An Engineer Like Me: Hearing From Engineering Graduate Employers

Successfully transitioning from university to a professional engineering career is a critical moment for any graduate, and the application process requires strategic preparation beyond just academic competence.
Many students struggle to understand what employers truly seek in a new engineer and how to showcase their potential effectively.
This episode unlocks the secrets to a standout graduate application, sharing direct insights on core soft skills like communication and teamwork, the role of mentorship, and the career growth trajectory within leading firms.
Learn about the value of different-sized companies, from large-scale multi-office execution to a hands-on, personal approach, and the importance of professional development and diversity initiatives. Host Dusty Rhodes is joined by two exceptional industry leaders: Michelle O'Hagan, Group Graduate Recruitment Manager at PM Group, and Bill Bates, Director at DBFL.
THINGS WE SPOKE ABOUT
Why graduate programs are essential
Big vs small company advantages
Soft skills employers demand now
Successful career progression examples
How to make your application stand out
GUEST DETAILS
Michelle O’Hagan is the Group Graduate Recruitment Manager at PM Group, a leading global project management and engineering company known for delivering complex capital projects worldwide. She manages the full graduate recruitment lifecycle across PM Group’s international offices, ensuring the company attracts top emerging talent. Michelle's extensive experience, including prior roles at Deloitte UK and Citi Bank, makes her an expert in understanding what drives success in early engineering careers.
Bill Bates is a Director at DBFL Consulting Engineers, one of Ireland's leading civil, structural, and transportation consultancies. Bill is responsible for overseeing the Civil Engineering team and has extensive experience in the design and delivery of major infrastructure and development projects across the country. As a Director, Bill is deeply involved in DBFL's Graduate Development Programme and the career progression of their staff, making him a key resource for understanding the pathways to Chartered Engineer status and professional success within the Irish engineering sector.

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MORE INFORMATION


Looking for ways to explore or advance a career in the field of engineering? Visit Engineers Ireland to learn more about the many programs and resources on offer. https://www.engineersireland.ie/ (https://www.engineersireland.ie/)
Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED is produced by DustPod.io (http://dustpod.io/) for Engineers Ireland.
QUOTES
Confidence, talking about themselves, talking about their other aspects, their engineering career is only at the start, so they have very little to talk about in that. But I want to know what they've done to date. Tell me about themselves. - Bill Bates
The actual programme itself is a two year programme, but it runs in parallel with your job. So you're permanent from day one, you don't have to re-interview for a role on completion of the programme, which a lot of graduate programmes in our industry does. - Michelle O'Hagan
Be confident in your own ability, but be able to show humility and be able to listen to all others perspectives. - Bill Bates
Communication going into project management, being a strong and effective communicator is essential. Being clear, concise and well structured - Ena O'Driscoll
KEYWORDS
#EngineeringGraduates #GraduateProgramme #CareerDevelopment #SoftSkills #StandoutCV