My six-month student placement at Max Fordham

After taking a much-needed summer break, I finally have the time to reflect on and share my amazing six-month placement at Max Fordham. From day one, I was welcomed into an environment that not only challenged me but also supported and nurtured my growth as an engineer.

I had the chance to design a variety of mechanical, electrical and public health (MEP) systems, like heating, ventilation, LV distribution, alarm, drainage, and water supply systems. 

A special shout-out to my amazing supervisor, Rachel Oliver, whose guidance was significant in every step of my journey. From my very first task – drawing the LTHW route for the heating system on Bluebeam – to the many complex projects I’ve been involved with, your support and expertise have been invaluable. I definitely couldn't do it without you. 

I also want to extend my thanks to Sandy Buchan, my supervisor, for a (short but meaningful) two weeks and for offering me tremendous support during that time. 

I’ve had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects, gaining hands-on experience in designing MEP systems, improving my communication skills, and deepening my understanding of project management, including interactions with stakeholders such as architects, manufacturers, and clients. The learning curve was steep, but the support of my colleagues made it an incredibly rewarding experience. To all my colleagues who helped me along the way – you know who you are – thank you so much for your patience and kindness.

Beyond technical skills, what truly stood out to me was the warm and inclusive culture at Max Fordham. From day one, I felt like a valued member of the team, despite being a placement student. The openness and willingness of everyone to answer my (many!) questions created an environment where I could truly thrive. The company's commitment to work-life balance and fostering a supportive, collaborative workplace is something I’ll forever appreciate. 

Another highlight of my time here was my involvement with the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) initiatives. I was excited to be part of the Women and Minority Gender Group (WAMG) at the office, where I had the chance to contribute to the International Women in Engineering Day event on June 24th. Our Edinburgh office hosted a networking event, which was a huge success! I took on a role in the organising team, helping create promotional posters to attract student participation and assisting with activities like quizzes during the event. It was a truly remarkable and fulfilling experience, and I’m proud to have contributed to such an important cause.

I’ve gained not only technical knowledge but also invaluable life skills, connections, and memories that will last a lifetime. To everyone at Max Fordham: thank you for everything. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity and look forward to staying connected as I continue on my journey.