In 2019, I graduated from Loughborough University with a degree in Sport Science and Management. Slightly unsure of the specific role I was looking for I applied for the Management Graduate role at Kier. The graduate scheme within Kier Utilities and Rail appealed to me as you have the opportunity to rotate across roles within the specific business unit, giving great exposure to a wide variety of roles and responsibilities.
My current role as a bid writer involves working with the team to produce written bid responses, presentations and supporting documentation for a variety of Utilities and Rail contracts. I also review and edit content for colleagues when required, ensuring our responses align with the individual bid strategies.
The thing I enjoy most about the graduate programme is that I am doing it with likeminded individuals, creating a small network of trusted people along the way. It’s nice to know you’re not in it alone and have people to rely on if needed!
We’ve just started our Leadership Development programme, working towards a Level 3 Diploma in Management. The course has been great so far and we have covered loads of content already, including effective communication, emotional intelligence and time management. I am excited to see how my leadership skills will develop as the course progresses.
It will always be daunting joining a large organisation like Kier Group, who are formed of different business units, teams and individuals. I guess it is almost like the first day of university all over again, however this time you have to hit the ground running, owning responsibilities and deadlines from the start.
Since my induction, the Kier Learning and Development team have only been a call or an email away if I’ve felt I needed support. They have acted as a great sounding board, helping with my career and professional development related queries along the way.
If you’re unsure of what’s next for you having graduated university, or know the area you want to work within but not the specific role, Kier’s graduate programme can be really beneficial in these aspects. The exposure you can gain from the programme, working within a multitude of teams and projects, provides a great platform and professional network to use when you want to progress into your chosen career at the end of the programme.
Remember to be your own unique self when you apply, there certainly isn’t one distinct mould that we all fit into.
