National Graduate Week: Billy, Graduate Project Manager

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

I am a Graduate Project Manager and currently I am focussing on early site work such as surveys, tracking what has been completed and determining what needs doing.

What projects are you currently working on now?

I’m split across two for Yorkshire Water, the North East Storm Overflow Programme (NESOP) and the Yorkshire Storm Alliance (YSA), covering all corners of Yorkshire.

What do you like best about working at M Group?

What I like best about working at M Group is the supportive environment, everyone helps you improve. Coming in with no experience in the water industry, I’ve felt fully supported by my team, who have taken the time to explain the different parts of the network and how they work together. 

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

M Group graduate programme introduces you to concepts and responsibilities you may not have experienced before.  It has given me the chance to network with other graduates, build connections across the organisation, and share different perspectives on our experiences. 

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

Coming into an experienced team as a graduate who had minimal knowledge on the industry was daunting at the start of my journey. However, I found that through asking for help and advice on certain matters helped me to integrate as well as us gaining an understanding of each other.

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

Have a can do attitude and say yes to any opportunities that present themselves to you. I have learned more by saying yes than I ever did in a university classroom just through leaning on the experience of others on site around me and by asking questions. Once more, the culture at M Group fosters a team working culture and people are more than happy to answer questions to help you improve your understanding.

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

I’d simply say to go for it! It is a fantastic scheme which encourages you and pushes to you progress both personally and professionally. The scheme is structured to make sure you can gain and develop all the skills you need to be successful over the two years and beyond, and so far I’ve thoroughly enjoyed it.