Work Experience (17-21 Feb)

I am very thankful to be given the opportunity of going to BAM constructions to undergo five days of work experience. It was very enlightening and enriching as I get to know more about the insights of a construction company.

On the first day of work placement, I first went to the office opposite to the construction site to meet up with Gill Rogers who is the site administrator to go through some administrative things. I was then brough to the construction site, which is the old site for Jesus College. I first went through induction with Martin, who is a very nice guy, and then I was brought around the site to take a look at what’s going on. The induction was mostly about safety and wellbeing of construction workers while talking a little bit about the aims and goals for the whole project. I was then shown around the site which has recently been demolished and is basically nothing but a big hole right now. Martin taught me through how everything will be built in the next year and showing me some basic structures. He also showed me the designs and outline of the whole building which will serve as a 68-room student accommodation, lecture theatre, library and digital hub. I then met Alec, who is the Lead Project manager. He asked me what I am hoping to study in University, and when I gave him Civil Engineering as the answer, he patted me on my shoulder and told me that it’s a good choice. He then went on to talk about how he joined BAM and became a project manager. Not surprisingly, he too studied civil engineering. He told me that whatever I do, it is important that I follow my own will, and study engineering of course. He said that engineering is good because almost everything is related to engineering, for example, construction. He also told me how he has gone from being an office person to becoming a lead project manager. His words are certainly of use and wise. During the last working hour, I went to the office and completed a module regarding site managers. It took me around an hour to complete but the knowledge that I have gained is certainly important for my future career choices.

On the second day of work placement. I came back to be astonished by how much progress has been made after the day before. Basic structure of the columns has been formed and more holes have been dug to fit in the components of the base structure. I am amazed by how much things have changed after I left. Afterwards, John, another project manager, took me down to the working site once again. He told me about how things are going to be constructed and knocked down. After asking some questions regarding why the structures won’t fall apart and why more short supporting columns are needed when the long ones are being taken apart. I then asked about his position and how he became project manager. He told me that he started off as a graduate site manager and worked his way up to a project manager. He taught me that everything has to start from the bottom and that even though at first, I might be the one does all the “housekeeping” things, gradually, someone else will be doing it but that’s fine because we’ll be working as a team and completing what is to be done by who. He said, although there might not be much to do here at the site as I cannot give any commands or instructions, I will be able to learn all these life lessons that won’t be learnt anywhere else, and to be frank, I totally agree with him as I have been told a lot of useful reminders, wise words and also learnt how to communicate and work around people that I am not familiar or know well, apart from just observing how they work and how the site has been progressing. At the end, I did another module of the test out of the 4 modules, which is about Estimators and Surveyors.

On the third day of work placement. I once again came back to find out that a lot more progress has been made. More columns have been constructed and concrete has been poured into the molds. This might sound familiar, but I am really amused by the growth of the site, from just a big hole in the ground to columns of the basement, it is just magical and cool. I was then given a copy of the progress report by John so that I could take the chance to look at the format of progress reports. There are a lot of information in the report that could be made use of, for example: Progress Overview, Design Progress, Statutory Approvals and etc. It also helped me look more into the job of a project manager as I was also given the chance to learn different terms in the construction industry such as BREEAM, RFI and more. Also, I was given the chance to shadow one of the site managers Joe. I was able to see what a site manager usually does. For instance, Joe was told to talk about the site to some inspectors and the client as well, I realized it is actually a difficult task as they would have to deal with the client’s or inspectors’ mood and tell them what they are looking for around the site. Also, the team has found wells lying at the site. This has shown me how construction and archaeology are both closely related as I have been told this before during my trip to Durham with the school, but I wasn’t so convinced at that time as archaeology is a term that I am not quite familiar with. This has been a great chance for me to understand the whole process of building and construction and what kind of people project managers have to work with. At the end of the day, I once again went up to the office to complete a module. The module I was working with is about design. It made me realize that safety is not just about drawing stuff but also going to the site to make sure that everything is according to plan and to find out any unexpected changes.

On the fourth day of work placement. More progress had been done as I arrived at the site. The fact that I am so excited to see the progress has made me proven to myself that building things are my cup of tea. As I went into the office, John was talking to some people from G-core, which is responsible for boring holes. I was then told that the reason why they had a mini meeting was due to the fact that G-core didn’t have their machine ready yesterday and promised them to start on Monday instead. Using this as an example, John told me about the skills when dealing with these types of situation. He told me that it is fine for things like these to happen, even if they start late, we still need them to end on time. I realized that in doing everything, we should focus more on the deadline instead of when to start. As long as G-core finishes their task by then, he said they’ll be happy with whatever they do, as such events in the future won’t be postponed or cancelled, which in this case cannot be. Other than that, I have been in the office looking ar BREEAM, which is used to grade the sustainability of any types of construction such as building a community, new buildings and infrastructures. The fact that BREEAM is the first guide to sustainability is quite amusing. However, BREEAM and convenience would have quite the conflict. For example, under BREEAM standards, frames nowadays should use timber frames instead of steel frames. However, this would give rise to more severe fires, it would be less future proof. Also, it contributed to the green trend where everything should be built with greenery, but it is difficult to introduce that to some buildings. Moreover, using sustainable methods may cause the time for completion of a project to be higher. It may cause extra issues to the public as roads have to be blocked in order to carry out the construction. I had to complete another module at the end of the day regarding Engineering. I was able to know more about different engineering positions.

On the last day of work placement. I was able to go on top of Jesus College, on the roof of it with Martin to take an overview of the whole project site and figure out something regarding the crane. I was lucky to be able to look at Oxford from there although it wasn’t really high up. I am also amazed by how the site has progressed throughout the mere 5 days I have been here. After going back to the office, Alec the project manager gave me a pep talk on the industry. He told me that working at a construction site is not just working dirty or filthy, but also a ton of reports and behind-the-scenes progress had to be made. He taught me through the daily rundown of being a project manager again. As today is the last day, there really isn’t much for me to do at the office. I was very thankful to have been able to be a part of the team for one week. Every one was very nice and kind to me. They never looked bothered when I ask questions or when I do silly things from time to time. The fact that they are nice enough to let me in their crowded office has spoken for itself. In addition, it is an honor that I was able to be a part of the whole Jesus College Project as the project would be a new addition to Oxford by next year.

 

Engineering Begineers Guide

I have been reading some subject-related books recently and have come across this book "Engineering Begineers Guide" by Natasha McCarthy.

The book engineering beginners guide by Natasha McCarthy is rather interesting and thought-provoking. In the book, it talks about different types of engineering, Such as mechanical engineering, structural engineering as well as a civil engineering. I was able to once again, by reading through these subtopics, identify my desired university subject choice, which would be civil engineering. The book also talks about the history of engineering, from blueprints made by Leonardo Da Vinci, to modern engineering, using modern technology and computer programs to further assist constructions and carry out assumptions. It discusses about how engineering was nurtured and how it appeared without people knowing as engineering has long been a part of our life but it just wasn’t given a name in the past .

The second part of the book introduces different aspects of engineering. To me ,the civil engineering part is the most important as it again reminds me the importance of civil engineers in the construction of cities as well as the significance to citizens under a well planned urban area. Yet, it also reminds me that civil engineering has done a lot to our natural environment as we expand and invade the native environment. The phenomenon provokes me to think about Whether the conservation of natural environments or the development of cities weigh more as the issues regarding environmental protection rises and becomes more widely known. At the end of the second part, the book reminds us that every aspect of engineering are closely intertwined, and that different engineers of different aspect should always communicate well with other engineers. The third part of the book stated some ethical issues raised by engineers. The conflict over whether engineers should be responsible for any casualties caused by their inventions or constructions is yet to be resolved. Once I read up to this part, it also struck me hard as I’ve never thought about this question as ethical issues are seldom linked to engineering. Just like doctors, engineers also have codes of conduct from different institutions such as the ICE, or the UK institution of civil engineers. Yet it is difficult to conclude a code of conduct for engineers as engineers of different aspects work on non-identical Cases. There are countless of codes of conduct by different institutes. As a result, Engineers should learn the skills that would guide them to making right decisions when faced by different codes of conduct in different countries since different nations may have different cultures leading to distinct ethical concerns. Apart from the above, the book also investigated on the importance of understanding philosophy to engineers. As engineers are involved in the creation of Multiple inventions of buildings, it is important that they know what are some human desires, and by doing what would satisfy those desires. Engineering is one of the most important parts of our life. I hope that engineers here and every one else would be able to understand the importance of us engineers and also give this book a try.

Trip to Durham University

The trip to Durham university is certainly rewarding, inspiring and helpful. On the first day, we had to wake up really early to meetup at school. Despite the fact that some trouble took place, we successfully got on our bus to London as well as getting on the train at London. Once we've arrived at Durham, we first went to Marriott Hotel to put down our luggage. We then headed towards University of Durham to attend a talk regarding archaeology. Before attending the talk, I would've never thought that archaeology is correlated to engineering. However, after the talk, I understood the importance of archaeologists to engineers especially to civil engineers. By that time, it is already quite late and we went for dinner at a local restaurant that serves pizza and pasta. Unfortunately, there weren't enough seats by that time. But such unfortunate events led to us visiting the castle in Durham which acts as a student accommodation. After our short tour around Durham, we were able to get a taste of the food at the local shop. Following up the delightful meal would be some rest at the hotel.

On the next day, we first went to attend a talk held by the international office telling us the details of studying at Durham University as well as A-level requirements if we are to study at Durham University. We were then given a tour by a student around Durham University where we went around the campus checking out different collages and departments, as well as pubs in collages. Afterwards, we were able to visit the engineering department in Durham University. We were first brought to participate in a lab section investigating the efficiency of wind turbines in converting energy. It was rather challenging as the whole experiment is based on trial and error but we were then told how turbines are designed to maximize the efficiency. We then had a tour around the department as professors show us around different labs as well as telling us what the students have done in the past. At last, we had a chat with professors that specify in certain areas of engineering such as civil engineering and mechanical engineering such that we could learn more about what are going to be taught. I think the tour is quite useful as I am able to learn more about what types of equipment and researches will be done when I study at university. Before our dinner, we had a quick chat with different international students regarding university lifestyles and what collages to choose. Our dinner was as expected really delicious.

On our last day, we had a chance to visit the library of Durham University as well as having some free time to roam around the campus. We then proceeded to visiting Dominic's Collage, which was quite spacious and quiet. In the end, we successfully went back to Oxford.

From this trip, I think it's a great opportunity for us to know more about the subject of engineering, about how it works and how students cope with it. It also served the purpose of introducing the university to us and giving us an extra choice in the future when submitting UCAS applications. I am truly grateful for this opportunity and thank Mr Fuge  for his planning and relationships with the University.

Further actions (reading, lectures, museums)

I have been reading several books that are related to engineering as a whole, namely, “Think Like an Engineer” and “What If?” These book has provided great insight as I get closer to my dream by knowing more about it. The book “What if?” includes quite a number of unsolved miseries and questions. As engineers are people who create something that would be useful to the community, these questions and queries are great for engineers as they can create based upon these problems. “Engineering beginner’s guides” is as just as its title says. The book introduces me to a large variety of engineering knowledge such as design engineering and the importance of knowing human wants. It also talks about morality and ethical issues of engineering, which makes me think a lot. The question of whether the engineer should be in charge of any casualties caused by the collapsing of a building or malfunction of a machine is rather thought-provoking.

 Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend any lectures as there wasn’t any engineering related lectures available at the times that I am free.

Clubs and activities – what have I learnt?

 For clubs, I have only joined Maths club as I am aiming to become a civil engineer. In Maths club, I have learnt that maths is not always boring and repetitive. It can be represented in different ways and maths is sometimes fun. Puzzles can be made, and patterns could often be observed when playing with a set of numbers. I have understood that xin a bid to truly decipher and understand certain ideas I have to treat things differently and at a different angle. Unluckily, maths club has been suspended lately and I am unable to learn more about the secrets of mathematics.

 I have also joined the trip to Durham and I am looking forward to it.

Applying for voluntary work

 Voluntary work is without a doubt a very important part of my CV. Therefore, I have joined a large variety f voluntary work, ranging from weekly volunteering at Keen, fund raising with Wings of Hope, to one-time voluntary work with Virgin sports as well as run & raise. The Virgin Sports volunteering was exceptionally memorable as we had to give out water and carry out the duties of a water station for a marathon under the rain. The day started off with us filling up water bottles at the station and at that moment it was just slightly raining. However, when the marathon was about to smart, rain poured down. Some of us were questioning whether the marathon would be cancelled but in the end it did not. I was rather shocked that it would rain that much and also had thoughts of giving up, but I stood firm and our duties were fulfilled. Although the weather was terrible that day and it was raining cats and dogs, none of us had any complaints said. We knew deep down that it is important for us to carry out our job or else the marathon would not be as successful. It was certainly gratifying after the event as cleaners, members of Virgin Sports and participants of the marathon all thank and praise us for our hard work and perseverance. KEEN and Wings of Hope has yet to begin but I am certainly looking forward to the precious experience of helping others as this skill is certainly useful for my future.

Getting rejections or offers

The journey to getting work experience offers are not as easy as I thought. Despite sending tons of emails to different corporations, only a few has replied me. Not to mention that among those that have replied, only a few has sent me application forms, while most others just gave me straight rejections. Undoubtedly, this experience is, I could say, heartbreaking, but it is also one of the more memorable and significant parts as this serves as a chance for me to understand the difficulty in getting a job in the future. Luckily, I was given the opportunity to participate in one of the well-known civil engineering companies’ projects which will be at Christ College during February. I am really grateful that my work experience location is this close to Oxford as well. Despite all the ups and downs when sending emails and having phone calls. The success in the end gave me such happiness and pride as I further enhance myself by obtaining an important skill needed in life.