What attracted you to apply for a placement with Atkins?

I was assigned to Atkins by one of my lecturers who was arranging the placements. I hadn’t heard of Atkins before.

How many placements with Atkins did you complete?

Just one, from around June 2001-September 2002

How would describe your roles and responsibilities?

Now? I mainly work on the environmental noise aspects of large infrastructure projects, but I am also a Line Manager of a small team of Acousticians, the Operations Manager for the Acoustics Team and I am the National STEM Coordinator for Atkins.

What have been your top 3 highlights?

1. This year I was named as one of the Top 50 most Influential Women in Engineering.
2. As part of my secondment to the Dubai Office, I travelled to one of the ‘World Islands’ on a speed boat to measure noise.
3. Mentoring more junior members of staff.

Did you find conducting a placement helped you in your studies?

Yes definitely. I was able to focus better in my final year and relate what I was learning to the real world, plus I was much better at talking to people, spreadsheets and writing reports.

Following your placement, did you find it easier to obtain a graduate role?

Yes definitely, I knew that I had a Graduate job at Atkins before returned to uni for my final year. Many of my course mates were looking for jobs whilst studying in their final year.

What advice and tips would you give to others for the future?

My industrial placement is the best thing I have ever done, don’t be afraid to give it a go. A placement is a great way to find out what it’s like in the real world, and looks great on your CV.

What are your plans for the future?

I am really happy at Atkins, I am going to stay here and see what happens…