Graduate Project Manager Review

I work for Skanska as a graduate project manager on Anglian Water projects. Predominantly, I manage the delivery of construction based projects on our water recycling sites. This involves managing the project team and managing contracts, schedules and estimates then delivering the project based on those plans achieving time, cost and quality targets.

I did a Business degree so had a foundation of knowledge regarding project management which I have been able to build on and expand. Applying this knowledge has allowed me to turn knowledge into skills and effectively develop my own techniques for managing projects, including how I organise my information.

I have really enjoyed the opportunity to learn new skills and knowledge that directly improve my own abilities within my role. My progress over the past one and a half years in my role has been noticed by my colleagues and I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting new people and working alongside different project teams.

The programme has been clearly structured. I have had a three month rotation placement within different areas of the business including project management, commercial and planning to allow me to build a foundation of knowledge for each business area and then be able to manage confidently from a central point.

I receive a great deal of support from my management and HR team. I check in with my manager every 3 months at the end of each placement to discuss my progress and where they think will benefit me next. I also have a day-to-day manager who oversees my tasks and my progression. I was also provided one day off a week to study towards my qualification.

I was provided with a coach who I was able to email with questions and reviewed each of my essays before submissions. I was then provided with an online portal where I could watch the webinars on repeat to learn about each topic area. There were huddles for extra support if needed too.

I would say they were quite aligned, so as I learned more about certain areas of the course, I could apply it to a placement within my course. Similarly, I could then research more for my course and have it benefit my job role. It also helped me understand the ways theory can be adapted and applied within industry.

I am a STEM ambassador, so I often go to local schools advertising the water industry and careers available. I am also a good mental health ambassador, so I am able to work with people outside of my team. I always try to attend the graduate group social events too.

Yes

Skanska is a great company to work for, they show great respect to all their employees and value learning and progression. There is many opportunities to get involved in other training and social events and activities. I believe as I have shown progression I have been given more responsibility which is great to be able to progress further.

I think if you are keen to work within the infrastructure/engineering industry this is a great company for you. There are endless opportunities and job roles within the industry and so many opportunities to learn and develop into the role that most suits you and your interests and talents.