The past few weeks in my role as a Project Manager at Network Rail in Shettleston have been challenging, insightful, and enriching. My main project is to create a business plan on using biofuel within Network Rail which will hopefully be taken further in the years to come.
Already I have been shown how crucial it is to adapt to circumstances. Technology issues have allowed me to navigate through unforeseen challenges and show me how flexible one must be in project planning for it to be effective. Yet the team at Network Rail and the other interns have been incredibly welcoming. I have been made to feel part of the team and my colleagues have taken the time to explain processes and their work helping me understand life in The Plant Team. Life in The Plant Team has also provided me with numerous opportunities to observe and contribute to different aspects of the team.
The past few weeks have underscored the importance of teamwork within Network Rail and project/asset management. Additionally, attention to detail is crucial when working with The Plant Team, one particular job I was given in ensuring their vehicles were being delivered in the correct area and at the proper time could not be wrong. This was immensely rewarding when getting it correct however, it was also challenging to ensure that I was picking the right locations and not sending them to the wrong place. Furthermore, the team environment has made it clear that effective communication and respect are the cornerstones of successful work in the workplace.
I am excited about the opportunities ahead and look forward to contributing more actively to the projects at Network Rail, Shettleston. The support and guidance I have received so far have been instrumental in my development, and I am eager to continue building on this foundation in the coming weeks.
Halfway Point
As I reach the halfway point of my internship with the Network Rail Shettleston Plant Team, I reflect on the journey thus far with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation. The experience has been both challenging and enriching, providing me with a profound understanding of the rail industry's operations and the critical role of plant maintenance and engineering. I have developed technical skills through hands-on training, collaborative projects, and technical problem-solving, and enhanced my professional skills in team collaboration, project management, and networking.
My project includes working closely with my manager to create our business case for implementing biofuels within Network Rail. This has included extensive research, working with the sustainability team, working with the finance team and presenting to programme directors of Network Rail. This experience has provided me with insights into how Network Rail integrates innovative ideas into its operations and the best practices for presenting these concepts effectively.
Presenting to other staff members has boosted my confidence and refined my communication skills, empowering me to contribute meaningfully to the team. Working on this presentation has also given me a sense of pride in that when I see this in the future, I will know that I was able to contribute and lay the groundwork for using biofuels in Network Rail.
Despite initial challenges in adapting to the fast-paced environment and balancing theory with practice, I have grown significantly in my confidence in aiding the plant team. This internship has allowed me to participate in activities I would not have considered before. Such as an excellent and informative tour of Glasgow Central Station, seeing the fabulous views from the top of the Forth Road Bridge and seeing what it looks like to be a signaller in Network Rail. I am excited about the upcoming weeks of my internship, as I am eager to continue developing my skills and making a significant impact on the team.
