Graduate Consultant Review

I came into the role with no prior lighting experience, but an understanding of architectural design (with some projects focussed on the safety of vulnerable people at night). Due to the niche design field of the team, we have a variety of backgrounds which helps us have a variety of inputs on projects which I love.
I was helped to integrate and learn the basics of the role very quickly, with many opportunities to further my own knowledge and have agency in what I work on. Outside of lighting, the company provides learning opportunities in leadership/ self-awareness which have been very valuable to developing some career skills. There are also volunteering opportunities, the chance to work abroad in some situations and getting to meet colleagues from around the world is great.

Daylighting: Glare assessments, BRE daylight access calculations, working with remote systems, working with linux and multiple programming languages, working with the Radiance daylighting software, working with Rhino to process architectural models and develop Grasshopper tools.
Artificial Lighting: Designing lighting schemes in a variety of areas (i.e private clients, public realm ect), building relations with lighting manufacturers, doing lighting and emergency lighting calculations.

Relatively fast work environment. Knowing the standard of "meaningful" can be difficult when things move so fast.

Cycle to work scheme, health insurance, good pension scheme - unsure how they compare to companies elsewhere but pretty standard for a company this size.

Big company means huge variety of work - i am able to discover new niches that I would have never otherwise discovered and have agency in how I shape my career.

Great buddy system to support new starters. Have had a great experience with my line manager pushing me and helping me learn new skills. Some information can get lost to the aether, especially when raising issues upwards.

It's good. Recent change from 2 days to 3 days in-office per week - unsure where it will be in a years time but definite move backward post-covid. Colleagues respect your working hours and you can be pretty flexible with timings when the projects allow.

Lots of internal connect groups for LGBT+, women, diverse backgrounds, disabilities, neurodiversity ect - great to see these conversations being had, valued and supported inside the workplace.
There are also sports clubs for each office which can alleviate some of the financial burdens of extra curriculars.

Support exists internally for workplace assessments and the healthcare package includes extra assistance. Unsure on the quality of these processes as I haven't utilised them, but the framework exists for the support.

Yes

Good vibe, interesting work, lots of opportunities for growth and personal career development. Competitive pay, buy & sell annual leave system is great too.

Recruitment process was pretty vague but they're clearly aiming to hire a "brain type" before you actually meet anyone in the company. Support and communication during the process was great, questions were answered quickly.