John, Graduate Trainee (Business Development)

When I graduated in 2003 I was not entirely sure what I wanted to do and how to pursue my career.  I graduated with a Business Studies degree, so there were opportunities for me to undertake a variety of challenges. The job I applied for at Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services was to work with a small team, helping to put bids together for potential contracts.

After working alongside another graduate, it was recommended that I joined the graduate development programme, as it would broaden my options and give me the opportunity to learn more about the business.  This would also provide me with an opportunity to attend a variety of training courses.  My decision turned out to be an excellent choice, as it opened many doors for me, not only as part of the graduate development programme, but my role within the company.

During my three years on the programme, I have carried out a variety of roles, gaining widespread knowledge about our business and the industry. This included two, six week secondments on two major contracts that we currently operate, and was really beneficial, as it gave me an insight on how a contract was managed and run. The job role I was given was completely different to what I was used to. Some of the work involved going out on site and getting my hands dirty, a real eye opener, but a very good way of seeing how operations are run. In the time I have worked at Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services, I have seen the company grow rapidly, and it’s exciting to be part of such a fast growing organisation.

Being part of the graduate programme has meant attending several courses, which has enabled me to meet other graduates from Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services and also within the Balfour Beatty Group. This has been interesting, as the graduates come from a variety of different areas within the organisation, which is always helpful for knowledge sharing and a good way of learning the different aspects of our business.

The graduate development programme has almost come to an end for me now, but the learning and opportunities will not stop here. I have now found a job role within Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services that meets my career path objectives and the opportunities to develop are vast. I am looking forward to the challenges ahead and furthering my career. Working in such a friendly environment, with the support that is given, has given me the confidence to progress with Balfour Beatty Infrastructure Services.