Master Students Gain Work Experience at ECD!
July 31, 2017
During February to May 2017, Zijun Peng and Aurora Pelayo worked as interns at our London office. The work involved assisting us in our research on embodied carbon for a retrofit project.
Internships are part of the Faculty of Social Sciences Postgraduate Advantage Scheme (PAS) which allows masters students to take part in 100 hour internships and receive a bursary to cover expenses such as living and travel arrangements.
In addition to SAS students obtaining PAS internships at architecture practices, SAS staff also obtained agreement for another 4 internships at 2 organisations based on the University’s PAS principles.
Here are some of the quotes from the students:
Zijun explains “Our work started with calculations of embodied carbon for a retrofit project and a new build project. We were then required to compare the data to propose a more sustainable option – a retrofit or a new build. As embodied carbon rises on the agenda to the forefront of the built environment industry, I am very grateful to have had the opportunity for hands-on participation in research on the subject. This not only gave me great insight into research, it also provided me with invaluable professional workplace experience.
In retrospect, I have had a very positive experience out of the ECD internship. This experience has reinforced my notion of focus, communication and team work as being the crucial elements to ensure the success of a project.”
Aurora explains “At ECD we worked with the Associate and Head of Sustainability, to help us understand the project and its different phases. The internship aimed to compare results of a new built and a refurbished project in regard to their embodied carbon to be presented at the Green Sky Thinking conference in London.
My experience gave me knowledge in an area that I haven´t worked in before, as well as a taste of working in UK companies. I learnt how things should be managed and, not only in the UK, but internationally understanding the importance of communication. This opportunity helped me grow and understand the composition of different types of projects, and also helped me meet other professionals with great knowledge and passion for architecture.”