Graduate Process Engineer

Working for MMB has been really rewarding so far and there are so many highlights both professionally and personally.  Starting out with MMB as a placement student and being offered the permanent position as a graduate was extremely rewarding. I was thoroughly enjoying my time on placement so not only was I chuffed to have landed a great grad job in a reputable company, it also meant that I didn’t need to worry about sending out applications and going through interviews during my Master’s year. 

One of the biggest highlights professionally for me when I returned as a graduate was successfully handing over my first project to the client. I managed a small wastewater treatment project in the role of Project Leader, coming in around 25% under a very tight budget. In recognition of this, and other work I have completed in STEM and for our Early Career Professionals network, I was shortlisted for a national award!  Being a woman in engineering can have challenges. However, I have so many fantastic role models and mentors around me at MMB who are all so supportive. MMB even supported me in completing a training programme which specifically aimed to improve my self-confidence!   

My experience from working on placement was so valuable when I returned to Uni to complete my Master’s degree. The ability to contextualise the different theories and techniques we were learning really supported me in my assignments. I felt like I came back better able to manage my time, prioritise workloads, communicate with supervisors and produce reports. The work that I completed whilst on placement has all contributed towards my evidence for chartership.  Now, my experience is shifting towards project management as well as continuing some work as a process engineer. This is helping me to develop more contractual and commercial awareness as well as the emphasising the importance of engaging with the engineers on site.  My experience in these roles is ultimately helping towards achieving my goal of achieving chartered status within the next couple years and career progression into management.  

When you are starting off your career, don’t be scared to ask questions. Honestly, I asked so many questions in my first few months that I had to keep a list on OneNote so I didn’t forget them all. Still now, 2 and a half years in with MMB I keep updating my OneNote with new knowledge or things I want to research more about. Asking the right questions to the right people is so important for your development and everyone here is more than happy to help or at least point you in the right direction!  The other thing that I would say is to be present. I know in the hybrid way of working it can be tempting to work more from the comfort of home. Getting to the office and to site is important to form friendships, but to also learn from the senior engineers. When I came back as a grad, I spent a lot of time on site doing commissioning testing and formed a great friendship with the other grads. It’s great just having other young people to talk to (especially if you are moving to a new city!). I’ve also learned so much from overhearing conversations or tagging along to site walkouts which I just wouldn’t have had to opportunity to do from my back room.