Our Summer Placement scheme is well underway with 22 students who are either in their first or second years at university or who are about to start a postgraduate course, joining us between the end of May and mid-October this year. The paid placements, some up to 12 weeks or more, are based in different offices and sectors around the business. We asked Olivia Bowcock, a placement student who joined the utilities team in our Market Harborough Office, her thoughts on the scheme and how she has benefitted from first-hand experience.
My original career plan was to be in rural property management but by being able to find out more about the different sectors I have completely changed paths and now plan to continue my career in infrastructure services.
Right from the start of my placement the whole team were very welcoming and encouraged me to explore different opportunities to ensure I could reach my full potential. Every day is different, there is so much to learn and experience and you can get involved as little or as much as you want to. My time here has been very varied, and I was given responsibilities and clients very early on, so you face real challenges and have to work out the best ways to overcome them.
I have been working on a project arranging access to allow for 300 towers to be painted for National Grid. This involved a huge amount of contact with a wide variety of people to discuss the compensation claims and access issues which arose whilst we arranged for this maintenance work to be carried out. It has been quite challenging at times, but along with my day-to-day work for Severn Trent Water, it has certainly kept me busy!
The experience has allowed me to develop my skills, gain confidence and a further understanding of the industry. The approachable and friendly atmosphere in the office enabled me to become an integral member of the team. I have always felt that I can ask questions and there is always someone there to offer advice and support whenever I have needed it.
The team I am working under are always keen to involve me as much as possible, because of this I have become more confident and am happy to liaise with clients and other teams and learn more about the business as a whole.
Outside of work there is always the opportunity to join in with social activities too, there’s lots of camaraderie in and out of the office which makes the experience fun and interactive. I feel as though I am a valued member of the team, having the opportunity to gain valuable experience has given me the motivation to succeed and continue a career with Fisher German once I have graduated.
Find out more about our early careers here.
