Human Resources Graduate Review

I’ve really enjoyed my experience at Balfour Beatty so far. It’s given me great exposure to all areas of the HR function, which has been invaluable for my development. I’ve particularly appreciated the opportunity to go on site visits, as they’ve helped me understand the business from an operational perspective and see how HR supports the wider organisation.

My role involves completing four rotations across different areas of the HR function, which gives me exposure to a wide range of responsibilities. During each rotation, I’m assigned projects that allow me to contribute meaningfully and develop new skills. One of my key responsibilities is coordinating the monthly HR call with the Group HR Director, which allows exposure to senior stakeholder communication and networking opportunities.

My role gives me plenty of opportunities to contribute meaningfully and feel valued. Through the four rotations, I’ve been trusted with projects that have a real impact, which makes me feel like I’m adding value to the team. Coordinating the monthly HR call with the Group HR Director is a responsibility that reinforces that trust and gives me visibility at a senior level.
I also feel valued because my input is welcomed during discussions, and I’m encouraged to share ideas. The variety of work and the autonomy I’ve been given show that the team recognises my contribution and supports my development

I believe my compensation package fairly reflects the responsibilities and development opportunities within my role. The salary is competitive for a graduate position, and the benefits – such as pension contributions, annual leave, and access to wellbeing resources – add real value. There is also opportunity for flexible benefits through a salary sacrifice scheme.

I feel the role is preparing me very well for my future career in HR. The rotational structure is a key strength because it gives me hands-on experience across different specialisms and there is flexibility to choose rotations that interest me the most. For example, a compulsory rotation of HR Administration builds the base knowledge of how the HR function works and then having the opportuinity to decide between Employee Relations, Reward, DE&I and Learning & Development. The fourth rotation concludes the scheme and prepares me for rolling into the role of a HR Business Partner.

The support I receive has been excellent. I have regular one-to-one meetings with my manager, which provide a great opportunity to discuss progress, ask questions, and get feedback. There are plenty of resources available, including guidance documents, training materials, and access to the Early Careers Programme, which really helps with development.
On top of that, the team fosters a friendly and collaborative atmosphere, so I always feel comfortable reaching out for help or advice. This combination of structured support and an open culture makes a big difference to my experience.

My work-life balance is very good. The role offers flexibility with working hours, which means I can adjust my schedule when needed. The hybrid working model is a big advantage, allowing me to work from home and the office as required.
If I work longer days, I’m able to take time back, which helps maintain a healthy balance. Overall, the flexibility and trust in managing my time make it easy to balance work commitments with personal life.

The organisational culture is very positive and supportive. It’s friendly and understanding, which creates an environment where people feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas. There’s also a strong sense of trust and autonomy – I’m given responsibility for my work and encouraged to take ownership, which is really motivating.
Overall, the atmosphere is collaborative and inclusive, with a focus on helping each other succeed. These values make it a great place to learn and grow

I would rate Balfour Beatty’s initiatives on equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility very highly. The company promotes a culture built on its core values of Right to Respect and Right First Time, which underpin how people are treated and how work is delivered.

Yes

I would recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend because it’s a company that truly invests in its people. The Early Careers Programme offers fantastic development opportunities, including rotations across different HR specialisms, structured training, and networking events.
The culture is friendly, supportive, and collaborative, with a real emphasis on respect and inclusion. There’s also great flexibility with hybrid working and work-life balance, plus exposure to meaningful projects and senior stakeholders. Overall, it’s a place where you can learn, grow, and feel valued

The role has matched my expectations very well based on the recruitment process. During the process, the rotational structure, exposure to different HR areas, and opportunities for development were clearly explained, and that’s exactly what I’ve experienced.