Phoebe Bointon graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Civil, Structural and Environmental Engineering and is currently working with Mott MacDonald
Why did you apply for the QUEST Undergraduate Scholarship?
The Cambridge Engineering course doesn’t allow such extensive time in industry as some other university engineering courses do, and I knew that having industrial experience is really important when it comes to applying for jobs. I was also very aware of the high cost of going to uni, to both me and my family. It was because of that I was so keen to secure additional funding to enable me to get the most out of my university experience.
How has the Scholarship helped you?
The Scholarship has really helped by allowing me to get a “foot in the door” to the industry and to establish and develop a relationship with an international civil engineering consultancy. This experience was invaluable when it came to applying for jobs as I graduated during a really difficult time where graduate positions were few and far between. Having worked for Mott MacDonald for a summer, I was offered a position with them after graduating the following year. I signed a contract for a permanent position prior to returning to uni for my final year, which meant I could concentrate on my course without having the stress of having to complete endless job application forms and attend numerous interviews. Finally, the contacts that I made at Mott MacDonald through QUEST became really useful sources of information and data when doing my Masters thesis.
Did you find summer work placements useful?
Apart from providing a much-needed boost to my finances, my summer placements were a great opportunity to apply the knowledge I had acquired from uni. My work experience with Mott MacDonald helped me get an understanding of the real-life challenges faced by practising engineers on a daily basis, which can be very far removed from the highly theoretical, academic environment of university lecture halls!
Do you think that the scholarship has helped you find employment after graduation?
The QUEST scholarship is held in high esteem and supported by a large number of industry leading firms. There’s no doubt that I would have really struggled to get a job in the industry had I not had extensive industrial work experience on my CV, which I had almost solely as a result of being a QUEST scholar.
What other benefits do you think the scholarship gave you?
Being exposed to a professional working environment and interacting with professionals of all ages and backgrounds allows you to develop a mature attitude towards your work and relationships from the beginning of your university career. Also, working for a large company with offices in several locations allows you to explore different cities and parts of the country.
Would you recommend the QUEST Undergraduate Scholarship to others?
I can’t recommend this scheme enough! The QUEST Undergraduate Scholarship is a sure-fire way to give yourself the best possible chance in the industry from the start of your professional career, and provides you with secure financial support throughout university.