
An Engineer Like Me: Hearing From Engineering Graduate Employers
From Engineers Journal AMPLIFIED by Engineers Journal Ireland
December 15, 2025 · 36 min · Episode 57
About this episode
This episode discusses the transition from university to a professional engineering career, focusing on what employers seek in graduate applications.
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…
People in this episode
Host: Dusty Rhodes
Guests: Michelle O'Hagan, Bill Bates
Topics covered
- graduate recruitment
- soft skills
- career progression
- mentorship
- company size advantages
- professional development
- diversity initiatives
Keywords
- engineering graduate
- application process
- employer expectations
- communication skills
- teamwork
- career growth
- graduate programs
- company size
- professional development
- diversity
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: PM Group, DBFL
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