United Kingdom / Graduate civil engineer
Why did you choose Mott MacDonald?
I’m a Graduate Civil Engineer in the Highways team and joined Mott MacDonald due to the company’s global presence and international reach as an engineering, management and development consultancy. l have professional aspirations to implement internationally recognised, multi-disciplinary engineering projects which will make a lasting difference in my working career. Having supported and driven local roads related projects for many years, I was looking to harness this experience to help deliver technical projects on a global scale, and I now have that platform at Mott MacDonald.
What you like best about your job?
What I enjoy most about my role is the varied nature and the daily challenges that arise every day. I enjoy working in an inclusive and welcoming environment on the design and modelling of highway realignments one of the most demanding and exciting transport projects in Europe. These design software skills, including the latest in digital innovation, allow me to develop as a civil engineering professional in delivering UK transportation infrastructure projects.
What do you do on a day to day basis?
Using the latest Bentley 3D modelling software, I am responsible for the production of complex 3D models of various new highways and access roads on one of the biggest engineering projects in the world and, in doing so, I am connecting effectively and professionally with a diverse range of project stakeholders to contribute to project delivery on a daily basis.
What first attracted you to Mott MacDonald?
Having the opportunity of being involved in the implementation of internationally recognised projects which comprise a vast range of disciplines as well as the global prospects of working and networking with colleagues from countries all over the world. I also support Mott MacDonald’s progressive values in mitigating environmental and social risks by adopting more sustainable practices in project delivery and cutting construction carbon in effort to address global climate change concerns.
How does the apprentice scheme work?
I’m a masters graduate so I’ve satisfied the educational base to become professionally qualified to become a Chartered Civil Engineer. I have professional aspirations to become chartered with the ICE in the near future and I am now part of a training agreement with the ICE which is designed to support my development on my path towards chartership. As a graduate, Mott MacDonald’s Accelerating Your Future programme which has been valuable in networking with other graduates across the UK and across different disciplines which has been vital in helping me understand some core professional skills inside and outside of the technical environment.
How have Mott MacDonald invested in you as a person?
The professional development opportunities, frequent training courses and CPD opportunities available demonstrates Mott MacDonald’s commitment to their employees. I’ve been participating in training related to Common Data Environments and 3D modelling software as well as project specific learning since I started in my role.
How is the work/life balance?
Initially, like many graduates last year, I joined Mott MacDonald remotely in June 2021 but I have since been operating under Mott MacDonald’s agile working policy which has been great in terms of allowing me to choose how I work most effectively to meet client, team and personal commitments.
What makes it such a great place to work?
Continuous and daily communication with global colleagues, which allow me to build lasting professional relationships. I’m also looking forward to meeting new colleagues and supporting diverse activities organised through the Sports and Social committee in the near future to positively contribute to Mott MacDonald’s unique culture.
What advice would you have for someone starting out?
My advice to someone starting out would be to embrace the daily challenges that present themselves, don’t be hesitant to ask for support and guidance, and continue to be passionate about your professional development as a graduate with Mott MacDonald.
Ross Dalgleish
What I enjoy most about my role is the varied nature and the daily challenges that arise every day.