Graduate Project Manager Review

Good. Can be slow at times depending on the placement but there is good scope for you to orient the scheme to your own interests.

I have been a Project Manager within signalling projects, and a Strategic Planner developing reports and business cases for future changes to the railway. Both relied on strong stakeholder management skills and the digestion of complicated and often specialist resources. My first placement was much more 'conventional' from a PM perspective, however my second allowed me to hone in on existing skills and develop industry knowledge.

At the beginning of the scheme as a graduate you are not doing very much and are mostly observing what is going on. Towards the end of my first placement I was given a bit more responsibility (though still did not shape much). This has changed in my second placement where I feel more valued, and as though I personally am making important contributions. This is likely a symptom of starting out in a safety critical and specialised industry and is not really a failing of the scheme.

Excellent benefits and pay for a public sector grad scheme. You get discounted leisure travel on trains, subsidised season tickets, discounts at stores operating out of Network Rail stations, 28 days of annual leave, a London allowance, and five days of 'volunteer leave' each year. This is on top of generous other forms of 'leave' (dentists, doctor, moving house, etc), as well as more 'conventional' benefits offered at most places (cycle to work schemes, etc).

The role prepares you very well for a career in the industry.

Excellent support from multiple point of contacts. You feel taken care of

Excellent work-life balance. Strong focus on fatigue, encouraged to not over-work yourself and to take time back if you work extra hours, and no expectation to consistently work late at this level of seniority. Depending on the role you may need to work the odd weekend or nightshift, however these will be few and far between and you will be able to take back time in lieu.

Good atmosphere. Sometimes not too many people in the office depending on the team, and it can often be quite slow to get responses out of people. Organisational values are good but difficult to disseminate them outside of corporate offices

The initiatives are good though again it can be difficult to spread them outside of the corporate office and into more operational sides of the company. I have never had a problem but I have heard of some issues. Nothing significant and for most it is a great experience

Yes

Definitely yes if you're interested in the Rail Industry. Otherwise then it would depend. Has been a good experience though frustrating at times. Not sure the industry is for me, though if I was keen on the railway I would be pleased with the experience

Matched exactly in some places and diverged in others. The company is very large with lots of different areas so it's hard to get a full idea of what you're getting yourself in for when you initially apply.