My placement was based in an office environment with field work site visits at least once a month, however, could have been three or four times each month. I worked full time (40 hours per week) during the placement and when I was reduced to part time during the final year of my degree I worked 8 hours per week. I was based in the Energy Transition and Sustainability team which had 12 members in the Belfast office.

During placement I primarily authored Environmental Screening Assessments against the DMRB, Preliminary Ecological Appraisals, Habitat Regulations Assessments, Construction Environmental Management Plans and EIA Screening and Scoping Assessments. During final year I took on a ‘project manager’ role for the A66 Project which involved the communications with National Highways and the coordination, delegation and review of documents associated with the Environmental Management Plans for the various schemes required for this project.

 

 

Did you enjoy your placement experience?

I thoroughly enjoyed my placement experience. I was rather apprehensive when I initially started, however, this changed once I got used to the workload and working hours. I think I was surprised about how much I did enjoy it and how I was looking forward to going to the office everyday. My favourite moment was being told well done after fixing senior reports. That was a moment that consolidated my standing within the team and allowed me to realise that this was the correct career path for me.

 

What advice would you give other students considering a similar placement? 

I think it is important to remember placement is not a defined experience. You can make the placement whatever you want it to be. Fully engage with your team. There are many opportunities offered that are too good to miss such as the early careers challenge which led me to meeting the CEO and Executive Team.

 

Samuel Rowan

BSc Environmental Management