Graduate Civil Engineer Review

My experience at Arup has been extremely positive. Everyone is friendly and willing to help regardless of grade or level, which creates a supportive and collaborative environment. There’s a wide range of projects and responsibilities, so the work is varied and interesting. The office has a great atmosphere with lots of social activities, and team morale is high, I genuinely look forward to coming in.

As a graduate engineer in the water team , my responsibilities include supporting design development, preparing technical reports, performing structural and drainage calculations, and contributing to environmental and coastal resilience projects. I particularly enjoy the variety of work, from technical design to sustainability-focused initiatives using a wide range of software.

I feel that my role allows me to make a meaningful contribution. I'm trusted with responsibilities that influence project outcomes, and my input is valued in team discussions. The collaborative environment ensures great teamwork and I feel fully supported when I need direction on the next steps.

The compensation package is competitive and includes excellent benefits. Perks such as free private healthcare, dental packages, and the ‘Work Unbound’ policy - which allows up to 20 days of flexible working abroad, are standout benefits. Core hours (10–4) and the option to work from home up to three days a week provide great flexibility and work-life balance

My role is giving me excellent preparation for my future career. I’m gaining exposure to diverse projects and learning from experienced professionals, which helps me develop both technical and soft skills. Arup places a strong emphasis on training - there are regular CPD talks during lunch to broaden knowledge and networking, and my line manager actively supports me in taking courses such as structural analysis and GIS software. I also have a delegated engineer guiding me towards chartership, which is invaluable for my professional progression.

The support I’ve received has been excellent. I have weekly meetings with my line manager to reflect on the week - discussing what I’ve learned, what I’m proud of, and any challenges, as well as resourcing to ensure I have the right balance of project work. From day one, I was paired with a buddy who was fantastic for everyday questions about admin and provided a friendly face, which made settling in much easier.

My work-life balance is very good. A short commute means I’m usually home by 6, and the team is supportive if my workload becomes overwhelming, someone will step in to help redistribute tasks so I’m not overloaded. This flexibility really helps maintain both my personal time and overall wellbeing.

The culture at Arup is inclusive, positive, and welcoming. Hybrid working is well supported, with the option to work from home up to three days a week, but the office is always lively because people genuinely enjoy coming in. Colleagues often eat lunch together, and there are informal activities like group runs or workout classes during lunch breaks. There are plenty of opportunities to give feedback, and regular socials help strengthen team relationships, especially with senior leaders

Arup has strong initiatives to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion. There are Connect+ groups for women and other minority communities, which provide networking, support, and advocacy. These groups host forums and in-office events that encourage open dialogue and create a sense of belonging. The company actively fosters an inclusive culture where everyone feels valued.

Yes

I would recommend Arup because of its supportive culture, diverse projects and strong emphasis on professional development. The range of experiences and skills learnt from week one I dont think you get at many other organisations.

The role matched my expectations very well. The responsibilities were clearly outlined during recruitment, and the variety of work and training opportunities exceeded what I anticipated. I’ve had the chance to develop technical skills and gain exposure to interesting projects from the start.