Meet Shauna, a Graduate Economist

What is your role at AECOM?

I am currently working as Graduate Economist within Transportation Planning in Ireland. My role involves dynamic and ever-evolving responsibilities, driven by a diverse set of projects undertaken by my team. These projects encompass a wide range of tasks, such as developing reports for infrastructure projects, conducting economic analyses, contributing to planning and public realm projects as well as transport appraisal work. As a recent graduate, I actively collaborate with my team members, working on our ongoing projects to gain valuable experience, refine my skills and broaden my exposure within the economics discipline.

How long have you worked for AECOM?

I joined AECOM as a graduate in September 2023 following my internship.

What do you like most about working for AECOM?

My favourite aspect of working with AECOM is the understanding of the importance of work-life balance. As long as I complete my tasks, I have the freedom to shape my workweek around my needs. It’s about finding a good balance between work and personal life, and AECOM supports me in achieving that.

How has AECOM helped you in your career development?

Everyone in my team has been really supportive about what skills I want to progress and what areas of projects I enjoy taking part in. I feel supported by both my team and senior managers in my choice of career development and the pathways I would like to take in the future.

How do you find hybrid working works for you – what benefits do you get from office working, site working, and home working?

Hybrid working works for me as I can plan around my schedule on a week-to-week basis. I often like to visit friends and family around Ireland and the freedom to grow/hybrid working allows me to have that flexibility to work remotely when I need to. When I can, I really enjoy going to the office as I feel it allows me to learn more when other team members are nearby. From being in the office I feel more clued in, accomplished, and get to spend time with the other graduates in my office.

What has been your favourite project to work on at AECOM?

My favourite projects to work on in AECOM is being involved in urban design and public realm projects. Although transportation plays a significant role in my work, as an economist, I can also contribute socio-economic insights to public realm initiatives. It's great to collaborate in a multidisciplinary team comprising of architects, planners and civil engineers. This opportunity to measure and assess the socio-economic costs and benefits associated with a chosen scheme is both engaging and an area I would like to continue to work on in the future.

What have you gained from working at AECOM?

I have gained confidence from working in AECOM. I have been able to gain real-time experience working on projects from start to finish as well as helping me gain insight into what type of work I would like to pursue in the future.

What advice do you have for any prospective candidates?

Be vocal about what you’re interested in and what types of projects you would like to work on.