Graduate proposals writer & coordinator Review

My experience at Balfour Beatty has been incredibly positive. The opportunities feel endless and, if there is something you want to get involved in, people genuinely encourage you to go for it. Before joining, I had my own perceptions of what the construction industry might be like and whilst some aspects may fit those stereotypes, that certainly hasn't been my experience.
From day one, I have felt supported, valued and trusted. As someone who struggles with anxiety at times, I've never felt judged or embarrassed about taking the time I need to look after my wellbeing, whether that's stepping away for a short walk or simply asking for support. The culture is one where people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work.
Working in Canary Wharf has been a fantastic experience. I am surrounded by talented people, including many strong female role models whose careers and achievements I really admire. There is always someone willing to offer guidance, answer questions or share their experience.
As this is my first professional role, I expected I might have to put on a more "professional" persona, but instead I've found an environment where it's okay not to know everything. I've been encouraged to ask questions, learn from others and develop at my own pace. There is a constant balance of support and challenge, helping me to grow in confidence whilst remaining on a steep learning curve.

I work in Work Winning, so a lot of what I do is helping to put together bids and proposals. Since joining, I've written PSQs and ITTs, carried out competitor analysis, got involved in AI projects and even written a briefing document for the CEO!

I've never felt like "just a graduate" and have always felt like a valued member of the team. I've been trusted to take ownership of work, contribute ideas and get involved in opportunities that I probably wouldn't have expected so early in my career.
At the same time, there is always support when I need it. People are happy to answer questions, offer advice and help me develop, which gives me the confidence to take on new challenges. It's a really good balance of being trusted to get on with things while knowing there are people around you who want to see you succeed.

I'd say the compensation and benefits are good, but if I'm being honest, I don't think people come to Balfour Beatty for the money alone. For me, it's the culture, support and opportunities that make the biggest difference. I've seen organisations that offer more financially, but the overall experience here is what stands out.
We also receive salary reviews twice a year, which are intended to reflect performance and development. I think there has been a bit less differentiation this year than perhaps expected, but the process is still something I value.
From speaking to others, there can be some differences between project-based roles and main office roles in terms of benefits and allowances.

Very well. The graduate scheme offers a really good balance between practical experience and structured learning. There are lots of training courses available, alongside the day-to-day experience you gain in your role, so you're constantly developing both technical and professional skills.

The support has been one of the best parts of my experience so far. My line manager has always trusted me to take on new challenges whilst being there when I need guidance, which has really helped build my confidence. I've never felt like I couldn't ask questions or admit when I don't know something.
The graduate and whole 'early careers' network is also really supportive - there is no segregation between years in industry, apprentices and graduates etc... HR and the Early Careers team have also been great at keeping us informed and organising training and development opportunities throughout the scheme.
Nothing has ever felt out of reach because there is always someone willing to help. If I had to pick one thing, it would be great to have even more opportunities to connect with graduates from different parts of the business, but overall I've felt really well supported from day one.

My work-life balance is really good. There's a lot of flexibility around where and how you work, which makes it much easier to balance work with your personal life and wellbeing. I usually go into the office two or three days a week because I enjoy the camaraderie and being around the team, but I also appreciate having the option to work from home when it suits me.
One thing I particularly value is the flexibility to work from different offices. I moved to London for the role, but my family are based near Bristol, so being able to spend a week working from the Bristol office if I want to see them makes a huge difference. It's something that's actively encouraged too, as it gives you the chance to build your network, meet different people across the business and get exposure to different projects and teams.

The culture is probably one of the things I value most about Balfour Beatty. I've found it to be really welcoming, supportive and inclusive. As a graduate, I've never felt like "just a graduate" or that my opinions matter less. People are approachable, happy to help and genuinely want to see you succeed.
There is also a strong focus on wellbeing and creating an environment where people can be themselves. I've always felt comfortable asking for support when I need it and have never felt judged for doing so.
The hybrid working approach works really well too. I enjoy going into the office for the social side, collaboration and camaraderie, but there is also plenty of flexibility to work from home or other Balfour Beatty offices.

The Affinity Networks are really visible and accessible, and I've found them to be a great way of learning more about different experiences and perspectives across the business. There are also regular events, campaigns and awareness sessions throughout the year which help keep these conversations going rather than treating them as a one-off.

Yes

I would definitely recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend. Whilst there may be other companies that offer more financially, I think the culture, support and opportunities here are what really set it apart.
Since joining, I've never felt like "just a graduate". I've been trusted with meaningful work, encouraged to get involved in things outside of my immediate role and supported whenever I've needed help. I've had opportunities to write PSQs and ITTs, work on AI initiatives and even contribute to briefing documents for senior leaders, which has given me a huge amount of exposure early in my career.
The flexibility is another big positive. I enjoy being in the office and spending time with my team, but I also value being able to work from home or other offices when needed. The graduate scheme itself is a great balance of practical experience and structured learning, and there are plenty of opportunities to build your network across the business.

The role has exceeded my expectations in terms of the opportunities available. I expected to be involved in bids and proposals, but I've also had the chance to get involved in AI projects, strategic work and other opportunities outside of my day-to-day role.
One thing I've really appreciated is how open people are to development. If there's something you're interested in, whether that's a particular project, area of the business or even a secondment, it's something you can bring up and have a conversation about. I've never felt boxed into a single role or career path.
There's a real focus on giving graduates exposure to different experiences and helping them explore what interests them, which has made the role more varied and rewarding than I expected when I applied.