Starting a year in industry is one of the most impactful steps an engineering student can take. It offers hands on experience, real project exposure, and the opportunity to develop professional skills that go far beyond the classroom.
We caught up with Rosie, our sandwich-year placement student, who has been working with us as an Undergraduate Engineer since September. Now halfway through her placement, she shares valuable insight into how her year is going, what she’s been working on, and how the experience is shaping the future of her career.
What motivated you to pursue a sandwich year placement in civil or structural engineering?
A placement year felt like the best way for me to develop practical skills and build confidence before graduating, allowing me to gain real industry experience and see how the theory from university applies in practice. I believe it’s a great way to network with companies and to understand practices within the industry that may not be taught at university.
After completing 14 different modules at university so far, I was able to recognise what I enjoyed and that I wanted to gain sector specific professional skills whilst having time away from university. This’ll help me return next year with a clearer and more informed perspective.
Can you tell us about your placement role, what have you been working on and what a typical day looks like?
The role has given me great insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of a structural engineer. A typical day can include shadowing meetings (both online and in person), creating drawings, and learning from senior engineers. Occasionally, I’ll also go on-site with another engineer to carry out an inspection, reviewing what is being built against the drawings.
I’ve supported the structures team by carrying out calculations and checks, and by developing initial models of steel-framed structures using specific software. I also contributed to the design of reinforced concrete elements and assisted in producing structural drawings. In addition, I’ve been involved in foundation design and completing load takedowns for both new builds and larger structural projects.
How have you found your time at Rossi Long so far? What has been the biggest highlight of your placement?
My time so far at Rossi Long has been very enjoyable, and I’ve felt welcomed by everyone. I really appreciate the time my colleagues have consistently taken to explain new concepts to me, which has strengthened my understanding of the industry and increased my confidence.
I’ve had great opportunities to work across many different aspects of structural engineering. The highlight of my experience so far has been visiting sites and seeing projects constructed in real life. In the future, I hope to visit a site for a project that I’ve played a significant part in.
Is there a project or task you’re particularly proud of? Why?
One project I’m particularly proud of was my work on a new Endoscopy unit, where I created the initial structural software model. I learnt how to build the model, apply loading, and check member sizes, which produced deflection outputs under different load cases. I also developed an embodied carbon spreadsheet for the scheme, giving me valuable insight into the environmental impact of using steel and helping me grow as a more mindful engineer.
The project also took me on site to measure an existing retaining wall and confirm it matched the architectural drawings. Those measurements were then used to complete retaining wall checks in Tekla Tedds. Seeing both the digital and physical sides of the design process was incredibly valuable.
Another memorable project involved a Listed estate, where I produced plans and sections to illustrate demolition zones and maintain a one metre safety buffer. I followed this with a detailed load takedown - accounting for steelwork, gable roofs, and three storeys - to determine appropriate foundation widths.
What new skills have you developed while working at Rossi Long?
Overall, I’ve become more confident working in a professional environment, and I have expanded my skillset as well.
I’ve developed stronger technical skills, especially in structural analysis and reinforced concrete design. My confidence in industry software has grown, including Revit, Tekla Tedds, Tekla Structural Designer, and AutoCAD.
By using AutoCAD, I’ve been able to understand different elements within structures, from timber roofs and bulkheads to foundation piling details. I’ve also learned how to design members and foundations, and how trees influence the design of foundations.
My improved understanding of how structural members respond to different loads has enabled me to use greater initiative when performing preliminary design work within different software.
Communication and time management have also been essential in balancing multiple tasks - skills I had previously developed but have now significantly strengthened.
Has anything surprised you about working in this industry or department?
I was struck by how collaborative the industry is, with projects involving constant communication between engineers, architects, and contractors. I also hadn’t expected how much initiative and practical judgement go into estimating member sizes, positions, and similar details, as opposed to relying solely on exact calculations. It has shown me the importance of having a strong understanding of engineering principles and the responsibility engineers carry.
How has this experience shaped your future career goals?
This experience has confirmed my interest in engineering - specifically, structural engineering. It has also helped me understand the skills needed to progress towards chartered status. The placement has given me clearer direction for my dissertation topic, as it has highlighted areas within the industry that I otherwise would not have explored.
Overall, this experience has further strengthened my decision to pursue a master’s degree.
What advice would you give future students considering a placement year?
I’d encourage students to take the opportunity as a placement year helps bridge the gap between university and industry. Career fairs are a great way to build confidence and create connections with companies - go armed with questions to ask to make you stand out.
Create a strong CV and LinkedIn account, as this will make it easier for companies to find you. Apply early (as early as September) for placement opportunities, as this will allow you to have more of a chance to find a placement which is the right fit for you.
Would you recommend a placement year to other engineering students? Why?
Yes, I would highly recommend it.
It provides practical experience that you cannot gain in lectures alone. You develop both technical and professional skills, confidence, and a better understanding of the industry, which will help massively in the final year of university and beyond. I’m finding it helpful to have a break from university, as I’m gaining practical experience and will be able to return to my studies with a fresh perspective on the industry.
A placement year provides a great networking opportunity and gives you a taster of what you are studying. There’s always a chance you may not enjoy a certain area of the industry, and a placement is the perfect way to identify that before you choose your dissertation topic, for example.
Completing a placement also makes you more competitive when applying for graduate roles - overall, it’s a worthwhile investment in your career!