Assistant Review

My role was to assist/follow one of the main Architects of the business. He shown me around the building showing me the different departments and facilities. At the top was the main office where you would plan presentations to customers and figure out ideas and thoughts. The floor down was the IT area where you would work on computers to build 3d models of buildings in various buildings. On a typical day I had to send and read some e-mails to and from customers about quotes and plans on buildings. Then I went on a computer working on 3d design program to figure out the basic structures of the buildings.

I've learnt to use programs such as 3D Design and got a better grasp on how to work with it. I have also developed my confidence and communication skills as I went to two presentations explaining plans for a layout of a building and answering questions the customers gave to us.

I enjoyed it very much as I have a big interest in Architecture. I am currently going through an Architecture course at University so this work experience really helped me understand what I was walking into when I applied for the course. Overall I was very happy with the experience.

The manager seemed very impressed on how quickly I learnt new things and using the programs on the computer. He complimented me on my work and also gave me tips to improve so I know he wants me to do better. At the end of the experience I received a letter from the manager himself expressing his thoughts on how well I did during the experience.

I think the experience was very well organised; I was handed a schedule to stick to for each day. The first day I had a tour around the building to get a feel of the day-to-day activities. Then each day I spent time with each different department. Where they taught me how to use and improve on each of the facilities. I was given a lot of support and I always had someone to ask for help each day. I was given small pieces of work to do at home to know was I was going in to for the next day.

I was given a lot of support; he gave me a contact e-mail and phone number I could use anytime I needed assistance or help. He was very patient and kind. Sometimes firm but that's what helped me when trying to learn new things. He was also very encouraging making me enjoy what I was actually learning.

The manager always made me know if I was doing a good job or not. Frequent e-mails telling me on how I was doing and he always visited me each day to see how I was getting on with each department. The teams themselves were also very supporting and kind; always giving me a helping hand when I needed it. I felt comfortable working with them and I had a great time.

I was not given a salary as it was only work experience, but they did provide me with travel costs which was not necessary but very thoughtful.

Thanks to the work experience I was able to get into Architecture at University. My grades were not that great but the work experience was able to push me onto applying to the course so I can easily say that the experience has given me a great opportunity to continue what I love doing.

Yes

The experience really helps you understand the typical day of being an Architect; you learn new skills relating to the career and overall it was a great time. This experience can really be a decider if applying for Architecture at University.

Simply ring up the company and ask for work experience. Not all companies will do this but always have a CV at hand. And if you have grade certificates, bring those just in case. Remember to stay positive and you will have a great time doing something you will want to do in the future. The company I was with is called; James & Nicholas at Port Talbot.