Describe your role and how long have you worked at Telent?
I’m Drishti and I’m a Graduate Project Manager at Telent, I'm currently working within the Railway department. I’ve been with Telent for about 16 months and I’m on my third rotation of the graduate scheme, so I’m nearing the end of the programme.
What was your background before starting at Telent?
I got a first in Business Management and during my time at university, I completed a Project Management module and knew that it was something I wanted to get into.
What inspired you to apply for Telent?
With lots of the other grad schemes I’d seen, they didn’t offer the opportunity to rotate across departments like Telent’s grad scheme does. I’ve worked across Network Services and Railway, but I could also go into things like Asset Management, which creates for a varied workload. You also get lots of training and exposure to other areas of the business.
Besides my current role, I’m also part of the ED&I group, a Mental Health Champion and CSR body. This gives me the option to not only advance in my project area, but to also gain other skills on the side - other companies just didn’t seem to offer this. Also, Telent offers pay reviews every 6-months during the graduate programme, which is great!
Can you tell us a bit more about the rotations you’ve completed and what’s to come?
My first two rotations were in Network Services, but working on completely different projects. They were really big projects which meant I gained huge exposure. I’m now working in Rail and it gives me a totally different perspective on how we help across these projects. I also got PTS training to be able to go track-side which was really exciting. Across the rotations, I’ve been able to see totally different stages and life cycles of projects at Telent.
What are the biggest learnings?
The importance of networking with people on your project is crucial. Once you build a good relationship, regardless of whether you stay in that department or not, you’re able to grow your network. It makes working as a team so much easier and to get things done.
What does your day to day look like?
Every day is different, but even more so when I look back across the projects I’ve worked on. In my current project in Rail, I’m ensuring clients are kept up to date, whether that be daily or weekly, about the work that’s been completed so far; ensuring all the materials have all been ordered and they’re ready for the upcoming work; and issuing documents to clients, whether that’s early warning notices, shift reports or change requests.
What is the most interesting thing about the industry?
The opportunities that are available. Within project management, every project is totally different and enables you to learn a totally new set of skills. I never expected to be involved in the huge projects that I have been involved in, so it’s really interesting and you learn so much from each one.
How would you describe the company culture?
Starting work after uni is really scary, you don’t know what to expect. But coming in through the graduate programme is such a great place to start. When you first join, you’ll join alongside the fellow grads so you’re all in it together and can build the relationships with them and it helps you feel more comfortable. Once you meet your project team, everyone makes an effort to get to know you, ensure you’re comfortable and supports you throughout your experience. There’s also lots of team building activities - every project/team will be different, but whether it’s monthly or quarterly there is an effort to ensure you’re building the relationships outside work. Also, all the graduates tend to organise additional socials, which just builds on your support system and relationships at the firm.
All of my managers have also been incredibly supportive and truly care about my wellbeing, which has been apparent throughout my projects.
What is Telent doing in the DEIB space?
We have monthly ED&I group meetings to discuss everything that is going on at Telent. WE have various communities at Telent that everyone is free to join. These include Pride, Black Professionals, Neurodiversity, Menopause and the Armed Forces community. These communities help to create a safe space and an opportunity for people to open up. We also have Mental Health Champions to ensure everyone can confidentially reach out to you to ensure they feel comfortable to speak if they need help or advice.
Any tips for other members considering project management at Telent?
If you get the opportunity, just take it and go all in! Every opportunity will help you to build up your future career path. You’ll even have the chance to gain additional qualifications on the grad scheme which will help to shape your future.