2026 UK Graduate Economist Career Path

At Mott MacDonald, we believe in creating lasting, positive impact through collaboration, integrity, and innovation. Our economics team is at the heart of this mission - supporting clients and colleagues across the business with insightful analysis, strategic advisory services, and evidence-based decision-making that helps shape policy and transform communities.

As our team continues to grow rapidly, we’re looking for a curious, analytical, and results-driven individual who is passionate about achieving meaningful results.

What You’ll Be Doing

You’ll work on a diverse portfolio of UK projects that influence infrastructure investment. From assessing economic impact to shaping infrastructure projects, your work will help deliver real-world change.

Key areas of focus include:

• Economic appraisals and cost benefit analysis

• Five-case model business cases

• Green Finance

• Economic Modelling

Your responsibilities will grow with you and may include:

• Supporting and eventually leading projects, with guidance from experienced mentors

• Learning the commercial and technical aspects of consultancy

• Contributing to business development and identifying new opportunities

• Collaborating across disciplines and teams to deliver impactful solutions

Why Join Us?

• Growth & Development: We invest in your potential. You’ll gain hands-on experience, receive tailored support, and have access to continuous learning opportunities.

• Teamwork & Inclusion: We celebrate diversity and foster a culture of respect, collaboration, and belonging. Your voice matters here.

• Trust & Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of professionalism and ethics in everything we do.

• Wellbeing & Support: Your wellbeing is our priority. We offer adaptable working, mental health support, and a caring environment.

• Purpose & Impact: Your work will help shape better outcomes for society -supporting sustainable development, inclusive growth, and resilient communities.

Candidate Specification:

At Mott MacDonald, we’re looking for curious, motivated graduates who want to stretch their learning beyond their degree to tackle real world economic problems. Join our purpose-driven teams where your ideas matter, your growth is supported, and your work enhances the world we live in.

To be eligible for this opportunity, you will have some relevant experience (excluding placements) and have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree (obtained no earlier than 2024) or expected to achieve one of the following degree disciplines: 

• Economics

• Mathematics

• Economic development

• Accounting

• Finance

• Geography

We are ideally looking for candidates with the following knowledge or experience:

• Studied a module on economic appraisal/business cases/cost benefit analysis or have specifically studied an accounting module.

• Experience in using excel or another IT application to model an economic or financial problem.

In your application, you should aim to demonstrate your genuine interest in both the opportunity and in joining Mott MacDonald. You can do this by highlighting any relevant experience or interests - such as modules you've studied, previous work experience, or any research you've undertaken about our company, values, and projects.

We personally review every completed application form we receive as this part of our selection process is entirely human led – we do not use AI tools at this stage and kindly expect you not to either. We want you to answer each application question with authenticity so we can get to know the real you. Joining us as a graduate is your opportunity to shape your own story.

We are looking for graduates with the following strengths:

• Proactively takes initiative to complete tasks efficiently and independently.

• Communicates effectively and clearly with clients and colleagues.

• Delivers high quality written work with great attention to detail and clarity.

• Demonstrates a structured and analytical approach to problem solving.

As we want the best people for the role, we support adaptable working.  Please ask us at interview stage about any adaptability you may need.

Mott MacDonald Ltd. is not able to provide visa sponsorship through the UK Skilled Worker route at this time. This is due to changes made by the UK Government in April 2024.

Our ethos is to develop, train and retain our graduates and therefore we are looking for a long-term relationship with our graduates.

We continue to welcome applications from candidates who are eligible for alternative immigration routes in the UK, that do not require sponsorship as a Skilled Worker now or in future.

About your development

A graduate position should be more than just a job. We know this and so do you. That’s why with our graduate roles we aim to give you the experience and technical knowledge you need to progress your career. From the moment you join us, you’ll receive the training you need. You will be assigned a mentor, who will guide you to meet the objectives of your professional training needs. You will join our three-year early careers soft skills development programme – Accelerating your Future, which is designed to give you the skills and tools necessary for a long-lasting successful career here at Mott MacDonald.

You will have the opportunity to make a difference; learn more about Our Purpose and the difference we can make! 

You’re probably wondering what else is on offer. Join us, and you’ll get:

• Biannual salary reviews: we believe that hard work should be rewarded and recognised. Therefore, for the first three years of your career with us, you’ll have biannual salary reviews.

• A competitive salary: in addition to biannual reviews, we will ensure that you’re given a salary that matches the current industry standard.

• Contributory pension up to 7% of your salary: we have the best people on our team, and we like to look out for them. With our support, you’ll have all the advice and options you need to be able to invest in your future.

• An adaptable benefits scheme: our company is made up of a range of different people and we understand that different people want different things. That’s why with our adaptable plan, you’ll have the ability to manage the range of benefits we have on offer, to suit your specific needs.

Our social side

Being part of Mott MacDonald means more than just work; there’s a huge range of fun and exciting things that you can get involved in. 

From the moment you join us, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your social and professional network, whether it’s meeting other graduates or joining forces with other members of staff from around the company at our annual sports day. Each of our offices have a sports and social committee which will give you the chance to be part of a variety of sports, social and charity events. We’re committed to promoting a solid culture of social responsibility and encourage our staff to play active roles in the local community.

It's worth noting that sports and social committees tend to vary from office to office, so as well as getting involved in what’s already on offer, don’t be afraid to suggest new events or initiatives that you think could be a great addition. It doesn’t stop there. As well as events, you’ll also have access to discounts on cinema tickets, travel, fashion, utilities and much more as part of our company benefits which you can take advantage of the moment you join. 

Equality, diversity and inclusion

We put equality, diversity and inclusion at the heart of our business, seeking to promote fair employment procedures and practices to ensure equal opportunities for all. We encourage individual expression in our workplace and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels they have the opportunity to contribute.

Agile working

At Mott MacDonald, we believe it makes business sense for you and your manager to choose how you can work most effectively to meet your client, team and personal commitments. We embrace agility, adaptability and trust.

More about Mott MacDonald

We’re a global engineering, management and development consultancy.

Our purpose is to improve society by considering social outcomes in everything we do, relentlessly focusing on excellence and digital innovation, transforming our clients’ businesses, our communities and employee opportunities.

A fundamental part of this is respecting each person’s differences and striving to meet their needs.

Our values: progress, respect, integrity, drive, excellence.