Reading time: 4 minsWhat made you choose this graduate scheme?
I chose to start my career in finance because I enjoyed the quantitative aspects of my Geography degree and wanted a role where I could apply those skills. However, I wasn't sure which area of finance to focus on, given the many specialized paths available. I found that NR's finance graduate scheme was ideal because it offers the opportunity to experience a wide range of financial roles, allowing me to discover where my strengths and interests lie.
Additionally, gaining real-world business exposure was crucial for building my business acumen and understanding how businesses should be managed. Finally, the scheme’s support in becoming chartered was important to me, as I knew further qualifications would be necessary to advance in this new field.
What does a typical day in the life look like?
A typical day depends on what stage you are at the in scheme and what placement you have. The first couple of months will be very structured getting to know the business through workshops, interviews and mini placements whilst studying towards the first level of CIMA. The next placement for 3 months is with Account services learning the fundamentals of accounting and operational side alongside the other grads. After that, there is more flexibility where to work and what placement to choose. It will tend to have meetings, business partnering, analysis work to undertake and typically 9-5 if you don’t need to revise!
How has the graduate scheme improved your skills?
The scheme has significantly developed my analytical, problem-solving, and project management skills. Through diverse experiences from working in the treasury team to a looking after a maintenance depot’s finances, I’ve learned to manage financial reporting, engage effectively with stakeholders, and adapt to challenges such as time pressures and data accuracy. The scheme has also enhanced my ability to collaborate across teams as Network Rails there are many different teams from engineers to project managers, ensuring informed decision-making and contributing to more accurate financial forecasting. Overall, it has equipped me with the confidence and expertise to handle complex financial tasks and drive successful outcomes.
What type of projects have you worked on so far?
During my finance graduate scheme, I’ve been in multiple projects from leading the creation of a Vehicle reporting pack to manage costs effectively at a maintenance depot and implemented a five-year budget plan teams within the teams I support. These projects involved analyzing cost drivers, designing budget templates, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. I collaborated with stakeholders to achieve best value for money and optimized budgeting processes by scrutinizing costs and phasing them appropriately.
What is the support like at Network Rail?
The support from NR I must say is one of the best, especially in terms of sitting your accountancy teams. From day one you have a line manager, placement manager and buddy so there is always someone to talk to and there is a dedicated team to ensure you are getting the most out the scheme which you don’t get in many other companies. Regarding exams, it can be stressful however NR gives you the best chance to pass as you are given study leave, college days and an excellent academic provider to teach you the content.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
Balancing work with revision, at uni you can schedule work around when you work best but working alongside means you don’t have as much flexibility. Adjusting takes some time but with 16 exams you will work it out!
What do you enjoy working on?
I definitely enjoy the Financial Analysis and Reporting aspect such as digging into data, analyzing cost variances, and ensuring accurate financial reporting. This is essential for making informed business decision and the reports you create are used by the senior finance members in your team which shows you really are contributing to the team. I also like engaging with various stakeholders as suits my personality so I like how I can understand and incorporate needs whilst creating reports- it adds a different aspect to the work.
What made you consider Network Rail? Did you have any misconceptions before you joined ?
I joined as an intern and didn’t know anything about the railway/ anyone who worked in it. I definitely didn’t understand the scale and cost of running the railways and all the different types of teams which work within NR. It’s big but it certainly doesn’t lack personality so don’t get put off by the size!
Do you have any advice for other people looking to apply for graduate schemes?
If you want to see where your finance path will take you NR’S grad scheme is a great place to start due to all the options and support you have. It’s a very seamless transition from uni to work and you get to learn so much about an industry which everyone knows about.
How did you find the application process?
As I joined as an intern, I did the summer placement application process but I felt supported and cared for the whole process.