Graduating with a BEng in Mechanical Engineering and an MSc in Advanced Materials Science & Engineering from Loughborough University, Mathew joined TNEI as a Graduate Consultant within the Environment and Engineering team in May 2023. He uses his skills working on primarily acoustic projects involving wind farm noise.
What made you apply for a Graduate Consultant role at TNEI?
As someone who is just starting their career, a job role that offered both good exposure and opportunities for growth was vital. With TNEI being a small yet highly experienced consultancy, the level of involvement I could expect was second to none, and coupled with the nature of working as a consultant meant a very well-rounded introduction to the renewable energy industry.
How would you sum up your role as a graduate consultant?
My role as graduate consultant within the Environment and Engineering team has been one of constant learning. The field of acoustics and its application in renewable energy is a particularly niche area, so many aspects of the job were a novelty. Thanks to the team’s experience though, the integration has been smooth, the learning curve is manageable, and as a result it has allowed me to play an active role where my input is valued, despite being an entry position.
What skills have you learned/developed since joining?
A major part of working as a consultant is time management. Workload can vary on a weekly basis, so evaluating your schedule and work capacity is a continuous practice. Thus, it is a skill I am always developing.
No project is the same, where some may be similar, others are entirely different. Having to adapt to the uniqueness of each development has been both enjoyable and challenging. Experiencing multiple facets in renewable energy has been a key factor in facilitating my progression as a professional.
Did you have any concerns about the job before you started?
Prior to joining TNEI, I was unsure on how long it would take to fit in with the team. However, upon starting my concerns swiftly dispersed as TNEI were very welcoming as a company, with both social occasions and travel between offices arranged, introduction to colleagues outside of work helped new starters, such as myself, settle into the role.
What is the best thing about working for TNEI?
Company culture. The work environment that TNEI has nurtured over the years is an amalgamation of friendliness, professionalism, and integrity, which I quickly came to appreciate and recognise as an intrinsic quality for why I look forward to working in the office each week.
How often do you engage with clients?
I have engaged with clients on numerous occasions now, and it is something that will increase with time. Through emails and client calls, I have been involved both directly and indirectly, whether that be for exposure or productive purposes, the process has felt natural.
Is there anything that has surprised you?
A particular avenue that being a graduate consultant in the Noise & Shadow Flicker team offers is site visits. Although I was aware of the obligation to conduct this type of work, I have come to be grateful for these excursions and the change it brings to what would otherwise be a full-time office job. As an example, I had the opportunity to visit the Isle of Skye, twice.
Inspired? Take a look at our Current Vacancies for details on our current Graduate Consultant roles and for more information on how to apply.
