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

Shriya is a Chemical Engineering graduate from the University of Manchester. She secured a graduate role as a Graduate Nuclear Safety Specialist at Arcadis in London.  

First, please tell us a little bit about yourself.

“I’ve been passionate about chemistry, physics, mathematics and problem-solving, so I knew early on that engineering was the right path for me.

After taking the time to research the different branches of engineering, chemical engineering stood out to me for its variety of career opportunities and its strong connection to clean energy, a field that had always fascinated me growing up.

Attending university open days and learning more about the subject confirmed my decision, and I was confident that chemical engineering was the path I wanted to pursue.”

What motivated you to apply for your role?

“I’d always known Arcadis to be a leading global engineering company, and I was drawn to the idea of working for an organisation with opportunities to collaborate internationally and even work abroad.

The role of Nuclear Safety Specialist particularly appealed to me because of my long-standing interest in the clean energy sector.

In my final year, I chose the optional module of the nuclear fuel cycle, which I found fascinating and highly engaging. Studying this module confirmed my desire to pursue a career in the nuclear field. I feel incredibly fortunate that my application to Arcadis was successful and I am excited to begin working in an area I am passionate about.”

What was the application process like?

“The Arcadis application process was one of the smoothest I’ve experienced. Each stage was clearly explained and responses after every step were quick.

The highlight for me was the assessment centre, where the activities were both engaging and enjoyable, whilst also being run in an organised manner. I particularly appreciated the opportunity to connect with current graduates, which gave me valuable insight into the company’s culture.

The most surprising aspect was how relaxed and supportive the environment felt during the in-person final interview stage, which helped ease any nerves and allowed me to perform at my best.”

How did you prepare for your applications?

“At first, interviews felt daunting and intimidating, but after the first few they became easier, especially as I became more comfortable engaging with the interview panels.

With each application, my preparation improved as I made sure to take on board constructive feedback and apply it to perform better the next time.

After a couple of months, I refined my interview technique by thoroughly researching company values, familiarising myself with relevant projects, preparing examples for every type of behavioural question and having questions ready for the interviewers to demonstrate genuine interest.”

What have you learnt through the process?

“The process was certainly more challenging and time-consuming than I had anticipated, requiring a lot of organisation.

During this period, I learnt how to manage my time effectively, balancing multiple job applications alongside my dissertation, modules and extracurricular activities.

One particularly useful strategy was keeping an up-to-date spreadsheet of job openings and deadlines, along with the status of each application, which ensured I stayed on track and didn’t miss any opportunities!”

Tell us about the future. What’s next?

“I’m excited to contribute to projects that support safe and sustainable energy while building a strong technical foundation in nuclear safety. I also look forward to networking with specialists in the nuclear field, as I know I can learn a great deal from their expertise.

A key goal of mine is to become a Chartered Engineer, and I see this role as the ideal opportunity to gain the experience and competencies required. Over time, I hope to take on greater responsibility and have the chance to work on international projects.”