Meet Isabella, a Waste Management Graduate

Location: Bristol

Sector/Business unit: Nuclear

My graduate programme, why I chose it and why I chose Babcock:

I’m currently on the Waste Management Graduate Programme with Cavendish Nuclear, part of Babcock International Group. I chose this path because it offers fantastic opportunities for my professional development and career growth. The programme is structured with rotations that let you explore different areas of the business, receive mentorship, and work on diverse projects. This variety helps me build a strong foundation for my future career.

One of the big reasons I chose Babcock is the chance to work on sustainable energy solutions and environmental protection. This aligns perfectly with my interests and the knowledge I gained during my undergraduate and master’s degrees.

My favourite part of the programme:

The best part of the programme has been the opportunity to explore different placements within Babcock. Each rotation gives me a comprehensive learning experience, exposing me to various aspects of the organisation. This helps me understand its operations, challenges, and opportunities while working with different colleagues. Through these placements, I’ve discovered my strengths, interests, and areas for development, making my journey dynamic and rewarding.

My most rewarding project/experience:
The most rewarding experience so far has been taking ownership of a project to optimise future waste arisings. Being given the freedom to manage this project and the associated documentation was incredibly encouraging. It allowed me to improve my technical report writing skills and gain experience dealing with stakeholders. This project taught me a lot about waste management and helped me become more comfortable navigating complex situations. It’s been a pivotal moment in my personal and professional growth.

My work-life balance:

Babcock prioritises my work-life balance and provides a supportive environment. As part of the graduate programme, initiatives like the Gen Healthy Minds workshops equip us with essential skills such as stress management and digital productivity, which are vital for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. These workshops not only enhance our professional competencies but also support our personal well-being. Furthermore, Babcock’s managerial ethos emphasises understanding and promoting a healthy work-life balance.

My development:

When you join Babcock, you are assigned a manager who remains with you throughout the graduate programme for consistent support. Each placement also provides a specific placement line manager for targeted guidance. Additionally, you get a mentor for developmental support and a buddy, usually someone in their second year of the graduate programme, to help with any programme-specific questions. This structure ensures you have all the support you need to succeed.