Amaan's success story: Securing a graduate role at Mott Macdonald

Amaan is studied an undergraduate degree in Politics at the University of Warwick, before completing a Quantity Surveying master's degree at Birmingham City University. He secured a Graduate Quantity Surveyor role at Mott Macdonald in Birmingham, through Bright Network.  

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself. 

“I completed my undergraduate degree in Politics at the University of Warwick and achieved my postgraduate degree in Quantity Surveying at Birmingham City University. There was a point when university wasn’t even on the cards for me as I struggled at school, but through the support of my great uncle I was able to do much better and secure a place at my local college to complete my A levels.

During university and internships I faced a great deal of challenges because it was my first exposure to an environment that I was not used to, but I adapted. I believe my educational journey reflects who I am – someone who refuses to give up when faced with adversity and challenges.”

What motivated you to apply for your role?

“What motivated me to apply for the role at Mott MacDonald is their forward-thinking and innovative nature.

It was important for me to work for a company that prizes innovation because being part of a culture like this means having the opportunity to take on new challenges and being encouraged to explore new technologies such as AI-based tools. This allows for meaningful opportunities to grow as a Quantity Surveyor.”

What was the application process like?

“The application process was quite linear. It started with submitting my CV and completing various online assessments before being invited to a final-stage interview.

There were a few surprises during the final interview as some of the questions were difficult to prepare for and tested your ability to communicate and think critically on the spot.”

How did you prepare for your application?

“I prepared by learning a lot about the company. Many of the questions asked during interviews were centred on the company’s values.

I identified how my CV and work experience aligned with Mott MacDonald’s values and made sure I had a STAR example in mind for each of them.

I also researched the role, how it operates within the company, along with industry trends, so that I was best prepared for technically based questions.”

How did Bright Network help you secure your role?

“Bright Network was advertising the role that I eventually secured with Mott MacDonald.

Throughout the application process, I used Bright Network as a guide to understand what was required of a successful applicant in a construction-related role.

This was particularly important to me because I had only just begun my MSc in Quantity Surveying and did not have much understanding of what was needed for a successful application.”

What are you most proud of about your journey?

“One of the hardest challenges I faced was navigating the different opportunities available at university such as spring weeks and internships. I remember the confusion I felt during the first week of my undergraduate degree when I was asked if I’d started applying for spring weeks.

Coming from a state school outside London meant I had little interaction with the corporate world and as a result had no knowledge of that side of things, which immediately made me feel at a disadvantage compared with my peers.

I asked myself, ‘How do I overcome this barrier?’ and leant on resources like Bright Network, which provided me with insights into the different career paths available. It was Bright Network that introduced me to a career in construction, which meant I was much better equipped when I went on to pursue my master’s in Quantity Surveying.”

What are your tips for people looking to follow in your footsteps?

“One of my biggest pieces of advice is to take every opportunity that comes your way. I developed a lot of my experience through voluntary activities. For example, my participation in Bright Network’s Internship Experience UK in 2022 contributed to me getting a Civil Service internship later on.

My second piece of advice is to take risks. I came from a Politics background and decided to do a conversion course to become a Quantity Surveyor, which is more of an engineering-based role.

I had no previous experience or educational background in Maths or Science beyond compulsory GCSEs, so my profile before conversion was geared towards a career in management consultancy or the public sector. But I still decided to take the leap into Quantity Surveying, and it paid off!”

Tell us about the future. What’s next?

“I’m most looking forward to working on major construction projects and seeing all the challenges that emerge from them.

I hope to build up my experience over the next two years to develop the competency to undertake the APC, with a view to becoming chartered with RICS.”