Placement pays off for Elizabeth
AWORK experience opportunity has paid dividends for a physical geography and geology student at Edge Hill University.
Elizabeth Smith, 20, from Bootle, who is beginning the final year of her degree, undertook a placement with GroundSolve Ltd this year, having developed a growing interest in the engineering elements of her degree.
She said: “It’s been good that I’ve been able to really focus on something I love, and enjoy the variation in areas of study, and I’m able to choose more industry-structured subjects.
“This was partly why I applied for relevant work experience.
“I contacted so many companies, maybe over 50 – and I was fortunate that GroundSolve Ltd came back to me.”
The placement provided her with valuable insight into all areas of the business, working on projects in Merseyside and North Wales.
“I have been able to experience what is required of the job first hand.
“I was surprised to find out how much you learn at university is relevant in the industry, and how beneficial it was that I’d used industry-based equipment.”
A small, independent consultancy established in January 2000 by husband and wife team Mike and Debbie Scott, the set-up of GroundSolve Ltd has already proved beneficial for Elizabeth.
“It means that not only can I do the initial foundation work, and seek out the data myself, I can also then write up and present the results – all as part of one job; for bigger companies, ‘set’ roles are more specific, and less ‘hands on’.”
It is a male-dominated industry, and Elizabeth said: “I was initially intimidated – although some of that was due to me being so much younger than some of the people I was working with.
“But, like anything, once you prove you’re capable then gender is of no consequence.”
And her placement looks to have paid off, with Elizabeth taking up the offer of a further two weeks paid work during the summer - and she has been offered a role with the company upon graduation, offering to fund her masters, upon achievement of sufficient grades.
She said: “It’s such a boost of confidence, that they have belief in me, and has given me a real incentive in my final year.”
She added: “I would recommend that every student, over any half-terms or summer holidays, try their best to gain some experience, as you never know what opportunities are around the corner!”
Her dissertation tutor, Dr Rochelle Taylor, said: “This work experience has provided her with on-site experience in aspects that she will study on the module, placing her in an excellent position to excel.”