First impressions and future hopes as an RSK graduate
Since October 2023, RSK’s new community of graduates has been working in businesses across the group. To find out more about their experience so far, we wanted to hear from the graduates themselves.
All will work at two RSK businesses over 18 months, and we’ll follow the journey of four as they develop in their roles and settle into life at RSK.
Apurva Jaiswar and Riccardo De Pantz are currently working at Advantage RSK and RSK Geosciences, respectively.
Having completed a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, then a master’s in construction project management, I applied to RSK for the graduate project management scheme. The group’s outlook on sustainable construction practices stood out from those of other organisations. I believe that the construction industry has an important role to play in influencing environmental practices;working for RSK gives me a central position from which to help drive that change.
I’m starting my RSK work at Advantage RSK, a construction consultancy service. As a project management graduate, I’ve relished being able to get hands-on experience in every aspect of the business. I’ve worked on everything from payment applications, compensation events and labour cost sheets to bills of quantities and contract administration.
Everyone has been very welcoming and understanding, and it feels like I’ve always been part of the team. Colleagues are always there to help me when I’m stuck or praise me when I do good work. I’m finding it hugely rewarding working here, and knowing I have RSK’s support in everything I do has such a positive impact on me. As the group is made up of more than 200 companies, I expected it to be difficult to connect with people in different businesses. However, I’ve been impressed at how connected the group is. It’s provided me with many learning opportunities and the chance to meet a variety of people.
I have certain professional and personal goals that I hope to accomplish by the end of my time with Advantage RSK. Professionally, I would like to complete my Association for Project Management (APM) accreditation and be able to advance my knowledge of construction project management. I would also like to increase and expand my network within the RSK community and contribute to it too.
I wanted to join RSK because it provides a wide range of services in different areas, including the environmental sector. As someone at the start of their career who has a deep interest in the environment and sustainability, I think it’s fantastic to be working for such an important industry player.
My work at RSK Geosciences has gotten off to a great start. I’ve visited client offices and a battery energy storage project, as well as shadowed colleagues on-site. So far, I’ve helped take soil samples from boreholes and undertaken gas and groundwater monitoring. I’ve been conducting groundwater monitoring independently since January and will soon start managing my own projects. I’m excited to be getting more involved. When I’ve not been on-site, I’ve been in the office writing reports, attending work social events and completing training, including a three-day first aid course, which I found very useful.
What I’m enjoying most is the variety of the tasks involved with the role and the hybrid nature of the job. It’s been great learning more about the technical aspects, particularly how to use tools and internal apps relevant to different tasks. My colleagues are really helpful, and I’m learning a lot from them on the job. I’m being supported by my line manager and have regular catch-up meetings with one of the graduate scheme coordinators to discuss how everything’s going and to ensure that my experience at RSK is as enjoyable as possible.
By the end of my time at RSK Geosciences, I hope to be confident and knowledgeable enough about the job in all its aspects so I can become a valuable member of the team. I also hope to use the skills I’ve gained to expand my career horizons and explore other lines of business.
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Advantage RSK
Advantage RSK, based in England and Scotland, was formed in 2022 to provide quantity surveying and commercial and project management services to the infrastructure, construction, oil and gas, pharmaceutical and renewables sectors. The consultancy consists of a vibrant, innovative team of chartered quantity surveyors and commercial management consultants.
Learn more about Advantage RSKRSK Geosciences
RSK Geosciences is the UK’s leading site investigation, contaminated land and geotechnical consultancy and has more than 25 years of experience. We help our clients to realise opportunities and manage the potential liabilities associated with the acquisition, ownership, operation, development and divestiture of land. We work for both the public and private sectors, including many of the UK’s leading property developers, major and local house builders, utility providers and main contractors, local authorities and other government organisations.
Learn more about RSK Geosciences