment speaks volumes about Dami’s experience within our organisation and affirms the supportive and collaborative work environment we strive to foster. From the outset, we view our placement students as integral members of our team, investing time in getting to know them and dedicating considerable effort toward training, supporting, and mentoring them.

Our experienced team serves as an invaluable source of learning, and Dami’s journey exemplifies the success of this approach. As he continues to flourish, we take pride in his accomplishments and how well he has seamlessly integrated into our team.