Hi, my name is Natalie Wilson and I’m in my second year studying Geography. I’m part of Cartmel College and in my free time I enjoy travelling, spending time outdoors and going for a run!

What does a career in the water industry really look like? A visit to United Utilities offered first-hand insight into graduate role, career pathways and advice on how to apply for graduate schemes

I recently had the opportunity to visit United Utilities’ head office at Lingley Mere to learn more about career options in the water industry after graduation. As I approach the final year of my degree and am still uncertain about the path I want to take when I graduate, this visit couldn’t have come at a better time.

During the trip, six university graduates, currently on the three year graduate scheme at United Utilities spoke to us, offering valuable insight into the range of roles available within the company. From Network Modelling and Water Resources to Process Engineering and Project Control the diversity of opportunities was eye opening, proving that there is no single pathway into the industry.

What stood out the most was the different routes the graduates had taken to reach their roles: some went straight from their undergraduate study, others completed a master’s degree and others had worked elsewhere before joining United Utilities. This was particularly reassuring, proving that career paths after graduation are rarely linear and that different experiences are equally valuable. They also highlighted that this industry is not limited to one specific degree scheme, with training provided to bring graduates up to the required level – opening the door to a wider range of applicants.

Learning more about the graduate scheme itself proved equally insightful. Many roles offer placements across different areas of the business, allowing graduates to build a broader skill set and gain a deeper understanding of how the company operates as a whole. It was also encouraging to hear about the strong sense of community between the graduate cohort, as well as the opportunity to contribute to significant projects and decision early on in their careers.

Overall, this visit gave me a much clearer idea of what graduate roles can involve as well as what employers are really looking for. Hearing directly from graduates themselves makes the application processes seem far less intimidating and much more achievable.

Experiences like this are incredibly valuable to help bridge the gap between academics and the professional world. Speaking with those who have recently made this transition makes life after graduation feel far less daunting.

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