Flood Modeller Review

Amazing role where I learn more everyday, I have covered a wide range of projects and managed to use skills specific from my degree to differentiate myself from others in my team. MM are flexible with allowing me to move office when it suited me, and to choose projects which I truly enjoy. The grad scheme allowed me to meet lots of people and learn about a sector that I knew nothing about when I first joined.

Flood modelling was a skill I knew nothing about. Models are ran in different softwares, which each have their particularities. Creating a model combines massive amounts of information, and you have to decide how much of the real world you need to capture in a model for it to be effective (what level of detail is needed), and which scenarios or events you want to run in order to get the required results. It requires specific fine-tuned knowledge at the same time as a higher-level overview of the work.
Additionally I have worked a lot on programming and automation of modelling, where results are ran everyday in order to give water companies the most up-to-date modelling possible. This allows clients to decide how to manage their assets (reservoirs and abstraction from rivers) whilst preparing for drought situations.
I love the programming side of things, as the re-usable nature of code allows you to create tools that will save time (and ideally produce less human-error mistakes) in the future.

Project work is led by a project manager, but beyond that you are trusted to work independently, to figure out problems as best as you can by yourself. Even at a beginner level, my insight was requested and respected. My skills in coding specifically have been sought after by other members of my team which makes me feel valued.

I think the starting graduate salary is very fair, and pay reviews are regularly scheduled, with clearly defined "grades" to work up through. Perks and benefits include dental insurance, cashback for other health checkups, gym membership discounts etc. I think a major soft-benefit though is having offices all over the UK (and the world) and being able to work flexibly.

Joining Motts as a graduate doesn't put you into a box, you are encouraged to develop many skillsets, and especially to pick the opportunities that you enjoy. Additionally there is no one "route" that it is expected that employees take.

The style of support I have received from Line Managers has changed each year, some can be very invested in your progression while others are happy to just check you are getting on ok with everything. Just like with line management, buddy experiences can vary quite a bit, but there are always social opportunities to get to know people further, outside of the work context.

My commute to work is possible by bike; and the office managers are on-the-ball encouraging active commuting, by providing excellent bike/shower facilities in the office.
It is encouraged to talk about your mental workload, and at times when I have mentioned that I have too much on my plate, my Project Managers and Line Managers have stepped in to move things around to work for me too.
We are also encouraged to mark when we do overtime (unpaid), this is to ensure that Project Managers are aware that the planned time needed for a task was underestimated. Unfortunately as it is not paid, there is not really an incentive to log it. Of my own accord, I have done a fair amount of overtime, sometimes causing stress in my personal life.

Remote working is flexible - there is a general rule about how often you should be in, but this varies between line managers. There is a high level of trust placed in employees to do what works best for them.
The only time I have found general atmosphere non inclusive was when I moved offices, and didn't have a ready-made team there to welcome me. I had to find and attend social events on my own to start to meet people.

These values are core Mott MacDonald values, and are frequently discussed. For example, people who have demonstrated these values can be nominated for plaudits or awards throughout the year.
Additionally, themed lunch events often discuss Black History Month or Women in Engineering, or religious events throughout the year.

Yes

I find the work truly motivating and feel like I am contributing to the world by doing a good job. The company is employee-owned so it feels like the work we are doing does end up benefitting ourselves again. My working day is flexible and I am able to work independently.