Daniel, Project Controls Intern. Quantity Surveying, Technological University Dublin

How would you best summarise your role at Arcadis?

As a Project Controls Intern working within the Advanced Process Manufacturing Division within Arcadis, I assist senior quantity surveyors to achieve project delivery outcomes such as monetary prudence and contractual adherence. The primary function of my role is ensure projects remain within budget and adhere to the agreed contractual agreements.

What aspects of your role do you enjoy most?

Without sounding cliché, I enjoy every aspect of my role. However I particularly enjoy project cost estimation. When undertaking a cost estimate for a particular project it requires liaising with almost every discipline within the office, providing me with the exposure to better understand the project requirements from an engineering perspective as well as a monetary perspective.

What skills or behaviours do you think you need to be successful in role?

Technical skills are always sought after when searching for a suitable candidate. But in my opinion, I soft skills as well as a risk-tolerant attitude will prove invaluable in the long run. In a client-facing role such as my own, the ability to get your point across to different stakeholders as well as reading the room cannot be understated.

What support have you had to succeed in your role?

The career development structure within Arcadis has taught me much more industry relevant skills than I have learned in the last three years and a half years of university. The 1-to-1 coaching from project control leads provides a method of teaching that is structured to my knowledge base whilst avoiding the risk of unburdening me with too much that I can bear.

Arcadis has an approachable culture which means that I can approach any person within the office for assistance on a given task to which I am always received with time and attention.

What do you enjoy most about Arcadis?

I enjoy the fact the consequences of my work have real life consequences as opposed to engaging in mundane repetitive tasks. The fact that I am a part of something good - an organization whos mission is to improve the quality of life through finding solutions to today's most pressing challenges. The knowledge of this boosts my morale and often reminds me that there is a true meaning behind the work that I do.

What would your advice be to someone looking to secure a role with us?

Your role has significant real world consequences, please don't think otherwise.