How to attract students

James Connell, civil engineer, part of Amec’s 2003 intake

Why Amec?

I got a 2.1 in civil engineering from Oxford Brookes and was looking at graduate schemes. Amec offered the chance to work on large, prestigious jobs and the option of heading abroad if I wanted to.

What’s the work like?

In four years I’ve worked on projects in healthcare, production, rail works, retail, manufacturing and refurbishment. I’m hoping to have my chartership by next April. I’m mostly office-based. I don’t need to leave except to do a quality assessment on site.

What hours do you do?

It’s not a job where you’re off at 5pm. You’re contracted to do 37.5 hours a week, but it can be more, depending on the project. There is overtime pay or time in lieu, though.

Is there a dress code?

There isn’t but we all wear suits. We need to feel professional. Friday is a dress-down day.

Good social life?

Amec has a busy sports and social calendar. You could be heading to the races one week, or having a civil engineers vs architects football match in the Amec league the next. The graduates are very social – there’s always someone to go out with. I’m in Stratford-upon-Avon and we’re 10 minutes from the town centre so we go out quite a lot.

Simon Bevis, graduate project manager, part of Arup’s 2005 Intake

Why Arup?

I became aware of Arup because it had an office in Papua New Guinea, where I grew up. While at Cardiff University, where I got a first in civil and environmental engineering, it gave an impressive presentation involving former students. After that, I kept seeing its name in the media and decided I had to apply.

What’s the work like?

I started on a maritime design project before being seconded to work on a $1bn scheme for a resort and hotel on the Turks and Caicos Islands. It’s been amazing. You can progress quickly if you put in the time and effort. You learn on the job and there’s a range of courses you’re encouraged to go on.

What hours do you do?

There’s quite a flexible approach to hours, but this is because everyone is ambitious and you know everyone will work until a job is done. If that involves overtime, so be it.

Is there a dress code?

It was relaxed when I was in the maritime design group, but I’m suited and booted now that I’m client-facing.

Good social life?

In my section there are end-of-month drinks, but when you start you go on a 10-day graduate induction course, which gives you the chance to meet graduates from all over Europe.

I go out with my fellow graduates regularly.

Matthew McGeoch, building surveyor, part of Atkins 2005 intake

Why Atkins?

I graduated with a 2.1 in building surveying and the environment from Plymouth as a mature student. Atkins are a friendly and businesslike company, and and they appreciated the maturity I might be able to bring to the job.

What’s the work like?

I’ve been doing mainly design specification and contract administration work. I’ve done the refurbishment of the hair salon in an old folk’s home, which had a social aspect to it and was really gratifying. I’ve done roof refurbishments, schools and quite a bit of Disability Discrimination Act work.

The main focus at the start is to become chartered and we’re all working towards that. Once you’ve done it, it’s up to you how fast you progress. I’ve seen people only a couple of years above me advance at speed.

What hours do you do?

Overtime probably is expected. I work from 7.45 until 5.30, but I could work less.

Is there a dress code?

There’s no set code and some people do wear jeans and a T-shirt. Most prefer suits.

Good social life?

In Oxford we are mainly office-based and you’re encouraged to socialise. I don’t go to the pub that often but I do play badminton, with my colleagues.

Emma Garner, planner, part of Balfour Beatty’s 2005 intake

Why Balfour Beatty?

I joined as a year-out student in 2002 when I was studying construction management at Liverpool John Moores. I really enjoyed my time, so when Balfour offered to sponsor my final year, it wasn’t a hard choice.

What’s the work like?

I’ve worked on three projects: a £9m college, a £17m retail park and a £350m business park. I’m doing the NVQ scheme and that’s a good basis for progression. In the scheme, your progress is recognised and, if you do well, you will be given extra responsibility.

What hours do you do?

It’s a 42-hour week and I usually do 8am to 5.30pm. Some offices have rules that if you do those hours Monday to Friday, you can have Friday afternoon off. Overtime is noticed but not rewarded.

Is there a dress code?

Office attire at all times.

Good social life?

There are a lot of nice people here but we don’t go out much as the work is too hard. I’m based in Birmingham and when we do go out it’s usually on organised team-building events. We’ve been go-karting and quad-biking, as well as for dinner and drinks.

Joe Male, planner, part of Carillion’s 2005 Intake

Why Carillion?

Carillion was recommended to me by Loughborough, where I got a 2.1 in construction engineering management, and my decision was made easier when it agreed to sponsor me at uni. As Carillion was based in Wolverhampton, where I live, it was ideal.

What’s the work like?

I’m working as a planner for Carillion but have been mainly contributing to a lot of tendering work. This has involved doing logistics sketches and tower crane and hoist quotes. I’ve also worked on tendering some bigger jobs – £60m to £150m – which have generally been mixed-use developments.

Graduates are on a management fast-track and we can go on to higher roles if we prove ourselves competent in our individual areas.

What hours do you do?

It’s a 40-hour week in Wolverhampton, though I’ve heard it’s much longer in London. I haven’t done much overtime, but you get an allowance for food and cabs if you work late.

Is there a dress code?

In the office it’s smart-casual so I wear suit trousers and a shirt. If I’m visiting a client, I’ll wear a full suit and tie.

Good social life?

There isn’t much socialising, as I’m the youngest in the planning team by a long way. I go out with people from work about two or three times a year.

Marek Gitrowski, trainee manager, part of Laing O’Rourke’s 2005 intake

Why Laing O’Rourke?

I got a first in French and modern Greek from the University Birmingham, but wasn’t sure what to do next. I’m business-minded and some friends told me to look at construction. I turned my nose up at first, but thought Laing O’Rourke looked like a fantastic, growing company.

What’s the work like?

I’ve worked in human resources and am now on the M25 widening scheme as I wanted to work on site more. You’re encouraged to try as many different aspects of the company in the 30-month programme. I’m based in Maidenhead and I’m out of the office quite a lot. I couldn’t handle a desk job all day every day.

There’s a clear hierarchy. If you do well then you can see exactly how you will be rewarded. It takes time and the onus is on you to succeed.

What hours do you do?

Either 37.5 or 40 hours a week, depending on contract, with overtime at your discretion.

If it something needs doing then you’d be shooting yourself in the foot if you didn’t do it, though. The payoff is that, if you’ve got commitments you can leave early. It’s not a strict nine to five job.

Is there a dress code?

Fairly smart unless you’re going on site. Very smart if you’re at the head office in Dartford.

Good social life?

We do go to the pub but not that often. There’s a fair bit of socialising – football as well as the pub! It is quite a young culture and we have a section of the intranet where graduates can exchange views. For example, you can discuss a work placement you’re thinking of going on with someone who has just done it, or you can arrange to go the pub – graduates use it for both.