Building a solid foundation as an RSK graduate

Graduate Anand Suresh is about to embark on his second placement at RSK but, before he does, he’s taking the time to reflect on his first eight months with the group.

When he first joined Richard Allitt Associates (RAA) in November, Anand had little knowledge of the water industry – his background was in civil engineering and construction. However, thanks to the company’s approach to on-the-job learning and the support of his colleagues, his confidence has grown.

Anand has continued to develop throughout his time at the company and leaves with a wealth of practical experience.

My time at the business has been transformative. I’ve gained practical experience, developed technical skills and built a strong professional network. I will take away a deeper understanding of the water industry’s challenges and the knowledge that I can contribute effectively to solving these issues.

None of what I’ve achieved would have been possible without the unwavering support of my colleagues and the early careers team. Their guidance has been vital in helping me gain confidence, navigate challenges and seize learning opportunities.

Alongside my placement, I’ve had the privilege of engaging in several fantastic events through RSK that have significantly enriched my professional journey so far. The Chartered Institution of Water and Environmental Management (CIWEM) Urban Drainage Group training days were a phenomenal experience, offering cutting-edge insights into urban drainage innovations and providing invaluable networking opportunities with industry leaders.

I was also involved in facilitating the RSK Young Professionals networking event, which was incredibly rewarding. It gave me the chance to develop my leadership skills and help my peers build meaningful connections. In the coming months, more events are scheduled that will further enrich me both professionally and personally, and I can’t wait to continue representing RSK in the future.

During my next placement as a graduate project manager at CS2 Chartered Surveyors in Manchester, I want to build on my expertise in construction project management. The role aligns perfectly with my ambition to become a project manager, and I am eager to apply the skills and knowledge I have gained from my master’s in construction project management and from my bachelor’s in civil engineering in a professional setting.

Working on such diverse projects and gaining insights into project management is a particularly exciting opportunity, and I’m looking forward to getting started.