Meet Anderson, Mechanical Engineering Graduate

One memorable example was when they called me on 28 December during the Christmas break to inform me of a change in the video interview deadline, which allowed me to complete it on time.

The job description was clear and easy to understand, and I’m pleased to say that my experience as a Graduate Mechanical Engineer has matched those expectations. The scheme is well-organised and offers a great deal of flexibility, which I particularly value as a graduate in the Engineering Services function. I’ve had the freedom to shape my own development -choosing placements that align with my interests and reaching out to different disciplines during business familiarisation to better understand their roles. This level of autonomy has made my experience even more rewarding.

This may sound like a textbook answer, but honestly, every day is different for me - and I think that’s because I’ve actively signed up for a variety of opportunities within the graduate scheme.

I’ve taken part in the DICE challenge, volunteered as a Graduate Buddy, helped out at career events, and supported Year 12 work experience programmes. I’ve also attended industry events like the Route Services Conference and Rail Live to deepen my understanding of innovation inhe rail sector.

On a typical non-travel day, I usually start by reviewing my C2A notes from the previous day and checking my calendar. I respond to emails and messages, then focus on progressing my C2A work and preparing for any meetings I have scheduled. As a graduate, I’m constantly exposed to new learning opportunities, so I always keep my notebook close to capture insights and record them in my CPD.

The variety and flexibility of the scheme - especially within the Engineering Services function - means I’m able to shape my own experience, which keeps each day engaging and rewarding.

The flexibility of the graduate scheme has played a big role in helping me develop a wide range of skills - especially my presentation skills. Over the past 10 months, I’ve had numerous opportunities to present, including one particularly busy week where I delivered three presentations. These experiences have helped me become more confident and adaptable when speaking to different audiences.

For example, during my placement, I was tasked with identifying the top 10 Route Services buildings and facilities to prioritise for decarbonisation. My host manager wasn’t from an engineering background, so I had to explain technical concepts in a clear and accessible way.

That experience really strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas effectively.

Beyond presentations, I’ve also developed key interpersonal skills such as communication, stakeholder management, active listening, and time management. These have been enhanced through my involvement in various initiatives like the DICE Challenge, Graduate Buddies, and volunteering at career events.

On the technical side, I’ve learned how to write business cases and investment papers through both my placement and the DICE Challenge. I’ve also deepened my understanding of track engineering through technical training and by spending time with different track-related disciplines.

I’ve had the opportunity to work on both engineering and non-engineering projects, which has made my graduate experience really diverse and rewarding.

On the engineering side, one of my early projects - just three months into the scheme - involved supporting a waterproofing test for a rail temperature sensor. This sensor was developed in- house to help manage critical rail temperatures, and it needed to withstand the unpredictable British weather. I helped simulate real-life conditions, captured data, assisted with assembling the sensor housing, and wrote the final test report.

I also worked on a decarbonisation delivery project during my first placement. This involved researching renewable energy options for 25kV Overhead Line Equipment and fleet assets, as well as identifying the top 10 buildings and facilities to prioritise for decarbonisation. I looked for quick-win opportunities to reduce carbon emissions, which aligned closely with my passion for environmental sustainability. I’ve also been exposed to engineering knowledge beyond my core mechanical background, which has broadened my perspective.

On the non-engineering side, I took part in the Digital Innovation for Collaboration in Engineering (DICE) Challenge, where our team focused on increasing the utilisation of volunteering leave at Network Rail. I acted as a data and financial analyst, helping to design an

AI-powered volunteering hub to streamline the application process. I also created a financial projection that included costs, benefits, ROI, and payback period, and summarised it all in a business case. This project helped me learn how to write a professional business proposal and sharpened my interpersonal skills - especially communication, stakeholder engagement, and collaboration.

Additionally, I co-organised a work experience week for Year 12 students, where I delivered two presentations on past railway incidents and delay minutes. The event received a 9.04 Experience Engagement Score, which was really encouraging.

I feel very fortunate to have a line manager who is incredibly supportive and encouraging. He’s been there for me through both the highs and lows, always offering guidance when I need it.

Thanks to his support, I’ve had the flexibility to shape my own graduate scheme schedule and explore disciplines that genuinely interest me. He’s also been very open to me taking on new opportunities and regularly checks in - both informally and through our monthly 1:1s - to make sure I’m managing my workload well and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Beyond that, the wider support network has been just as strong. The graduate scheme manager, my delivery coach, and my team have all been approachable and helpful, always ready to answer questions and support my development. I also have a mentor for my IMechE chartership, and we meet quarterly - alongside my delivery coach - to review my CPD records and quarterly reports. This structured support has been really valuable in helping me stay on track toward professional registration.

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced during the graduate scheme was learning how to handle difficult situations professionally. While working on a group project with other graduates, I encountered some unprofessional behaviour that affected the team dynamic and slowed our progress. I believe this was partly due to the fact that, for many of us, this was our first full-time role after university, and the transition into a professional environment can take time. The situation began to impact me personally, so I made the decision to escalate it and have a direct but respectful conversation with the individual involved. I explained how their behaviour was affecting me and the team, and we were able to address the issue constructively.

This experience taught me that not everything will go smoothly in a graduate scheme, but what matters is how you respond. I’m proud of how I handled it, and I’ve grown more confident in addressing challenges in a professional and solution-focused way.

I really enjoy working on projects related to sustainability, especially as they align with the vision of Control Period 7: simpler, better, and greener. I’m grateful to have been involved in decarbonisation delivery projects, as well as a track-related initiative involving a temperature sensor designed to improve the reliability of our railway system - both of which contribute to a more sustainable future.

Beyond engineering, I also find it fulfilling to help attract and inspire the next generation of railway talent. I’ve volunteered at three career events to promote opportunities in the rail industry to university students, co-organised a work experience week for Year 12 students, and supported the enhancement of graduate interview materials. These experiences have given me a real sense of purpose, knowing I’m contributing to the future of the railway - both through sustainability and by encouraging young people to join the industry.

Before joining Network Rail, I was a frequent train user and often experienced delays. One journey that stood out was when I was stuck between Birmingham International and Birmingham New Street for two hours due to a trespasser, which made me arrive at my destination four hours late. While many passengers were understandably frustrated, I found myself thinking: instead of just complaining, why not be part of the solution?

When I saw the graduate opportunity at Network Rail, I saw it as a chance to contribute to a more reliable railway network in the UK - and that’s what motivated me to apply.

Before joining, I had a common misconception that Network Rail owned and operated trains. I later learned that we actually own and manage the railway infrastructure, which is even more critical in ensuring the safe and efficient movement of people and goods. I also used to thinkdelays were simply down to poor planning, but now I understand the complexity of managing thousands of assets with limited resources. Seeing the dedication of so many people working hard behind the scenes to keep trains running has made me appreciate the system much more - and it’s inspired me to do my part in helping deliver on our vision of getting everyone home safe every day.

One of the most important things is to build self-awareness. Everyone is unique, and understanding your own strengths, weaknesses, and personal values can really help you stand out during the application and interview process. It’s also important to do your research.

Learn about the company - what they do, their values, current challenges, and areas of focus. Platforms like LinkedIn and your university’s alumni network are great ways to connect with people who work at Network Rail. Having a conversation with someone already in the organisation can give you valuable insights into the graduate scheme and what to expect.

Lastly, stay resilient. Rejection is part of the process, and I treated each one as a learning opportunity. I reflected on every unsuccessful application, which helped me improve and eventually led to a successful offer. Keep going - you’ll get there!

I found the application process quite challenging, especially because we were given about a week to complete each stage such as online assessments and video interviews after receiving the emails. That said, I really appreciated the professionalism of the recruitment team. A standout moment for me was when they called me just a couple of days after Christmas to inform me about a change in the video interview deadline, which gave me the chance to complete it on time.

The instructions for each stage were clear, so I always knew what to expect going into the assessment centre. The interviewers were also very friendly and created a relaxed atmosphere, which helped me feel more at ease. Overall, I had a very positive experience throughout the application process.