stories Holly Courtier – Environmental Graduate Find your career
What does the role entail?
The graduate scheme at HS2 offers 6-month rotations around different subject areas of environment, thus my role varies. I’ve have completed placements in climate change, observation and maintenance and water meaning no day is the same and i am constantly learning. As a graduate my role has involved aiding the completion of required reports such as TCFD and ensuring contractors are compliant which consents.
Also, by working on UK’s biggest infrastructure project to date, I have had the invaluable opportunity to attend site visits to multiple parts of the scheme seeing first had what our work in the office is putting into practice on the ground.
Skills Required:
Communication
Adaptability
Resilience
What was your educational pathway?
I studied Physical Geography at undergraduate and Environmental Science at postgraduate level. I’ve always had an interest in the built environment and the adaptation pathways urban areas can adopt to become more sustainable.
This interest led me to complete my masters dissertation in partnership with Network Rail, looking at potential NBS solutions to prevent flooding on a certain area of a rail line. By completing this dissertation, it spark a more in-depth interest in the rail industry and when I saw the role become available at HS2, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to enter the rail industry.
What do you love about the role?
I love the people I work with. Everyone is encouraging, passionate and inspiring within the environment team at HS2. They have supported me every step of the way into this new industry and role and are one of the main reasons I love my job. I also love that I feel like my work is having a real world impact.
What advice would you give future young people?
Don’t be so naïve. There are so many aspects to the industry I hadn’t considered before working within it. Come into it with an open mind and be willing to get involved in any opportunity presented to you – you might just find your niche!
Get in touch
If you have any questions about this or any other career within the rail industry, please get in touch with us and a member of our team will be more than happy to anser any questions you might have!
Contact UsWhat do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy socialising with my friends and family, going on walks in the lake district and baking.