"After completing my first two years of study with Plymouth University I made the decision to undertake an industrial placement year. The University had invited the consultant Halcrow, a CH2M Hill Company, to make a presentation to us a former stage 2 students. Following the presentation I was fortunate enough to get an interview for a working with Halcrow's Ports and Maritime team in Dubai one of the seven Emirates of the United Arab Emirates where I was given the opportunity to spend the following year.
I was flown to Dubai where I was introduced immediately to the projects I would be working on over the next year. Some of the projects included the conceptual design of a 11km boardwalk for tender and construction around the outer edge of the Palm Jumeirah, coastal studies in neighbouring Emirates and some structural design of marine structure including mooring dolphins and blockwork quay walls. Most of my experience was working on a large new shipping container terminal project in Jebel Ali for the client Dubai Ports World.
My experience in the Middle East working in consultancy included project management, tender assessments, feasibility studies, structural design, report writing, as well as working closely and meeting with local UAE Clients. Some of the most notable UAE Clients I worked with included Dubai Municipality, Dubai Ports World, Directorate of Public Works, Nakheel as well as various large contracting companies building our designs.
Throughout my placement year it was evident by the end how much I had developed through the year both professionally and academically. On returning to University I will use the skills I have developed further to help me through my final years at university and will be recommending a placement year to anyone who may not be clear in their direction.
My placement year has reinforced and applied all that I have learnt at Plymouth University but furthermore given me direction in where I wish to progress my career. I have now decided to transfer from the BEng to the MEng Civil and Coastal Engineering Programme, and have also been offered a three month summer placement between my final two years, and a graduate position with Halcrow upon completion of my degree."