Meet Pranav, a Hardware Engineering Graduate

What is your name and what did you study at University?

My name is Pranav Pathiyarappattu, and I studied BEng Electrical and Electronic Engineering at Teesside University, where I graduated with First Class Honours and received few awards from the Institute of Engineering Technology (IET 2024) and Cleveland Scientific Institution. 

What activities did you undertake at University that helped you in your working life? What skills did you learn?

At university, playing for the Teesside University cricket team and serving as an IET Student Ambassador greatly enhanced my professional development. Cricket taught me teamwork, leadership, and communication, while the ambassador role developed my networking and public speaking skills. Engaging with peers and industry professionals boosted my confidence and ability to represent others effectively, significantly sharpening my collaboration and communication skills for my engineering career.

What appealed to you about working at Ocado Group on the graduate programme?

What appealed to me about joining Ocado Group's graduate programme was the company’s commitment to innovation and cutting-edge technology, positioning it as one of the global leaders in automation. The opportunity to work on groundbreaking projects in such a fast-paced environment excited me, as I believe it's the best way to kick-start my career. Aligning with Ocado Technology’s ultimate goal of revolutionising the warehouse operations/grocery sector through automation and efficiency resonates deeply with my aspiration to create impactful engineering solutions that benefit society.

What does your job entail?

As a Graduate Project Manager, my role involves overseeing the execution of hardware engineering projects from start to finish. I collaborate closely with various teams to ensure we meet our objectives and timelines. My previous experience as a Reliability Engineer intern is invaluable in this position; I learned the significance of engineering decisions and how engineering changes affect a project in terms of supply chain, budget, logistics, etc. I focus on facilitating communication between team members, helping to brainstorm solutions, and ensuring everyone stays aligned on our goals. It’s a dynamic role that allows me to blend my technical knowledge with project management skills, making each day both challenging and rewarding.

What has been a key achievement/stand out moment so far?

In my first month as a project manager, I was able to allocate, procure and organise the logistics of an ocado product which is needed by various teams to test and validate its integrated functionality in a Customer Fulfilment Centre. These activities align with the Ocado goal of launching a new CFC.

During my internship, I was able to find the root cause of an electrical problem that was causing many errors/downtime to the bots in sites. This work eventually led to changes being made and thus reduction of the operating costs of the bots. Further, I was also the Emerging Talent Spotlight award runner up in May 2023.

What tips would you give to a student or graduate interested in the graduate programme?

For students or graduates considering the graduate programme, I recommend being proactive in seeking opportunities to learn and contribute. Embrace challenges as they arise and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Networking with colleagues and getting involved in team projects can provide valuable insights and experiences. “It's encouraged to ask a foolish question than being silent and inactive”.

How supported do you feel in terms of your personal development at Ocado? (ie. do you have the resources and support you need to develop your career)

At Ocado, I feel highly supported in my personal development. The Future Leaders programme organised by Emerging Talent focuses on enhancing soft skills, which I feel is very useful in terms of personal development. Additionally, team training sessions and workshops within the specific team provide excellent opportunities to develop relevant technical skills. This nurturing environment truly fosters both my personal and professional growth, helping me to become a more well-rounded engineer.

How do you feel the programme is enabling you to grow professionally?

The programme is significantly enhancing my professional growth. My internship greatly boosted my hands-on engineering skills, allowing me to tackle practical challenges effectively. Now, in my project management rotation, I’m gaining valuable skills in leadership, communication, and strategic planning. With three more rotations ahead, I’m excited about the diverse experiences I’ll have across different teams. The exposure to various areas of the business is fantastic and will provide me with a well-rounded understanding of the industry, further accelerating my development as an engineer.

What's one thing you now know/ like about Ocado that you didn't expect before you started?

Before starting at Ocado, I thought work-life balance was a myth and worried that work might become unenjoyable over time. However, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by how welcoming and inclusive the company is. Ocado places a strong emphasis on employee well-being, and there are various communities that allow us to connect socially over shared interests like hiking and cricket. This focus on balance and community has made my experience here far more enjoyable than I anticipated.