From when I started my degree I knew I wanted to do a placement year, but I wasn’t sure who I should do it with or where I should do it. After looking a while I found a placement through the University placement team that offered great experience, did a wide range of interesting work, was a mixture of office and site work, was in a good location, and ticked many other boxes.

I grew up in London before heading to the University of Portsmouth, where I am currently a civil engineering student. I did my placement year between the second and final year of my bachelors degree. I started working at DCC in July 2016 and I am now getting ready to return to Uni to finish off my degree.

I worked in the highway improvements team. Over the year I have been involved in a variety of different projects and carried out a range of different tasks. I have lead topographical surveys for various improvements in Corfe Mullen, Weymouth, Dorchester, Avon Causeway, Chickerell, Upton and Bridport. I’ve designed a drainage ditch next to a railway, a footpath in Dorchester and a Cycleway in Poundbury. I’ve prepared contract drawings using AutoCAD for a variety of different projects such as Great Western Cross junction (a large five way junction in the centre of Dorchester). I used AutoCAD Civil 3D to review the safe stopping distance or drainage of different highway designs. I’ve also carried out frequent site visits to take a site diary, measure ground water depth, take photos or to see the construction of a key part in the works.

I think the thing I’ve enjoyed most has been seeing my own progression. Over the year I’ve gained a lot of experience in a variety of different areas and I feel I have grown in ability and confidence throughout.

I’ve also enjoyed just being in a work place and seeing how people work. I’ve learnt a lot from just watching people and how they approach different problems and situations, and seeing the importance of soft skills like communication and team work.

This year has been very beneficial and I would definitely recommend this placement to any engineering student whose looking for a good solid start to their career.