Tell us about Mott Macdonald Ltd
Mott Macdonald Ltd is a global engineering, management and development consultancy with a presence in over 140 countries. Their expertise ranges anywhere from transport systems to water and wastewater treatment with a key focus in sustainability for each of their projects.
How did you secure this placement?
The application process started all the way back in October with an online assessment, a series of critical thinking tests, to be completed before being eligible to submit your CV. After passing that, an application form, on top of a CV, was filled out with a number of questions asking for your motivation for the company, for the role and the skills you have developed for it. I was able to reach the final interview stage with my application and was offered this placement opportunity. Throughout my application process, I used the service offered by the Year in Industry team to go through the different versions of CVs and cover letters I wrote and I was able to write applications that really targeted the companies and helped me to stand out.
What will you be doing?
As an Industrial Trainee in the WCD-Water Consultancy Division of Mott Macdonald’s WNE-Water Unit, I will be assisting my team in developing appropriate, safe and cost-effective designs and long-term sustainable solutions for a range of projects within the clean and wastewater treatment sector.
What challenges do you think you'll face?
I believe the initial challenge but something I am looking forward to is the idea of starting again. I will have a new city, new responsibilities and a new group of people to familiarise myself with but I am fortunate enough to have a manager and team that have already made me feel welcome. As far as responsibilities, the biggest challenge I think to come is the transition from being responsible mainly for myself at university to now being accountable for my team, for my company and for clients. There is a lot more pressure being applied to my actions but I have no doubts that it will push me and help me evolve with the way I think as both a student and as an engineer.
Do you think this placement will help with your course?
The opportunity to undertake a year in industry will certainly aid in developing my skill set before I return to university for my masters. The office environment will hopefully provide me with tangible experience like specific industry familiarity that will complement the soft skills I have picked up through my course. Given the opportunity, my ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real world problems will also improve and I will be able to understand problems from both a technical and commercial point of view.
Why did you choose Chemical Engineering at Sheffield instead of elsewhere?
A key factor into my decision to study chemical engineering at Sheffield was their leading positions in research and research output and their reputation in the field of teaching. The university places a huge emphasis on “learning through practical experience” and this has not only been enjoyable but provided plenty of opportunity to develop key skills that I will need when I transition from student to employee. Because of this reputation, the university also has important ties to industry which has been very beneficial in my search for a placement. Besides the education, the University of Sheffield’s Students’ Union has now ranked number one in the UK for the fourth year running and balancing university life with a social life was crucial in my decision.