Megan's success story: Securing a graduate role at Arcadis

Megan is a Chemistry graduate from the University of Leeds. She secured a graduate role as a Graduate Nuclear Safety Consultant at Arcadis in Manchester.  

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

“After a non-traditional secondary education through homeschooling and a college experience disrupted by lockdown, I decided to apply to university to pursue a more formal education.

Chemistry was an obvious choice for me given its wide range of applications, pathways and opportunities, which allowed me to tailor my degree to reflect my passion for sustainability and the environment.

Growing up with a disabled mother made me deeply aware of the importance of safety, motivating me to work in a field where I can help protect and support others whilst contributing to the development of more sustainable practices in the nuclear industry.”

What motivated you to apply for the role?

“It was important to me when applying for any position that my values aligned with those of the company, which I found at Arcadis.

Arcadis is committed not only to achieving net zero and enhancing quality of life but also to valuing its employees through a strong focus on EDI&B (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging).”

What was your application journey like?

“Taking the time to fully research the role and the company allowed me to feel well prepared and confident throughout my application.

I found the online assessment centre particularly valuable as it gave me the opportunity to speak with current Arcadis graduates and learn more about their work and the company community.

I was most nervous about the interview stage, but I was immediately welcomed into the community and made to feel comfortable not only by my interviewers but also by others working at Arcadis.”

What have you learnt from going through the process?

“Before applying this year, I was unaware of how extensive graduate programme applications could be. Some roles involved up to six stages, which required a considerable amount of time alongside my studies.

I found that researching roles and starting my applications earlier in the academic year allowed me to better manage my workload and maintain a healthier balance with my degree.

Focusing on fewer high-quality applications in fields I was particularly interested in proved far more effective than spreading myself across too many roles, which quickly became overwhelming.”

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

“My advice would be to take full advantage of any resources and opportunities offered to you.

These can be excellent sources of knowledge and experience which can help guide and strengthen your applications.”

Tell us about the future. What’s next?

“I look forward to immersing myself in the community at Arcadis, working alongside like-minded people to create a more sustainable planet.

I am eager to learn from others in the GROW graduate programme, gaining new skills and progressing in my professional journey as a woman in STEM.”