Faye's story

For the third year of my BSc (Hons) Architectural Engineering degree, I decided to undertake a placement year. I came across an article from the Guardian stating that Parliament was looking for placement students to embody the role of a ‘Project Leader’. This job appealed to me as I knew it would be a unique insight into the building industry and provide me with project management skills, which is a career path I have an interest in. 

I applied online through their process, which included a 30-minute hybrid interview with two Assistant Directors. Daunting nonetheless, I was able to provide strong answers to a series of competency questions, providing examples of certain skills relating to communication and problem-solving that I’d been able to develop during my degree. 

The nature of projects varies between conservation, mechanical, construction and maintenance. My responsibilities include stakeholder engagement with contractors, programming projects, identifying and mitigating risks, as well as ensuring projects are delivered within their proposed scope and budget.

I have worked on and led a range of projects, such as the House of Commons Chamber lighting, the House of Lords cast iron roof, and Westminster Hall. My day-to-day varies from working on-site to being at a desk. I have led pre-tender site walks, submitted RIBA Stage 4 designs for approval, provided monthly progress reports and updated project programmes. 

I also got to experience being carried up a 75m Mobile Elevating Work Platform, which gave me an amazing panoramic view of Parliament and had the experience of being inside the Elizabeth Tower (commonly known as Big Ben) to see the mechanics behind the incredible clock face. 

Throughout my placement, I have also been supported by a multitude of people including my line manager who is a Senior Project Leader. Weekly team meetings, as well as a fluid and open working environment, has enabled me to feel at ease and confident to ask for help when needed. On each project, I’ve been able to engage with so many different professionals, who have vast amounts of knowledge. I have made connections with a diverse range of people and learnt so much about the industry, which has been both challenging (in a good way!) and rewarding.

Looking ahead, I am eager to complete my degree and looking forward to applying the diverse range of skills I have acquired during my placement year to my first graduate role.

My potential future working for the Parliamentary Estates team has also been discussed (which is very exciting). I would love to fully immerse myself into this role on permanent basis. I have witnessed that job progression within this workplace is hugely promoted, which I think will be beneficial for expanding personal knowledge and building my professional experience.