Mace Group |

My name is Raj. I am currently on the graduate scheme at Mace in the project management - consult sector.

Mace is one the global leaders in consultancy and construction. I always had a desire to work for a company that is the top of its industry. During my master’s degree at university, I was lucky enough to be working at Mace part time where I was working on the East Bank project at Stratford Waterfront. Before I began working here, I had very little knowledge of the construction. Through working here, I learnt and developed so much. My colleagues on this project were the most important in helping me to grow. The people at Mace are key drivers in the personal development of yourself, they are the best at what they do in the industry. The team there always encouraged to step out of my comfort zone and try new things which has helped me massively. Now that I have started full time at Mace, the experience I gained beforehand has allowed me to settle in well and I hope to work off this experience to progress. No matter what I asked or how many questions I had, the team always answered them well and the response I received every time helped to better my knowledge of construction in general and specific things to the project. Every individual in the team always took time out of their busy days to help me when I had difficulties completing the work and to give an insight into some things that they were working to help me broaden my understanding.

The recruitment was excellent. The process was clear, and it was easy to understand what was happening and what was expected. The group tasks allowed everyone to collaborate and complete tasks with the Mace way being at the forefront of thought. The 1 to 1 interview seemed daunting at first, but as the interview went on it felt like a normal conversation and the interviewer was very kind and helpful.

A benefit that stands out when it comes to working for Mace is that Mace is diverse and has a global presence. You are not restricted in terms of options. There are opportunities to work in different sectors and to also work all around the world. Opportunities like this being available can enhance careers and helps Mace to grow bigger and bigger.

My role is managing and analysing the commercial and often contractual elements of any construction work carried out on a project right from start to finish. My day-to-day activities do vary, but I tend to focus on coordinating with colleagues, subcontractors, and the client team to procure the various work packages, valuing the work that subcontractors carry out on site, raising payments and reporting any financial information to the Client and other senior management within Mace.

So far, my role within Mace has been very rewarding. Starting within the company as a university graduate has involved a lot of hands-on learning and in all honesty, it’s a very different kind of learning from the theoretical aspect of attending university. But that is what makes me love this role. No two days are the same and every day has given me an opportunity to learn something invaluable that may not have been covered in a uni lecture. I also work with a very supportive project team who will never hesitate to take time out from their schedule and help me learn anything I don’t know about, improving my knowledge not only commercially, but from many other aspects of construction.

I personally believe working within the Major Projects business unit is one of the best places to start your career in within Mace. I’m working on a project called EDGE London Bridge, a 28-storey commercial office tower block opposite London Bridge station. This is a very special project to be involved in, as our client is highly enthusiastic about promoting sustainability within the building though reducing the level of carbon used in construction and operation. This means that the project will not only look great once it’s complete, but it will be one of the most sustainable office buildings located within the area. Pretty cool right?

The best thing about Major Projects is that this is just one of many unique and high-level projects you could be involved in, across London. Another example is one of my favourite projects, the Shard (which is literally right next door to EDGE London Bridge!), the tallest building in the UK and one of the tallest buildings in Europe. Major Projects tend to deliver very large-scale buildings, so it’s amazing just to even see such buildings take shape and know that you were a part of the delivery team that made it a success for the client. I know that’s how I will be feeling once the EDGE project is completed!

I chose to apply to Mace because of the measures they are taking to fight the climate crisis, including becoming a carbon neutral business and continuing reduction of carbon emissions since then. Also, the commitment of Mace to being innovators in this field, not only in the pursuit of a sustainable world but also with the dedication to safety in a high-risk industry.