Tom Lowe is a Sandwich year student at Tuffin Ferraby Taylor
What are you studying and what stage have you reached?
I am a student of building surveying at the University of the West of England (UWE) in Bristol. After two years of study, I decided to do a 12-month sandwich placement, to give me a break from academia and help me decide whether I really wanted to pursue a surveying career. In spring 2006, I secured a job at the Guildford office of Tuffin Ferraby Taylor LLP (TFT), a national building and project consultancy, starting in August.
How did working in the industry compare with university?
I had never worked in an office before and it was also the first time I’d had to be fully self-sufficient. I found it surprisingly easy to fit into the regime of early starts – a frightening experience for any student – followed by a full day’s work. My colleagues were extremely helpful and supportive throughout my 12 months, providing me with expert advice, guidance and information. Like everyone else, I also took my turn making the tea and buying the sausage rolls!
What kind of projects were you involved in?
During my 12 months at TFT, I undertook contract administration and monitoring on several projects, also working in areas such as dilapidations, party wall procedures and inspection requirements of schedules of condition. I have also acquired skills in IT, time management, self-presentation and even played football for TFT at Charlton Athletic’s Valley Stadium. If all else fails, I can always fall back on a career in football!
How has your placement benefited your studying?
My placement has been ideal preparation for my final year at university. I am now a more rounded and adaptable individual with a solid skills base. Through a structured training agreement with TFT, I was able to meet the targets set by my team at the level expected by the practice, while maximising my own experience. I’d definitely recommend a placement year to anyone considering a career in surveying, provided that it is carefully planned and monitored to ensure maximum progress.
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