Megan

Megan's STORY

Graduate Operational Leadership Trainee, Anglian Water

Graduate Operational Leadership Trainee
Anglian Water

Megan studied Psychology at University of York before joining Anglian Water on their Graduate Operational Leadership programme.

Why did you choose Anglian Water?

It stood out to me as an exciting opportunity to do something a bit different to any of the career ideas I’d considered previously. The idea of working in operations, and getting to move around and do placements in different operational areas of Anglian Water struck me as a really valuable opportunity to gain wide-ranging knowledge and identify where my interests might lie. Another attractive factor was the opportunities for personal development throughout the scheme such as coaching and training to aid on the journey to operational leadership.

What do you like best about your job?

Definitely the huge variety of things I get to experience! I’ve loved spending time out with the work technicians understanding the work they do, and learning how sites such as our Water Recycling Centres function. Then on the other side of this attending meetings focusing more on the management of these sites and teams has helped me gain a really holistic view of operations. I feel like I’ve been able to pick up so much knowledge in a short space of time from all the experiences I’ve had, and the connections I’ve made.

What do you do on a daily basis?

This varies depending on what’s occurring operationally, and what placement I’m on. I tend to spend the first few weeks of a new placement out with the team’s technicians seeing the work they’re doing out in the region. After this, I’ll work alongside the manager and support manager for the team. This involves supporting them with their work, understanding their role, interacting with the team, and running with projects and tasks.

How is the work/life balance?

It’s been really good so far! Anglian Water is always flexible with working hours if it’s needed, and everyone’s really understanding of any personal circumstances. No one expects you to take your work home with you either, and work out of hours.

What has been your proudest moment so far?

Definitely feeling my confidence increase as I get further into the scheme. As I’ve started taking on more responsibilities and building up my operational knowledge it’s given me increased confidence to put my opinion across, take more of an active role in meetings, and present to larger groups of people. Receiving strengths coaching, and attending training focused on areas such as giving presentations, and the hugely supportive workforce at Anglian Water has undeniably also helped me to achieve this.

What is next for you after the program finishes?

A role in operational management within Anglian Water. I’ve not made up my mind on which area of operations I’d like to go into yet, but luckily I’ve still got a year of placements left to help me decide!

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I feel like I’ve been able to pick up so much knowledge in a short space of time from all the experiences I’ve had, and the connections I’ve made.

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