insights 4 things to look for in a civil engineering placement

Thinking about civil engineering placements? It’s a good idea to know what you’re looking for. That way, when offered a placement, you’ll know you can answer with a wholehearted ‘yes’.

Did you know that 25% of all job postings in the UK are for engineering roles? That’s right. And choosing the right placement could truly open up a world of possibilities. Take our summer and industrial placement opportunities for example. Here, you'll find a nurturing environment that encourages continuous learning, enabling you to sharpen your technical skills, broaden your industry knowledge, and gain invaluable practical experience.

To help you make a mindful choice, here are four things you should look for in civil engineering placements.

1- Learning experience

During your placement, you're not just gaining experience; you're discovering the power of civil engineering to make a real difference to the world around you. It’s about uncovering where skills and interests lie and embracing agile ways of working. For this, you need a supportive learning environment.

2 - Project exposure

Diving into different projects is a great way to boost skill development, especially as you navigate this stage in your career. Seek opportunities that offer exposure to complex tasks, pushing you to expand your thinking and approach challenges from new angles.

Choosing a civil engineering industrial placement could take you down a few routes. For example, we offer the opportunity to choose a placement in a number of sectors, such as infrastructure, energy, transportation, water, or environment. So ask yourself if the placement you’re eyeing fits your career goals.

In today's rapidly evolving world, the demand for 'green engineering' roles has surged by 55% in the last five years, highlighting the urgent need for innovative thinkers to drive sustainable development initiatives. As you contemplate your placement options, keep in mind the role you can play in shaping a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come.

3. A renowned company

Working with a reputable company can boost your career for several reasons, including:

• It enhances your reputation and credibility
• You’ll work with other renowned organizations
• You’ll engage with industry leaders
• It can open doors to future career opportunities

Ultimately, you want to make sure it’s an organization that you’re genuinely excited to work for. Our placement students at AtkinsRéalis get to feel a sense of pride working with our clients such as Highways England, Network Rail, and Transport for London to name just a few.

Your placement, whether it’s a summer or a year in industry, may feel like a short space of time. But it's a meaningful experience, especially considering it could be the start of a lasting journey with the company.

4. Future prospects

Can you see a future career with the company? It might be a civil engineering summer placement

but your experience doesn't have to end there. A placement is your chance to get a feel for the organization’s culture and working environment, helping you determine if it's the right fit for you.

Some organizations, like ours, might even offer a fast track onto a Graduate Development Programme after finishing your placement. Each year, our top-performing placement students (who’ve done at least eight weeks of placement with us) have the opportunity to be nominated for our Graduate Development Programme. If you’re nominated you’ll bypass the standard recruitment process and be offered a place on the programme.

It's an exciting opportunity because you can head back to your studies with the confidence of knowing there's a spot waiting for you at a company you already know and respect. This continuity in your career journey lets you build upon the experience and skills you gained during your placement, rather than having to start from scratch at a new organization.

Are you ready to join a team of big thinkers?

A civil engineering placement holds immense potential. Opting for the right one opens doors to thrilling projects, expands your network, offers invaluable experience with a prestigious organization, and lays a strong foundation for future success.

AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering, and project management organization. Step into our world and be part of a vibrant community dedicated to solving the planet's most pressing challenges. Whether it’s an 8-week summer placement or a 12-month industrial placement, you’ll dive into exciting projects from day one.

Explore our civil engineering placement and get ready to change the future with us.

Or if you’re still figuring out if a placement could be right for you, head to our FAQ page.