Graduate Civil Design Engineer Review
at Balfour Beatty
Graduate Job
Engineering
Glasgow
Review Submitted: August 2026
Overall Rating
4.6 /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!
4.5/5
-
Overview of the Role
5/5
-
Experience & Company Culture
3/5
-
Recommendations & Advice
Overview of the Role
Overall, how would you describe your experience at Balfour Beatty?
=Balfour Beatty has been an excellent place to start my career, providing a structured graduate programme that combines technical training, personal development, and practical experience. The Brathay residentials and development courses helped me build valuable communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, while also expanding my professional network. I particularly valued the opportunity to rotate through different teams and disciplines, which broadened my experience and ultimately enabled me to move into a role that is more closely aligned with my degree and long-term career aspirations. The support and flexibility shown throughout this process demonstrated Balfour Beatty's commitment to developing its people and helping them find the right career path.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
During my time within Power Transmission & Distribution, I worked as a Graduate Design Engineer supporting the delivery of major UK power infrastructure projects. I worked closely with the engineering managers and was responsible for tracking project actions, reporting on progress, coordinating with internal design teams and external stakeholders, and helping to identify and manage potential delivery risks. I also supported project planning activities, commercial processes, procurement tasks, and the management of technical information required to progress design work.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
4/5
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
5/5
Experience & Company Culture
How is the support you receive?
5/5
My line managers consistently encouraged me to perform to the best of my ability while also challenging me to step outside of my comfort zone, which has played a significant role in my development as an engineer. I have never felt limited in the opportunities available to me and have always been encouraged to take on new challenges, attend training courses, and pursue professional development opportunities. This support has allowed me to broaden my knowledge, develop new skills, and gain valuable experience that I believe will benefit me throughout my career.
How is your work-life balance?
5/5
There is a very good work-life balance, with flexibility to work both from home and in the office. Even after moving into an operational, site-based role, I am still able to work from my local office one day a week and from home on another day. This flexibility has been greatly appreciated and has helped maintain a healthy balance between work and personal commitments. It is worth noting that this arrangement is dependent on the specific project and role requirements.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
5/5
Balfour Beatty places a strong emphasis on creating a positive and supportive culture. Throughout my time with the company, I have found colleagues to be approachable, knowledgeable, and always willing to offer guidance or support when needed. I have also been impressed by the investment made in graduates, with a wide range of opportunities for training, networking, mentoring, and professional development. This commitment to early careers has made me feel valued and has contributed significantly to my positive experience within the business.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
5/5
As a woman working in a construction environment I have always felt supported and encouraged throughout my time at Balfour Beatty. I have been given the same opportunities for development, training, and career progression as my peers and have never felt that my gender has limited my ability to take on new challenges or responsibilities.
How would you rate Balfour Beatty CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
5/5
Recommendations & Advice
Would you recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Balfour Beatty to a friend because it provides excellent opportunities for both personal and professional development. The structured graduate programme, supportive culture, and wide range of training, networking, and career development opportunities have given me a strong foundation to begin my career.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
3/5
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Balfour Beatty?
Overall, my experience of the recruitment process was very positive. Communication throughout the lead-up to starting my role was excellent, with regular updates provided and clear expectations set from the outset. This made the transition from university into full-time employment smooth and helped me feel well prepared for joining the business.
One area that could potentially be improved is the alignment between academic background and graduate role placement. My degree is in Aero-Mechanical Engineering; however, I was initially placed within a Civil Engineering graduate role. While many of the underlying engineering principles are transferable and I gained a great deal from the experience, there were mechanical engineering opportunities within the business that may have been more closely aligned with my academic background and long-term career aspirations.
One area that could potentially be improved is the alignment between academic background and graduate role placement. My degree is in Aero-Mechanical Engineering; however, I was initially placed within a Civil Engineering graduate role. While many of the underlying engineering principles are transferable and I gained a great deal from the experience, there were mechanical engineering opportunities within the business that may have been more closely aligned with my academic background and long-term career aspirations.
