Martha Waterfall came from a rural farming background and originally planned a future in rural property and estate management. As her placement year comes to an end, we caught up with her to find out what she has learned during her year with our utilities team and what her plans are for the future after she graduates in 2024.
Working in the utilities team has broadened my knowledge of the utilities industry massively. I had never really thought about surveying in this sector and infrastructure certainly doesn’t feature as highly in the degree syllabus as the rural pathways do. After spending the best part of 14 months sampling what this sector has to offer, this career path would be something I would like to come back to as a graduate when I complete my final year of studies.
I’ve spent a lot of time building relationships with clients and there has been lots of responsibility and fast-paced learning from the very start. Every day has been completely different, and I’ve been lucky enough to be working on projects for big-name clients. Each day I have been tasked to produce positive solutions for both the client and the landowner for necessary overhead and underground works to be completed and as a result my skills in negotiation and landowner liaison have improved massively which has given me a huge confidence boost for any future work that I may be involved in.
There have been lots of opportunities to go out and see what happens on-site too. I have been involved with over 200 validation digs over the year with my main client, the team and I have been carrying out pre-entry and post-works surveys for each one. This includes visiting each dig location, taking photos of the site, and meeting with the landowner to discuss the terms and conditions that need to be met for contractors to go onto their land, and carry out the utility works.
Responsibility always comes with its difficulties, but the team have been incredibly supportive and constantly reminded me that there is no such thing as a silly question! No one expects you to have the same level of knowledge as others who have worked with the clients for a long time, but it seems that the more questions asked, the more knowledge I gained. My work has always been recognised and appreciated by my line manager and this has been beneficial when making important decisions for clients.
Fisher German provides excellent support through the APC process and throughout my placement year, I had 3 monthly meetings with an APC supervisor and 6 monthly meetings with an APC doctor to make sure I was on top of my diary. I found these useful and if it was felt I needed more support in any area they arranged it. This guidance, support and preparation are crucial, and I now feel as though I have been given a head start in becoming qualified.
I found the in-person CPD events beneficial as they encouraged you to network with different offices and widen your knowledge of other sectors of the firm. At these events, I learnt about the other projects that are being worked on in other areas of the business which I found very useful. I have also attended other informal events including the recent Henry Sale Foundation Charity Cricket match – it was great to socialise with colleagues from other offices and witness a little bit of friendly competition.
I have gained so many skills during my placement including communication, leadership, and critical thinking and I have been given opportunities to gain as much experience as possible, whilst having fun doing it!
Applications for the 2024 placements scheme are now open and must be submitted by Friday 24 November. Click here for more information.
