Interview with Arcadis Apprentice, Zainab!

Arcadis is the world’s leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. Whether you are interested in Technology, IT, Engineering or Software, a career at Arcadis could be your future! Arcadis have worked on a variety of cool projects, why not check them out to get a better understanding of what it is that Arcadis do!

We were lucky enough to grab some time out of Zainab’s day, who is a Trainee Cost Consultant and currently completing an apprenticeship with Arcadis. We got stuck in and discovered what it is really like working for one of the biggest engineering companies in the world and how you can secure an apprenticeship with them!

Keep reading to find out more…

What is your name?

Zainab Dadabhai

What is your current job title?

Trainee Cost Consultant

What made you decide the apprenticeship route?

I completed a BTEC Level 3 in Engineering, the route that made most sense was the Apprenticeship route. To me it was a no brainer, why go to University and pay almost £40,000 fees for a degree, when there was already many companies offering the same degree as the Apprenticeship was and I would have 5 years of experience when I would graduate?

How did you decide what apprenticeship to choose?

Work Experience – I completed almost 6 work experience placements during my school/college holidays

Talking to Industry Professionals – I completed work experience placements at some of the biggest Construction/Design & Consultancy firms. I was surrounded by people with experience and brains that money cannot buy. I asked so so many questions!

What piece of advice would you give to those leaving school in the next year who are confused about their options?

Apply for everything!! Having options is better then having no options.

What is one thing that surprised you about your apprenticeship at Arcadis?

Work/University/Life Balance. I knew it would be hard, but I underestimated just how hard it would be. With that being said I have a lovely team and an understanding Line Manager, so I receive all the necessary support.

In 150 words, describe what a normal day for you tends to look like…

I’ll log on for about 9:00 with a cup of tea ready to go. I will check my emails and action. Between 9-12 I’ll attend calls and in between I will work on my projects. I’ll have an hour lunch break, come back to my desk at 14:00. Attend some more calls work on my projects. At 4:30, I’ll start finishing up for the day, checking my notes to make sure I’ve completed my tasks. Then I’ll pop together a list of tasks I need to do for the next day, eventually logging off at half five.

How have you found your social life, did you feel that you missed out on the university experience?

The social life is pretty much non existent between September- June. I’m working and at University the one day. On the weekend I have assignments to work on- I don’t have time during the week and by the time I’ve finished work I’m knackered so just want to go for a run. It’s only when University is out for the Summer, I get a chance to be a “kid” again. I always think that – I always think I’ve missed out on so much but then I just have to remind myself I’m in the best place.

How would you manage your study time alongside your workload?

Work is for during the week and study time is for the weekend

How did you decide what employer to work for?

Work Experience again if I’m honest, Arcadis was the company I had the most pull towards. I knew from the minute I walked into the office, that this is it.

Are there any final tips you would give to a young person who wants to do what you do?

• It’s a no brainer, go for it.
• And don’t ever sell yourself short

If you wish to find out more about what being an Apprentice at Arcadis is like, why not check out our previous events with them on our video library!