Graduate Civil Engineer Review
at Mott MacDonald
Graduate Job
Civil Engineering, Project Management
Cambridge
Review Submitted: August 2026
Overall Rating
3.9 /5
The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!
4/5
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Overview of the Role
3.6/5
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Experience & Company Culture
5/5
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Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Mott MacDonald?
I was lucky enough to join a wonderful team in our Water and Environment unit. There is a relaxed atmosphere with lots of brilliant staff with different experience that are happy to take the time to work closely with you, coach you and give you the space and responsibility to grow into the role of a civil engineer. The focus on staff welfare is brilliant (as long as you make it clear when you are struggling) and the company supports local sports and social initiatives at each office meaning in Cambridge we have a different sport almost each night of the week and social events across the year that make the office a friendly and exciting place to work.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
From my first few weeks as a graduate, I was given the opportunity to organise and run large events for the office and have worked my way through projects ranging to national infrastructure to small schemes in different countries. I've also been encouraged to take on a variety of roles across design and management.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
4/5
There is and always has been the opportunity to contribute for me. Two caveats to highlight, firstly "opportunity", something you have to make the most of. If you ask for help at every turn then you don't feel the same sense of achievement. Secondly, "for me", while I have been fortunately enough to have amazing opportunities, not everyone would say the same. This is partly making to most of every situation and positioning yourself to get good work, but also luck in when work drops and your availability.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
3/5
The salaries are not fantastic for a leading consultant and seem to lag at experience levels around chartership compared to competitors, but certainly a liveable wage with plenty of room for savings. The pension contributions are sold as an amazing benefits but I think barely constitute standard in the current market. However, the ability to purchase up to 45 days of leave (incl bank holidays) is brilliant.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
5/5
Working for a company with a brilliant reputation and a variety of work and clients is a fantastic opportunity. Regular reviews with line managers mean you can try to get the work you think you need to improve yourself. Motts is a great place to work in the later stages of your career and because of that there are lots of incredible people to learn from in the company which is a huge benefit.
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
4/5
100% developing existing skills and have found that I personally and building some new skills but not as many as I could. The sad reality of life is that you do something, you get good at it and so people keep asking you to do it. Though I can say that I have learnt an awful lot since joining Motts and I never wish I had taken a job elsewhere.
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
4/5
Generally great support from both managers in projects and from line management for both technical support and career and wellbeing management
How is your work-life balance?
3/5
Mostly self inflicted. There is very low pressure to work more than you normal hours but I enjoy working flexibly and enjoying my time in the office so often work late to compensate for the time I spend during the day networking and spending time with my colleagues that is not strictly project related.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
nothing to say here other than it is a wonderful place to work. If you get the opportunity to work here, make friends, take long lunches and make to most of the environment with sport and social events and team events.
How would you rate Mott MacDonald initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
4/5
Mott MacDonald really tries to adhere to their P.R.I.D.E values, including "Respect". There is a culture of inclusivity for all and when something goes against this, it is called out and corrected. I think staff feel empowered to speak up when things aren't right.
How would you rate Mott MacDonald CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
2/5
I feel we could do more. We have initiatives but the systems put in place to access funding for schemes make it off-putting to spearhead initiative and doing so seems to come at huge personal cost rather than company sacrifice outside of small funding pots. It doesn't inspire someone to go further to find and implement schemes unless they are already used to doing that in their personal life.
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Mott MacDonald to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I have loved my time so far at Mott MacDonald and would recommend the company and specifically the Cambridge office to anyone looking for a job.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
5/5
As described on the tin
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Mott MacDonald?
If you are smart and understand basic engineering principles, that is the most important. MM are aware that they can teach you the rest as long as you appear switched on enough to learn.
