Graduate Business Manager Review

So far I have had a diverse and challenging range of roles at Balfour Beatty. I am currently on a rotational graduate scheme, rotating across 4 different business units within ATS (Asset & Technology Solutions) across the 2 years. In my first year I have worked across 2 business areas and 2 major projects - supporting the work ATS are doing on sites such as LTC and Old Oak Common. I have really enjoyed the range of projects and tasks I have been able to get involved with and look forward to future challenges and opportunities.

My first rotation was with the Fire Team, where I updated their Sharepoint site, created 3 case studies on recent projects and developed my knowledge on the industry through events such as London Build and Women Talking Fire Events.
My second rotation was with the survey team which broadened my knowledge of various survey techniques and processes. I was interested in exploring the end-to-end service the survey team provides, from survey service requests to data collection and processing. I have enjoyed visiting suppliers, attending site visits and learning various data processing techniques.
Taking a lead role in the planning and delivery of 3x ATS roadshows has also been a highlight! Leading project calls, coordinating timelines and teams, and developing a structured project management plan has boosted my communication, planning and teamwork skills, and something I thoroughly enjoyed and learnt a lot from!

I have been given a range of responsibilities since joining Balfour's, which has enabled me to contribute meaningfully to the different teams and projects I have worked on. It has been rewarding supporting businesses with their objectives and the string recognition schemes within ATS is motivating when approaching new tasks and working with new teams.

The company car, holiday buy benefits and flexible working package have been a great perk since joining. The car in particular has been a great benefit as I travel frequently to different sites and offices.

I feel I have developed a strong skillset in my first year on the graduate scheme. The range of roles, teams and projects I have worked across has enabled me to develop a diverse skillset which I feel will benefit me as I progress through the scheme and onto future roles within Balfour Beatty. The opportunity to get involved with wider initiatives such as the Gender Network and volunteering opportunities has also been a highlight which has enabled me to build relationships outside of my day-to-day work.

Since joining, I have received consistent support from my line manager and the wider ATS team. The structure of the EC scheme has also enabled me to have regular check ins with my cohort and trainer which has been a good base to measure my development and progress through the scheme, as well as discuss any issues with a group outside of my business area.

I have achieved good work life balance since joining Balfour Beatty. Structured working hours within the office has enabled me to get into a routine and continue with my hobbies and interests outside of work. However, at times working away from home and travelling to and from sites has impacted this.

I have felt welcomed into my team and business unit since joining Balfour. I do feel more can be done to welcome ECs into their respective offices - joining Derby I struggled to connect with other grads and apprentices due to lack of awareness of other new joiners.

I have been a part of the Balfour Beatty Gender Network which has really highlighted the range of support initiatives available to foster inclusion and equality for all. I also felt the Right to Respect training I completed on my first week set the tone regarding what is acceptable/unacceptable which made me feel more comfortable joining as a young female.

Yes

The range of opportuntiies available is a key reason why I would recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend. A supportive team and challenging role has really helped me develop this past year and the opportunity to travel and work on different sites across the UK has been a highlight. I think working on projects that have a real impact on communities, societies and the economy is extremely rewarding and another reason I would recommend BB.

The role description was rather brief in comparison to the range of work I have been involved in. I was not fully aware of the range of teams, roles and projects I could get involved with and although this suits my working style - it would be great to receive this information during the recruitment process.