Ilaria Soriano

What was particularly good about the onboarding at CBG?

Support and knowledge sharing from my line manager and generally the other team members.

What support/mentor/buddy arrangements were put in place?

When one of the team members had a doubt or had learned something new, a team meeting was arranged straight away to share with the colleagues knowledge and solution/explanation to any doubt. This enabled us to learn from one another.

How has the structured training helped you to develop?

Projects assigned to me were selected based on what I needed to learn to progress towards a certification I was working on. A six month review of progress helped me keep on track of the work I had developed and gave me the opportunity to revise the plan, if needed.

How long have you been with the business?

2 years, 3 months.

Where has your career developed since starting as a Grad?

Within the 2 years since I started, I have obtained certification as On Construction Domestic Energy Assessor (OCDEA) and I have progressed to Sustainability Consultant.

What are your tips for a new Grad joining the business?

Set your career goals or certifications you want to achieve and work on that direction through the workload assigned to you. And never be afraid to ask, as colleagues at CBG are receptive and supportive.

What personal preparation would you suggest someone does before starting?

I prepared a presentation showing the content of my readings about the legislation and the software material related to the job. In my case, everything was new, as I was a graduate engineer in a different field than Sustainability. I think my attitude to learning was a key factor in my successful recruitment rather than my aptitude to the job.

What personal development or self-guided learning would you recommend someone do once they start?

In my case, reading from the CIBSE Journal and website, free online courses about Sketchup and IESVE helped me acquire knowledge in the field and mastery of the software I use on a daily basis.

Example of any challenges you had and how you were supported to overcome them during your early career stages at CBG.

The initial challenge for me was the fast pace of the workload and delivery. At the beginning, my line manager ensured I could take the time I needed to deliver my job so I could feel confident about the work produced. By doing so, I grew in knowledge and confidence, and I soon reached the pace of the more experienced colleagues.