09/09/2026
We love hearing about our students' journeys on their professional placements, so it was fantastic to hear Caitlin Sims' experience at Spectrum!
Caitlin shared: As tomorrow marks the end of my 14-month placement at Spectrum, I’ve been reflecting on what an incredible experience the past year has been. I’m extremely grateful for everything I’ve had the opportunity to learn, experience and be a part of during my time here.
Throughout my placement, I’ve developed a wide range of offshore and office-based hydrographic surveying skills, from drone operations, cable detection, sonar deployment and acquisition and SVP collection, to MBES processing in CARIS HIPS & SIPS, QGIS chartlet production, PosPac SBET creation and report writing. I’ve also been fortunate enough to complete my BOSIET, Working at Height training and UKHO medical requirements, all of which have helped me develop professionally.
While the technical skills and experience I’ve gained have been invaluable, I’ve also developed my communication, teamwork, adaptability and problem-solving skills. Working alongside experienced professionals has taught me a huge amount about the industry, but also about the importance of working together and supporting one another.
Most importantly, I want to say a huge thank you to everyone at Spectrum. I genuinely couldn’t have asked for a better group of people to spend my placement with, and I’ve honestly had the best time. From day one I was made to feel welcome, supported and part of the team. I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who has taken the time to teach me, answer my questions, offer advice, encourage me and, of course, share plenty of laughs along the way.
A special thank you to the directors for giving me the opportunity to join Spectrum and experience so many different aspects of the industry, and to my line manager, Alexander Sanger-Anderson, for his support, guidance and encouragement throughout my placement.
I'd also like to thank Earth & Environmental Sciences, Dr Ian Hall, and Marie Paine for supporting me throughout my placement year and for giving me the opportunity to gain such valuable industry experience.
