Rhys is a finance and accounting undergraduate student at Nottingham Trent University, and started a placement at MiCiM in September 2024. As he nears the end of his time at the business, Rhys reflected on his experiences working at a data centre focused construction consultancy.

“Over the past nine months, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to complete a placement at MiCiM, a dynamic and fast-paced construction management company. As someone pursuing a future in the built environment, this experience has given me invaluable insight into how a construction project is brought to life, from planning and budgeting to execution and delivery. What made this placement particularly rewarding was the variety of roles I was able to explore during my time with the team.

One of the most impactful aspects of my placement was being onsite and actively involved in the day-to-day operations of construction management. From shadowing site managers to helping coordinate trades and monitor health and safety protocols, I quickly learned that no two days on site are ever the same. I gained a solid understanding of how complex construction projects are managed and what it takes to keep things running smoothly amidst tight deadlines, shifting priorities, and the unpredictability of site work.

Alongside my time onsite, I also had the opportunity to support the quantity surveying team. This was a completely different side of the business and was more analytical, detail-oriented, and finance-driven. I assisted with cost tracking, procurement processes, and documentation, which helped me appreciate the careful balance between project and budget realities. The experience gave me a deeper appreciation for the financial backbone of the industry and how quantity surveyors play a pivotal role in keeping projects financially viable.

A thoroughly enjoyable part of my placement was working with the marketing team. This was an area where I had a bit of prior experience, though, it gave me a better understanding of how branding, communication, and business development fit into the wider construction ecosystem. I supported the creation of marketing materials and assisted with social media content, giving me a broader perspective on the importance of reputation and communication in the industry.

In addition to these core areas, I took on a variety of general tasks which further enriched my experience. Whether it was helping to present in meetings, updating project records, or just being on hand to assist, these responsibilities helped me develop my organisational skills and adaptability which was something I had struggled with in the past.

What truly made my time at MiCiM special was the team culture. I was welcomed with open arms, encouraged to ask questions, and supported throughout my learning journey. Everyone I worked with was friendly, generous with their time and knowledge, and I felt like a valued part of the team from day one.

Reflecting on these past nine months, I’m incredibly grateful for the exposure and experience I’ve gained. MiCiM gave me the chance to understand the construction industry from multiple angles and has definitely strengthened my desire to pursue a career in this industry. I’m leaving this placement with new skills, professional connections, and a clearer idea of where I see myself in the industry and for that, I’m extremely thankful.”