Civil Engineering Graduate Advice

[Max01]

Hello,

I am a civil engineering master’s student at a mid-tier university on track to finish with 1.1 degree in June of next year. I already have one year of experience at Network Rail as a former year in industry student. My initial plan was to return to Network Rail on the graduate scheme, but due to the length of time between my work placement and my graduation date, I was not offered a place on the graduate scheme, but rather fast tracked to the assessment centre. The assessment centre is likely to take place sometime in February 2026.

Since I am keen on working in the railway industry and my returning at Network Rail is subject to the outcome of the interview process, I want to cover all my bases by applying for other jobs/schemes within the industry as well. If possible, I would like to get some advice on what other companies may have relevant graduate opportunities for civil engineers, so I know what to look out for in the coming weeks and months.

Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you!

 

[WAB]

TfL, along with the big engineering consultancies (Atkins, Arup etc.)

Unfortunately, NR is the main show in town so opportunities for Civil engineering grads are limited if the NR recruitment process doesn't work in your favour.

 

[ABB125]

Bear in mind that an engineering degree is highly valued in many sectors (though of course it does feel somewhat odd to go into, say, investment banking as a civil engineer!) so there should always be something for you, even if it's not what you necessarily wanted (or expected).
I have a degree in civil and rail engineering, and should be an obvious candidate for working in rail. Yet I work for an engineering consultancy in highways. (Admittedly I put zero effort into applying for jobs...)
Of the 10 or so people whose current jobs I'm aware of who have done the same course (albeit some graduating a few years before me), several have gone into train planning. A few into what I can best describe as "academic-style commercial rolling stock innovation and research" (battery/hydrogen projects). One is on a TOC grad scheme, one is involved in ETCS deployment at a TOC. A few at engineering consultancies, not necessarily in their rail teams. One on the Network Rail grad scheme.
So there are plenty of opportunities for you, although if you're more of a civil person than a rail person you may want to have a look at some of the larger construction companies - they'll almost certainly have some sort of rail project going on, though obviously you might then be put on some other projects as well (which is no bad thing).