Graduate Civil Engineer Review

Overall, my experience so far has been extremely positive. I’ve been impressed by the level of support provided for all tasks, no matter how small. Socially, the office is a fantastic environment, and I’ve really enjoyed working here—largely because my team is friendly and encourages plenty of in-person interaction, which has helped me develop my networking skills.
During the first three years of the graduate scheme, there are regular in-person learning sessions with other graduates in the cohort. These sessions offer a great opportunity to connect with people in similar roles, and as a result, the graduates in my office have built strong relationships and work well together.

As part of the graduate scheme within the Highways team, the programme followed a 12-6-6 rotation. This meant I spent the first 12 months in the Highways team before rotating to another team for six months—in my case, the Drainage team. I was able to choose which team to join for this rotation, and it will prove to be a fantastic opportunity to broaden my knowledge in areas that complement my highways work.

I really valued the level of responsibility I was given during my first year, as it felt like the work I was doing had a genuine impact on the project. Although the learning curve was steep at first, it enabled me to develop my skills significantly. I particularly enjoyed the practical aspects of the role, as they reflected the areas of university I found most engaging, but with real-world context and application.

The company offers a generous annual leave allowance, with the option to purchase additional days at the start of the year, providing excellent flexibility. There are also a range of other benefits, including private healthcare and above-average pension contributions. One of the perks I use most often is the cinema discount, which can be as much as 50% off.
I’ve also really appreciated the flexible working hours, as they reduce the pressure of starting at a fixed time. This flexibility allows me to manage errands during the day rather than postponing them until the weekend, making work-life balance much easier.

The graduate scheme provides a wide range of workshops designed to develop essential professional skills, including public speaking, problem-solving, and effective communication. These transferable skills are valuable across most roles, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for their future careers.
Beyond technical and soft skills training, Mott MacDonald also offers opportunities to get involved in initiatives such as school engagement programmes and volunteering projects. These experiences not only allow you to give back to the community but also help build confidence, leadership, and interpersonal skills—qualities that are highly beneficial for long-term career development.
Additionally, the scheme encourages networking and collaboration through cohort-based activities and learning sessions, creating a strong support system and helping graduates establish connections across different teams and disciplines. This holistic approach ensures that professional growth goes hand-in-hand with personal development.

Flexible working at the company has been extremely beneficial for maintaining a healthy work–life balance. It gives me the option to work from home when needed, which really helps reduce pressure and makes managing personal commitments easier. The flexibility also means that if I need to leave early, I can make up the hours later in the week. Since starting work, this approach has allowed me to adjust smoothly to a full-time schedule and improve my overall balance.
Another point worth mentioning is that I’ve never felt any pressure to work late or take on unpaid tasks, which reinforces the company’s commitment to employee wellbeing. It is discouraged at Mott Macdonald, which is an added benefit of the company.

Mott MacDonald places a strong emphasis on inclusivity, embedding it into both its culture and policies. The company’s flexible working arrangements are a key example, allowing employees to manage their schedules and work from home when needed, which supports diverse needs and promotes work–life balance.

Yes

I believe that Mott Macdonald are a great company for people wanting support at the beginning of their career, they offer unique opportunities in every team, while being open to feedback at every stage. They encourage continuous development and help with chartership. Overall, i've been impressed after being with the company for a year.

The recruitment process was a smooth one, as I got a job offer after my second internship, no need for another interview or assessment.