Thomas Glenn

I am currently a third-year student at the University of Portsmouth, studying for a BEng (Hons) degree in Civil Engineering. During my time at the University I have been provided with support from dedicated staff, access to industry-standard facilities and laboratories, and guidance in securing myself a placement in Bardon Contracting.

I relished the experience of working in a dynamic and varied role, from tendering to accounts, from quality assurance to resource planning. Performing a placement during my studies benefitted me considerably.

The placement furthered my skills in problem solving, communication, time management, teamwork and individual initiatives. It has also enabled me to excel in my studies in my third year, enabling me to combine both my newly-acquired practical knowledge and my theoretical knowledge from my first two years at university.

My experiences both at university and at my placement have provided with the practical skills and knowledge to gain post-graduation employment at Bardon Contracting.

I recommend both doing a placement and the course, as it has been an enjoyable, beneficial and rewarding experience.

Amy Gunter

I had wanted to be a civil engineer from a young age after being inspired by a female family friend. I chose to move from Abergavenny after visiting Portsmouth for a Preview Day. The Preview Day was great and the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying was good to see. They had lots of equipment to see and the lecturers were really helpful.

The BEng Civil Enginerring course is very practical - surveying and soil evaluations. I also enjoy the computer design element, although we still have to learn the manual calculations! After graduation, I hope for a position with a civil engineering contractor.

Erum Ahmed Khan

My course and the School of Civil Engineering and Surveying are amazing. The staff are really friendly and helpful. They particularly helped me when I was looking for an industrial placement. With their assistance I was able to find one of the best placements possible.

The facilities and resources are brilliant too. The Library houses loads of books, journals and texts relating to civil engineering and they offer lots of useful tips, like advice on referencing. Plus the University helps you to find a job as you approach graduation.

University life is brilliant; you get to meet so many more people than you could ever expect to anywhere else.