As a company AECOM are responding fast to the fact that since we live in an interconnected and challenging world, new thinking is called for. The global population is growing, yet resources are finite and carbon emissions are already way too high. AECOM gets the bigger picture, uniting clever ingenuity with global experience. Our focus is to realise our clients’ boldest ambitions. So, where do you see yourself?
The graduates we surveyed placed AECOM among the top employers to work for. They recruit talent for an array of roles, including Engineering, Surveying, Project Management, Transport Planning, Planning, Geology, Environmental, Ecology, Archaeology and Architecture. Click below to hear AECOM’s graduate employees speak for themselves about their experiences…
Let’s take a look at what AECOM’s graduates have to say…
1. The Best and Worst things about working for AECOM
Best: The graduate programme is very good for building relationships, as well as developing core skills for day-to-day working. There are a good range of ages and backgrounds in the people on the programme, so for more mature graduates or those who have experience but still need their professional qualification, it is not a “lonely” place. There are lots of different divisions and sectors within AECOM, so finding your best fit is achievable and even if you’re in one sector, some projects will cross several teams, so you can get experience in more than one area.
Worst: Hierarchy can be a bit of a pickle at times, especially when you’re at the bottom of the food chain, but you will get that anywhere you work. There’s nothing wrong with developing skills in people management!
Graduate Project Surveyor, Cost Management at AECOM
Best: There’s a great social side within the graduate network and the sports and social club. The nature of our role also sees lots of interaction with furniture suppliers and design events that range from Clerkenwell Design Week to private viewings. Our department has a good programme of frequent learning workshops that range from graphic design to ethnography.
Worst: You have to be quite proactive in the graduate programme and ask directly for the kinds of experience you want. You shouldn’t expect experiences are there waiting for you.
Graduate Consultant, Strategy Plus at AECOM
Best: The company is really great at getting all graduates onto their well structured graduate programme with a view to achieving their professional qualifications within the first few years of employment.
Worst: Working hours can sometimes be unexpectedly long, so flexibility and dedication are required.
Assistant Project Surveyor, Offices at AECOM
2. Average Working Hours
8:00am – 5:00pm
3. Average Graduate Salary
£23,000 – £25,000
4. Interview Tips
Do lots of research about what AECOM does. Understand its breadth of capabilities and understand how this can be beneficial to your future development and the development of the business.
Graduate Project Surveyor, Cost Management at AECOM
Application Advice: Make sure you demonstrate you have the right skills and experience for the role you are applying to. If you have any volunteering or extra curricular activity experience that is relevant to the role this will demonstrate your enthusiasm and passion.
Interview Advice: Make an effort: be genuine, have energy and remember to smile. Do something different as this will show you care about getting the role. Interviewees will be validating your competencies as mentioned in your application but don’t forget the interviews are also about your character and seeing if you would be a good ‘fit’ for the team/culture. Finally it is important that you ask questions so you can assess yourself if the organisation, team/culture and role would be a good fit for you and what you hope to achieve in the future.
Graduate Consultant, Strategy Plus at AECOM
Application Advice: There are lots of opportunities within the company. The learning curve is tough and depending on what level you are when you join, expectations can be high, but what you put in, you generally get out.
Interview Advice: Show awareness of what AECOM does and if you don’t have much prior experience, try and demonstrate how your skills are suited to your desired career path. We’re a friendly bunch, so don’t hold back in terms of personality!
Assistant Project Surveyor, Offices at AECOM
Interested in finding out more about graduate life at AECOME? Click here for their full range of graduate reviews.
