What attracted you to apply for a role with us?
Mott MacDonald’s rolling stock team has a very positive reputation within the rail industry throughout Derby. Having worked previously for a large cash strapped organisation, working for an employee-owned company who could make decisions based on the medium and long term with much greater ease, was immensely appealing. The prospect of learning about new train systems and the industry as a whole attracted me to this position.
How did you find the recruitment process?
I found the recruitment process incredibly straight forward to navigate. I simply gave my CV to someone I knew who already worked here and they passed it on. I was given a first and then second interview at times that suited me, and then I was given the offer.
What are the three things that make you look forward to coming into work each day?
1. I work with a lot of interesting and experienced people within a culture of problem solving and working together rather than finger pointing and assigning blame. This means that just being in the office is enjoyable.
2. Every day I am learning something new.
3. There are always new challenges which mean I don’t get bored.
What’s your team like?
Friendly, approachable and diverse. Due to having lots of short projects there are multiple teams continuously forming, delivering, and then moving to further projects. The Derby office is relatively small but the knowledge is extensive and almost all train systems are covered.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The variety. I am working on various projects in the UK, Australia and Malaysia currently. The trains are at different stages of the lifecycle from bid, through design to nearing the end of vehicle life. My job enables me to do the engineering aspects of some jobs and the project management of others.
How has your career progressed since joining?
Since joining Mott MacDonald, I have taken on management of all the Angel Trains projects done within the rolling stock team. There are usually over 20 active projects at any one time with new proposals being written weekly.
What has been your favourite sports or social event?
This is a tough question as since joining Mott MacDonald I have taken part in lots of social events, all paid for from the sports and social budget. My favourite one was probably the first escape room where we had to work together as a team to solve the problems. I also really enjoyed the virtual reality social event, despite not being initially brave enough to jump off the plank.
What impact has working here had on your life outside of work?
As a mum of two young children, being able to have reasonable control over my working hours and time spent away is important. Working at Mott MacDonald has allowed me, in conjunction with my husband, to find a solution that works for us all, even though it can be complex at times. The ability to work at home when the occasion arises has enabled me to manage my work and family commitments without compromise. Although I have been away overnight several times, it has always been at sufficient notice to arrange alternative solutions to getting the children to where they need to be. I have always been able to take time off to attend the special class assemblies etc. This makes all the difference to my family.
Where is your favourite place in the world?
My garden when the sun is shining. Playing outside with my children, running around pretending to be aeroplanes, bouncing on the trampoline, playing hide and seek, creating obstacle courses, eating ice lollies, and if it’s really hot playing in the paddling pool.
