As I draw towards the end of my one-year placement at MiCiM, an experience which has been both enlightening and transformative, now is a great time to look back on my journey with the company.

I am studying Quantity Surveying at the University of Portsmouth. When I was looking for somewhere to do a placement, MiCiM appealed to me for two main reasons. Firstly, I was intrigued by data centres, as previously I had heard very little about what I soon discovered was one of the world’s fastest-growing industries. I was curious about what goes into building and maintaining this critical infrastructure. The second major factor was the company’s values, which very much aligned with my own, making it the perfect environment for me to learn and grow.

During my placement, I have been working in MiCiM’s commercial department. A typical day involved reviewing variation costs from subcontractors, issuing instructions, and reviewing payment applications. This hands-on experience has been invaluable in understanding the practical aspects of quantity surveying.

I have had the privilege of working on two major projects: a project in East London relating to connectivity in the city’s transport networks, and a major data centre project in West London. For the first two months and the final three months of my placement, I focused on the West London project, while the remaining eight months were dedicated to the East London project. Being site-based four days a week allowed me to immerse myself in the project’s progress and participate in various meetings.

Throughout my placement, I have honed my skills in several software tools. My proficiency in Excel has improved significantly, and I have learned to use Bluebeam for measuring and editing drawings. Additionally, I have become adept at using Procore for data entry, issuing instructions, and creating payment applications.

This placement has been a tremendous learning experience. I have developed essential skills such as time management, presentation, and workplace communications. It has been fascinating to learn about the mechanical and electrical aspects of constructing a data centre, which were not covered in my university coursework. Applying my contractual knowledge in real-world scenarios has been particularly rewarding.

Like any new experience, my placement came with its challenges. Initially, I struggled to understand the processes and terminology. However, by diligently writing down my questions and seeking answers from the team, which was always there to support me, I was able to overcome these hurdles and gain a deeper understanding of the work.

Everyone at MiCiM has been incredibly friendly and welcoming. I have felt valued and included from day one. Lisa Taylor played a crucial role in helping me settle in and provided invaluable guidance on the project in West London. My supervisor at the other project, James Ferson, has been an excellent mentor, teaching me the intricacies of quantity surveying and encouraging me to ask questions without hesitation.

Reflecting on the past year, I wholeheartedly recommend a placement at MiCiM to other students. The supportive environment and diverse learning opportunities make it an ideal place to grow professionally. My time at MiCiM has solidified my desire to pursue a career in quantity surveying. One of the standout moments of my placement was presenting to the directors and clients during progress meetings. This experience boosted my confidence and reinforced my passion for the construction sector.

My advice to future placement students is to show a keen interest in learning, actively seek tasks, and never hesitate to ask questions! This proactive approach will enhance your involvement in projects and accelerate your learning.