Reflecting on my experience at Gripfast: A Journey of Growth and Learning

Nine months… that’s like well mental! Time has completely flown by and it’s a bittersweet moment now to slow down and reflect on what an incredible experience it has been. My time at Gripfast is coming to a close (which, by the time you’re reading this, will have officially ended just over a week ago) and it’s surreal to think how far I have come in this internship, not only as a young professional but as a person. This opportunity has been more than just professional development—it has provided so much personal and cultural growth, that I will carry with me into the next chapter of my career.

Adapting to a New Work Environment

Joining Gripfast as an intern was both exciting and challenging. During my first week, I learned fairly quickly that the team were all functioning caffeine addicts (minus Grace), who suck at British accents (Nat & respectfully Grace), and love spontaneous war trivia that no one knows (Dave).

Before I continue it might be worth noting that I have fully embraced the Aussie culture of banter.

In all seriousness in that first week, I could not have been made to feel more welcomed and included by this team of people; I was motivated to join what was and is clearly a dynamic, hardworking, and supportive team.

Before moving to Australia, my cheer coach told me ‘Everyone starts somewhere – embrace every opportunity without fearing what you don’t yet know’. Gripfast has allowed me to grow my skills, putting me in situations that many companies would fear due to my inexperience; they took the chance on me, believing that I was capable, and that, alone, gave me the drive to push harder and achieve more. These responsibilities allowed me to gain hands-on experience and deepen my understanding of industry standards and best practices. More importantly, they gave me the confidence to navigate complex tasks, communicate effectively with stakeholders, and problem-solve in real-time.

I was very proud when one of our clients reached out to Dave (Director of Project Services) to share the following feedback:

‘Thanks for assigning Kendyl and Eleanor […], both proved to be valuable assets to the project team in management and coordination of consultants and contractors. […] Would gladly work with them again…’

The Value of International Experience

The decision to undertake my university placement in a new country has been an invaluable learning experience. I was fortunate enough to work across a range of sectors, on projects including new builds, multi-storey renovations, and HVAC service upgrades.

Working on an Australian construction site each week, witnessing projects reach PC while others began, exposed me to construction processes that are quite different from those in the UK. This exposure has broadened my technical knowledge and deepened my understanding of the complexities of project management. I intend to adopt the efficiencies which I have identified in Australian construction processes and aim to apply them in the future. Returning home presents an exciting opportunity to further analyse and compare industry practices, allowing me to evaluate the strengths and challenges of both markets and contribute to improving overall efficiencies in my future project work – something that has only been made possible by my exposure to Australian practices.

Beyond the office, my time in Australia has been equally rewarding. From exploring new cities to surviving my first flat tyre, to preparing for a cyclone that never hit, and almost dying at our weekly boot camp trainings, my experience here have truly broadened my perspective and enriched my personal growth.

Gratitude and Looking Ahead

I am incredibly grateful to the entire Gripfast team for their mentorship, support, and the opportunities they have provided me with during my internship.

To anyone considering an international internship – take the leap. The challenges, lessons, and experiences will shape you in ways you never imagined.

Thank you, Gripfast, for an unforgettable experience!

Eleanor Wickens