Graduate Project Manager Review

I am a graduate project manager working on Anglian Water projects. I am 5 months in to my role, in the first 3 months, day to day, I shadowed other project managers learning all about the project delivery process within the company. I am working on a project management APM certified qualification through my job. As I have progressed I have been given more responsibility managing different aspects of project deliverables. I am now spending a small placement with the commercial team to learn all about the costings and contracts behind the projects. After the two year programme I aim to be a fully qualified PM.

I did a module of project management at University so I had a basic foundation of knowledge which starting this job has allowed me to expand on. The course and the job role complement each other well so I am continuously learning about the project delivery process, the governance and deliverables involved at each stage. I have learnt the best way to manage resources and communicate with stakeholders. I am also now learning about commercial aspects like contracting, paying suppliers and budgeting.

I thoroughly enjoy my programme with Skanska, there are continuous learning opportunities allowing me to develop my specific skills and knowledge to progress within my role. I am surrounded by a really supportive team and have the opportunity to apply what I learn in my course day-to-day. The role is also extremely diverse which I thoroughly enjoy.

Extremely well organised I had lots of info prior to starting, after 2 months I had a meeting with my senior manager to discuss my progress and what I wanted to further explore next. My opinion has been really accepted and I have good access to HR and my manager if I need to know anything. I will have these meetings every 3 months as I change areas.

I am extremely lucky in my role, I work for an alliance so I have my management team from Skanska and an amazing team of colleagues and mentors from the Alliance. Day-to-day I have people to go to for extra work and/or help. Then I have my manager who I was catching up with weekly for the first 3 months now just monthly, but I could call him if I needed that extra support.

At first the training provider was quite slow starting however I then got assigned a coach who is there to reply to my emails and we have a catch up call every 6 weeks to check in with my progress or if i have any issues. I also send her all my work prior to submitting for advice.

It allows me to expand my knowledge on the topic of the field. Also when certain topics are raised within the course it pushes me to further explore the way my company works and manages different areas, resources and stakeholders. It also encourages me to think like a project manager when carrying out my day to day tasks.

As a group of new intakes we have a monthly quiz online to all catch up. The Skanksa grads at my office all come in on a Wednesday to catch up as we are predominantly remote/hybrid working. COVID has restricted the social opportunities slightly as there would have been more opportunity to meet in person London based to meet colleagues from other offices.

Yes

Skanska has been an incredible company to work for thus far, I feel all employees are treated with a high level of respect. This also encourages a positive attitude from most creating a strong community feel is admirable. I feel well supported and know if I did have any struggles I would be able to talk to someone. Finally there are lots of other opportunities through the role, for example I am doing a mental health training course at the end of the month.

Be yourself not who you think they want. You need to be interested in the company and the position to really excel. Allow yourself to show off your skills and expertise but also take the time to actively listen during the employment process. Ask questions and show eagerness and willingness to learn.