Getting Career Ready
Rachel joined BE-ST this summer as a Career Ready Intern, giving her the opportunity to gain hands-on experience while exploring a future career in architecture.
Over the past four weeks, Rachel has worked with our team to help design the prototype for this year's Accelerate to Zero Awards, visited innovative construction projects and learned more about sustainable building techniques. Here’s what Rachel had to say about her time at BE-ST.
"Working at BE-ST for four weeks was a fun, educational experience, despite my initial anxiety about starting. The opportunity to design the BE-ST Fest Awards was probably my favourite part, but being able to work alongside people who were always kind and made sure to provide me with great guidance was an amazing aspect.
The only part of my placement I didn't like was the four weeks of unbearable heat! I think the experience of consistently working in the built environment will be the most valuable part of my internship, allowing me to apply everything I've learned when I'm at university and in my future career. It also gave me a great insight into what the workplace is really like.
I learned a lot about eco-friendly building techniques through tours of the factory and visits to projects that BE-ST helped develop. It was a completely different experience from learning in school.
I found myself looking forward to each day, knowing I would enjoy myself and be supported. My interest in a career in architecture was nurtured through conversations with the team and the design process for the awards.
Even just being reassured that the effort I'm putting into my university applications is enough, and that I'm not falling behind, gave me real peace of mind.
If I had to give any advice to students doing a future placement at BE-ST, it would be: don't worry. Everyone has been so kind and supportive. Even though presenting my work was completely out of my comfort zone, it's an important step and a valuable experience for the future."
We're incredibly proud of everything Rachel has achieved during her placement and can't wait to see where her journey takes her next.