Connecting classroom learning to real-world engineering – Danielle’s ICE QUEST Placement

Danielle Coleman is a civil engineering student at Loughborough University and one of our ICE QUEST Scholars. She spent six weeks completing her summer placement within Waterman’s Structures team to gain hands-on experience applying university learning to real-world engineering.

During the placement, she developed new technical skills, got out on site and saw how what she had learned at university applied to real projects.

Experiencing a new area of civil engineering

Danielle began her placement at Waterman by learning how to use MasterSeries, a structural analysis software package, before getting stuck into modelling part of a building and going on her first structural site visit.

This built on Danielle’s previous placement with Leicestershire County Council, where she worked in highways. Moving from a local authority to a consultancy allowed her to compare different workplaces, projects and ways of working. The experience helped Danielle explore where she might eventually like her career to take her.

“I’m still trying to use my summer placements to learn what I like. Civil engineering is so broad, so I’m just open to any opportunity. I’ll try to do my best and, if I like it, I like it.”

Connecting learning to theory

One of the things Danielle particularly valued was seeing more of the theory she had studied at university applied to real projects. The structures modules within her degree can be particularly demanding. However, working alongside engineers helped Danielle understand how the principles discussed in lectures influence the buildings and infrastructure around us.

“Sometimes it can seem disconnected from the real world,” she says. “Now, you’re seeing people actually use what you learn. When I get back to university, it will feel much more practical.”

Ask questions and make connections

Danielle’s top tip for anyone starting a placement is to ask plenty of questions and not be afraid to speak up. Asking for advice and talking to experienced colleagues are valuable parts of the learning process and can help you make the most of your placement.

“Make friends with the people you work with and connect with them on LinkedIn,” she says. “Use it as an opportunity to form your network.”

Danielle acknowledged that while the first week or two may feel uncertain, it’s important to persevere. By the end of the placement, you’ll have built relationships with colleagues you’ll feel comfortable turning to for advice later in your career.

Embrace the opportunity

For students considering applying for an ICE QUEST Scholarship, Danielle’s advice is: “Don’t let the opportunity pass you by and apply!”

Having regular placement opportunities allowed her to concentrate on her studies without having to begin a new placement search each year. Through Waterman Aspen’s ICE QUEST Scholarship, she also had the opportunity to gain experience across different sectors.

By building relationships and approaching each opportunity with an open mind, students can explore different career options and return to university with a stronger understanding of the industry they may one day join.

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Meet our other ICE Quest Scholars