Engineering Assistant Review

Acting as an assistant construction manager, I am walking around site, taking a daily site diary. I am highlighting blockers and ensure communication between different trades. I am creating a weekly "2 Week Look Ahead" and an "As Built" in order to monitor progress on site. I am the Environmental Site Co-ordinator. I take monthly readings of the meters around site.

I have learnt a lot about the Construction industry and the general runnings and logistics of a construction site. I have become a lot more confident talking to operatives on site have learnt to adapt, depending on who I'm talking to. I have become more organised, managing my time between work and University.

I am enjoying my programme however on my current project, haven't had much exposure to Civil Engineering. I enjoy the balance between work and studying and have had the opportunity to work on some exciting projects. I get on very well with my team and feel there's been a good company culture - especially towards women.

The programme is well structured. I enjoy haven't day release. In terms of in-house training, the frequency of the training has reduced down to once a quarter in second year from once a month. This is better, and shows that Mace recognise that our onsite duties increase as we progress.

I feel supported in general, however when it comes to my portfolio/ chartership, I don't feel as supported as I could because I haven't got a fellow civil engineer working on my site. Mace have listened however, and I will be moving site to gain more engineering exposure.

I haven't needed to get much support from my training provider in comparison to my fellow cohort because of my past experience however I get regular emails with them offering extra support. They have also resolved any issues I have had with grades for example but do feel there teaching standard could be improved.

I feel my current day to day job isn't aligned with my external qualification as I am "acting" as a construction manager not a civil engineer. On my next project, starting in a couple weeks, I hope to get more engineering exposure which my qualification will help my with.

I try to get involved in as much extra curricular activities as possible as I feel it's important to let of steam and a great way to get to know colleagues. I do feel that my company host more extra curricular activities for those based in Head Office than those out on site, like myself.

Yes

Mace is a fantastic company who work on exciting jobs that really do shape the skyline. I really like my team at Mace and feel they have taken steps to improve the wellbeing of its staff, both at head office and on site. There is the opportunity to move both abroad and move roles at Mace.

To be yourself. Be passionate about something. Be confident talking to people. Smile. Be a hard worker and ambitious. Do you research about the company but don't tell them what they already know - tell them what you can bring to the company. Being a team player is more important than being a leader. Good Luck!