Earlier this year, the IES' Land Condition Community Early Careers Network hosted a 'speed networking' session: a chance for members to virtually mingle and get to know peers and industry experts alike. The event was well-received and we were especially glad to hear that a quick-fire conversation during the event had led to a summer placement for university student Matt Andrioli. We checked in with Matt recently to hear more, in his own words, about how he secured the placement and the professional skills he developed:
"I have recently undertaken a two-week-long work experience placement with Cognition Land and Water from the 19th to the 30th of August. The opportunity came about after I was able to sign up for the IES Early Career Network online speed networking event held via Zoom. I joined the event looking to try and make connections with experienced people in the industry and to see if there were any opportunities to gain some work experience over the summer. It was also helpful to gain insight into the process of organising work placements and about the characteristics which employers look out for when looking to take on students. Through the connections I made during the networking event, I was put in touch with Cognition who kindly offered me the placement.
I spent time in their office in Central London and on site at Meridian Water, a large-scale regeneration project in Enfield, North London. During my time at Cognition, I worked with various teams and gained knowledge and experience across a range of different fields, such as science and engineering, planning, business management and organisation, and marketing.
Whilst working on site I learned about the kind of work that Cognition undertakes on sites such as Meridian Water. I gained experience in understanding and writing technical reports and documents, interpreting data, and using computer software such as GIS (Geographical Information Systems) as well as other kinds of mapping software.
As well as the practical side of Cognition’s work on site, I also gained insight into the logistical and management side of their work. I learned about the various roles of people and teams working on site, spanning several different professions and industries, as well as learning how Cognition works alongside other companies and organisations to deliver projects effectively on a large scale.
Whilst working in the office I did some tasks relating to the marketing side of the business, including finding out how Cognition markets itself via social media such as Instagram and LinkedIn, and learning about how analytics can be used to boost engagement and allow the company to gain traction online.
In summary, I enjoyed my two weeks working with Cognition and found their work very interesting. I have been able to learn and develop valuable knowledge, skills and experience across a wide range of industries, fields and professions".
As Matt describes, placements are a great way to learn more about a specific sector or role: particularly for students who are keen to progress into an environmental discipline.
