Gabe Beaumont

Where did you go to University?

University of Liverpool

What did you study?

Civil Engineering MEng

Why did you choose to work for Arup?

Arup is one of the largest Engineering companies in the world working on some of the most famous and iconic projects across the globe. With this in mind, Arup’s core values resonated with me with sustainability, a people-centred company and social usefulness standing out.

How was your placement?

I was working within the Structures buildings team in the Leeds office. It was 6 weeks long but went so quickly, and I would have happily stayed longer. Working on multiple projects during this time was a great opportunity that I would recommend to anyone else wanting to gain experience in the summer. They provided great support throughout and now have some great contacts within the company.

Give me three hints and tips you would give someone who went through the application process...

These may seem obvious but they seemed to work for me.

1. Be Different - at the end of the day everyone has the degree or is on track to so what makes you different. No matter big or small honestly, mention it as it will have helped you to who you have become today. Whether it be a society, sports, trips, jobs, MENTION IT! As it shows many skills that in our industry are great.
2. Know the Company – If you think you do you probably don’t. Look into their values, projects, history as well as the job, what it entails and its description. Know this back to front as I got asked about it and specifics so don’t get caught out if you have already done all the hard work to get to the interview. This is your time to show the best of you, Make it Count.
3. Ask Questions – If you get to the interview stage ask questions throughout. For both you and for the staff to get to know you this is a great opportunity for you to get to know the company more to know if you like what they do. As well they know that you are interested in their company, looking towards a future with them.

Are you planning to go back as a grad/have you been offered this?

I would love to go back to Arup! As of yet I have not been offered a grad job but I was asked if I would like to come back to complete another summer placement with them next summer. I am currently in the process of applying to them again.

What is your favourite project you have worked on?

I worked on many different projects over only 6 weeks at Arup. They tried to get me to cover a range of different projects to practice and enhance the skills that I learned at university. One of my favourites was Leeds train station Renovations as it was close to home for me so I thought it was cool being able to tell family and friends that I was working on it.

What support did you get?

Since my team only had about 15 people in I was very well supported. No matter what project I was working on I always had someone to ask for help or advice. Everyone was welcoming and wanted me to ask questions, happy to explain anything to me which made me feel comfortable. Honestly no question is a stupid question.

Why would you recommend doing a placement?

Personally, completing a placement is one of the most valuable experiences you can do at this stage. University is great at teaching theories and concepts but being able to apply them in the industry, which is what you will be doing day to day, is so key and makes you appreciate what you learn at university. I realised why I learnt what I learnt but it also helps you to know if what area you are in is for you.

Learning about a topic and working in it can be completely different so completing a placement gives you that I insight before entering the workplace after graduation. I also now have so many contacts within Arup but also across the region which I have been contacting for advice about my university work now. 

You also get a decent wage too!

What training have you received?

I received introductory training on the first day, which entailed a welcome talk about the company, Health and safety and the day-to-day workings of that specific office. I then have to do online training on the first day about health and safety, data privacy (The basics for any company). I got some basic training on some software, but I was able to play around with it.

What was the best thing about working at Arup?

The range and scale of projects give you a great sense of satisfaction. Knowing that you are making a difference to the public. But most of all, the people/colleagues I met as they were so welcoming and so knowledgeable, teaching me so much, which has helped me with my third year at uni.

What surprised you most about Arup?

The range of demographics and experience in my team. Before going I had in my head I would be the only young person there and might struggle to do the work or fit in but I was very wrong. There were apprentices, other placement students, newly graduated, senior engineers and associates all in one team. They were very inclusive and open to anyone, with such a range of knowledge and experience. 

Did you mention you were part of a society when applying? Do you think that helped when you were doing the placement having those soft skills etc.

I didn’t mention this in the initial stages of my application but at the video interview stage, this is something I brought up as it linked well with the types of questions I got asked. However, this is something I have now added to my CV and mentioned in any application questions that I am part of my University Engineering Society. I would say if you don’t do much out of your studies then it is definitely something you should mention as it resonates your interest in your future and degree in a more social aspect which shows extra skills. 

Has doing a placement helped decided what you want to do as a career?

 It was definitely very beneficial to help guide what I was interested in and to solidify this. Working in the structures team, I was doing structural engineering, which I personally loved before going, but once I completed the placement, I loved it even more. Civil, more than other engineering, is so broad, so completing a placement is something I would advise to go down the right path for you.