National Graduate Week: Abigail, Graduate Project Manager

What is your job title and what do you mainly do in your role?

As a Graduate Project Manager at M Group Energy, I’m currently in my first six month placement at AgilityEco – an energy efficiency and retrofit specialist firm. As I am a new starter, I have been introducing myself to the team members who have been sharing their experiences, conducting essential research for my colleagues to influence future projects, and as I have become more accustomed to my role I am getting involved in supporting current schemes from planning to delivery.

What projects are you currently working on at the moment?

I’m currently working on an exciting tender bid for an energy advice and retrofit scheme. I also completed a course on Microsoft Visio to help my peers and clients visualise processes when submitting tenders and I am completing a Project Fundamentals Qualification (PFQ) next week.

What do you like best about working at M Group?

What I like best about working at M Group is meeting fellow graduates and getting to know my team. The induction and intake day, including a visit from the CEO, showed me the business genuinely invests in its people, creating an exciting, supportive environment to launch my career.

How would you describe the company culture and environment at M Group?

From my experience so far, the culture at M Group has been positive and welcoming. My placement peers within M Group have been approachable and willing to share their knowledge, which makes it a great environment for learning and development. There’s a strong sense of teamwork and collaboration, from what I have experienced, people genuinely want to help each other succeed.

How does the graduate program support your professional development for your career?

M Group’s graduate programme offers multiple placements, formal training and ongoing support from my line manager and the Early Careers team, exposing me to different areas of the energy sector and project management. It encourages growth through qualifications like the Project Fundamentals Qualification, cohort development workshops, and practical on-site learning that builds technical skills, communication and networking.

What are some of the key challenges you’ve faced in your role, and how did you overcome them?

As I’m still in the early stages of the graduate programme, I haven’t encountered any major challenges yet. One of the initial adjustments, however, has been transitioning from university into a professional working environment. Learning how projects operate in practice and understanding the pace of delivery have been valuable experiences. I’ve bridged the gap between theory and practice through research, asking questions, and taking an active part in project meetings, which has helped me adapt quickly.

What is the biggest lesson you've learned on the graduate scheme?

The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far on the graduate scheme is the importance of being proactive and open to learning from others. Joining a new organisation and sector is a learning curve, but I’ve realised how valuable it is to ask questions, seek feedback, and take initiative in developing my understanding.

What is your advice for any university student who’s interested in applying for a graduate programme at M Group?

My advice to any student interested in applying for M Group would be to really showcase your enthusiasm for the industry. First of all, it’s a good idea to research the different divisions within Group to understand where your interests align. M Group values new ideas, collaboration, and commitment to achieving goals successfully, so demonstrating these qualities in your application will help you stand out. More than that, I have found being inquisitive, confident and open when presenting yourself bodes well in both the application process and within the graduate role. The scheme offers a range of sector experience, professional development, and exposure to real projects, so it’s a fantastic place to start your career if you’re eager to grow and make a positive impact, so let this drive you to succeed in your application.