Shivank Kakar MEng Civil Engineering with a Year in Industry
Current student
I thoroughly enjoyed the Constructionarium in my first year. This was the first time I got a taste of what life as a civil engineer might be like and I will never forget the feeling of accomplishment when we saw our structure come to life by the end of the week. The practical side of the course has helped me apply my theoretical knowledge and keep my passion for engineering high.
Why did you choose to study at the University of Southampton?
I initially chose to study at the University of Southampton because it was both a Russell Group university and one of the highest ranked universities for Civil Engineering in the country when I applied. Additionally, it offered me the opportunity to complete a year in industry as part of my degree, which was something that I felt would be very beneficial to both my academic and personal development. I knew it was definitely the right place for me after visiting the University on the Open Day, as all aspects of it stood out in comparison to other universities that I visited. The atmosphere was friendly and welcoming and the campus seemed to be full of interesting activities and societies to join. I felt excited by the idea of attending such a diverse university.
Why did you choose to study your course?
From a young age I have been intrigued by the continually changing world around me and have had an academic interest in both Maths and Physics. I knew Civil Engineering would provide me with a platform to combine my interests and study them in greater depth, whilst providing me with an opportunity to practically implement my expanding knowledge base in real world situations in topics like structural or geotechnical engineering.
What has been the highlight of your time here so far?
There have been many highlights in my time at Southampton, both academic and social. The opportunity to get involved in various clubs such allowed me to make some lasting friendships over the years. As well as this, I thoroughly enjoyed the Constructionarium in my first year. This was the first time I got a taste of what life as a civil engineer might be like and I will never forget the feeling of accomplishment when we saw our structure come to life by the end of the week. The practical side of the course has helped me apply my theoretical knowledge and keep my passion for engineering high.
What do you enjoy most about living in Southampton?
I really like that the city accommodates its large student population so well. There is a lot to do for every interest, ranging from nights out to go-karting, and I have tried to make the most of these activities. Overall there is a lively atmosphere around the city and a diverse demographic, which makes it the ideal student city.
What have you enjoyed most about your course so far?
The course offers multiple opportunities to put theory into practice, whether this is the Constructionarium or the design projects each year. Having the opportunity to work with others on my course to develop a design over a few weeks is something I have really enjoyed. It has not only allowed me to get to know people on my course better, but to also apply my developing skills with creative freedom and a goal in mind.
What are your lecturers and supervisors like? Have you found them supportive?
Throughout my degree all my lectures and supervisors have been very supportive, whenever I have needed any help. As the years progress, I have found it increasingly helpful to have access to people who are leaders in their fields, especially when working on things like my dissertation.
Where did you complete your year in industry?
I completed my year in industry at London's Heathrow Airport working for Morgan Sindall Construction Infrastructure, who work on multiple aviation projects across the country. I had the opportunity to work on four different projects as well as to do rotations in financial controls, logistics and the testing laboratory. Whilst on site I worked on things like pavement quality concrete, asphalt, services and landscaping in order to complete repair and upgrade works for airport stands, taxiways and runways. I also had the chance to gain experience on night shifts in a time restrained environment, which was extremely useful in my development and accelerated it due to the increased responsibility.
How did your University of Southampton course help you to secure your placement?
When applying for the QUEST Scholarship programme before starting university one of the aspects taken into consideration was the university that I would be attending. The fact that Southampton is such a highly rated university, both overall, and for Civil Engineering, helped me secure a place and ensured that I would be able to complete summer placements and a year in industry with a highly reputable company.
What did you enjoy most about your placement?
The opportunity to see a project to completion during my year in industry was really rewarding. However, the most satisfying aspect of my placements was the confidence that I gained in my own ability over the course of a relatively short period of time. By the end of the year, I felt comfortable as a member of a multi-disciplinary team communicating with people from various professions and walks of life and I think this will put me in great stead for the working world.
If you could offer prospective students one piece of advice, what would it be?
I would thoroughly recommend trying to gain practical experience while at university and, if possible, to complete a year in industry. While I was hesitant at first, because it would be an extra year, and I would be a year behind my friends, it helped me develop a lot both personally and professionally. My summer placements, coupled with my year in industry, have truly helped me realise where I want to work in the future as I can appreciate the work ethic required. An additional bonus of securing work placements is the potential of a job offer after completing placements without the need to reapply, which can be a big relief in the last year or two of your degree.