Graduate Planner Review
at Balfour Beatty
Graduate Scheme
Project Management
Canary Wharf
Review Submitted: October 2025
Overall Rating
3.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of the Role
4/5
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Experience & Company Culture
3/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Balfour Beatty?
My experience as a Graduate at Balfour Beatty has been both insightful and rewarding, providing me with excellent opportunities for personal growth and professional development. I have settled into my team seamlessly and have been fortunate enough to contribute to two distinct projects, which have greatly enhanced my learning and understanding of my role and the wider sector. Throughout my time here, I have received consistent support and guidance from the company, helping me work towards my career aspirations. This included being enrolled on multiple courses and being invited to a series of workshops and executive conferences to allow me to expand my network.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
My primary responsibility as a Planner is to communicate clearly and efficiently with the Project Team, gathering the necessary information to manage the programme. I regularly meet with Project Managers to monitor and track progress throughout each period, ensuring that we are meeting our cost, time and resource targets. A part of my role that I particularly enjoy is working closely with the Commercial team. Through this collaboration, I have developed the skills to prepare impacted programmes for significant commercial claims from the Client.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
As a Planning Graduate, I have taken on a role within the team that enables me to make a meaningful contribution. My position requires regular interaction with various functions within the Project Team, including Commercial, Quality, and Project Management. As a result, I have gained valuable experience and feel enthusiastic about my future career prospects.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
3/5
As a graduate on the Early Careers Programme at Balfour Beatty, I am presented with a wide range of valuable opportunities and experiences that are particularly advantageous at the beginning of my career. The aspects I find most beneficial include these diverse opportunities, interactions with senior executives, and reimbursement for travel and accommodation expenses incurred during work commitments.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
4/5
My experience as a Planner has provided an excellent foundation for the Project Management position I am eager to pursue in the near future. Having had the opportunity to engage with the planning role, I have developed a thorough understanding of the fundamentals that are directly transferable to project management. This exposure has enabled me to gain a solid grasp of the project programme, and I am confident that applying this knowledge and experience as a Project Manager will be highly advantageous. I am enthusiastic about the prospect of further developing my skills and contributing effectively to future projects in a broader capacity.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
I am constantly developing personally and professionally in my day-to-day role. In conjunction with a breadth of training opportunities that I have been offered, both internally and from external organisations, my skill set is constantly changing and strengthening. I would like to note, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Programme has been key and has pushed me to gain experience in functions that I might not have had access to before.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
4/5
I feel well supported in my current role. My Line Manager has been excellent in encouraging my ambitions to become a Project Manager. Although I initially felt somewhat unsupported when I joined the company, after discussing my concerns, positive changes were made. I am now very satisfied with the support I receive.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
I feel like my work-life balance is perfect. I do not experience pressures or stress from work when I am at home, away from the office. My hours are social and I do not feel like my personal time is impacted whatsoever. Consequently, I have plenty of time for my physical and mental wellbeing.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
From my experience, the organisational culture is generally very positive. As previously mentioned, I have settled in well into my Project Team and have built great working relationships and some friendships as well. Joining a new company can be daunting, however if you make your best efforts it is most likely you will be welcomed in warmly. I generally only work from home once a week, however this is very flexible and if I need to work from home more that is allowed.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
3/5
I think this is an interesting subject and I do fully believe policies and initiatives are set up and in place. It is something that is definitely underway and in progression. A positive; I am part of a team that is very female heavy, which is generally unusual in this industry.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
I am impressed by Balfour Beatty's commitment to corporate social responsibility. The company actively encourages employees to engage with local communities, particularly by participating in volunteering days. Each employee is entitled to two volunteering days per year, with the freedom to choose how and where to use them. It is clear that the business is dedicated to increasing social value, and this commitment is evident.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I genuinely believe that this company prioritises the well-being and development of every individual who joins the organisation. The support and opportunities available are accessible to all, and employees are actively encouraged to explore different roles, take on new challenges, and broaden their experience. This culture of encouragement and flexibility is particularly valuable in the early stages of one’s career, as it allows individuals to discover their strengths, develop new skills, and make informed decisions about their career paths. Overall, I feel that the company fosters an environment where personal and professional growth is truly supported.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
3/5
In all honesty, I was not 100% aware of the requirements of the role of a Planner when the recruitment process was initiated. However, I think generally the role did match my expectations.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
My most significant piece of advice is to remain open-minded throughout your career journey. Embracing new experiences and opportunities with an open attitude has been instrumental in my progression, particularly as I transition into a Project Management role. Had I not adopted this mindset, I doubt I would have found myself in my current position, preparing to take on new responsibilities and challenges.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my initial role as a Planner. This experience has provided me with a strong foundation and a unique perspective that I am confident will enhance my capabilities as a future Project Manager. By staying receptive to learning and growth, I believe anyone can unlock new career paths and achieve their professional aspirations.
I have thoroughly enjoyed my initial role as a Planner. This experience has provided me with a strong foundation and a unique perspective that I am confident will enhance my capabilities as a future Project Manager. By staying receptive to learning and growth, I believe anyone can unlock new career paths and achieve their professional aspirations.
