Find out about Rut Mulugeta BA (Hons) Architecture student on placement as Student Project Leader at the House of Commons
How did you find your placement role?
I found the Student Project Leader role through an email sent from Creative Careers to Architecture students.
What support did you get from the Creative Careers Team?
I received a lot of support from the Creative Careers team. Prior to looking for placements I booked a meeting with them and I was able to receive advice on where to look for placements e.g. on the university work placement database as well as emailing companies separately. I was also able to get feedback on my CV and how to make a portfolio for architecture firms. When I was contacted for an interview from the House of Commons, I set up a meeting with the Creative Careers team and I was able to receive tips on the questions that are likely to be asked and how to respond to them.
Rut in the St Stephen’s Hall
Tell us about you and your role.
I am a BA (Hons) Architecture student currently a couple months into my placement year at the UK Parliament. I am a part of the Project Delivery Team, in particular the Conservation team and I work on conservation projects on the Parliamentary Estate. In my role, I am working on all stages from procurement to completion of a project.
What have you learnt so far?
So far, I have taken courses such as CDM awareness training and Presentation skills because I wanted to develop my knowledge in the world of construction and how to present as effectively as I can. I have learnt how to conduct myself in a professional manner as this was my first office-based job and I have also improved my confidence when it comes to communicating with new people at work as well as asking questions in meetings.
What is your advice to students applying for a placement?
Make sure your CV is well written and you have a detailed portfolio if that is necessary and always write a cover letter when applying to placements. Don’t give up when faced with rejection either and keep applying!
Highlights so far?
My highlight so far has been working on important projects in the Parliamentary estate and being part of a successful team and being able to further my knowledge in the world of architecture through a hands-on approach. I was also able to get up close to the historic 14m high ceiling of St Stephen’s Hall to look at the conservation work which was very exciting.
What are you going to be working on in the future?
I am going to be working on my own personal project that I have done in my 2nd year of university alongside working on an exciting conservation project on the estate. I will also have the chance to work with contractors in the coming months and see how their day to day lives differ from what I have been doing so far.
A view of the ceiling in St Stephen’s Hall