Why did working at Method appeal to you?
I knew leaving my degree I wanted to start a career which had real world impacts and positively contributed to a sustainable environment, Method’s website and past projects really stood out as a company striving to achieve that. The website’s section on the graduate training programme felt that Method had a real focus in helping professional development and making it a work place where people like myself just leaving university could build a long term rewarding career. It has certainly lived up to that expectation since.
What happened at your interview?
I was interviewed by Gordan and Barry, the interview lasted around 90 mins. After answering a few questions about myself, I delivered a presentation about my final year astrophysics project, this was allowed to be any technical subject. The final part of the interview involved a series of problem-solving questions based on real life thermodynamics and sustainability.
Main responsibilities / Typical day
From day one I started working on a project alongside a more experienced project engineer, and within the first few months I carried out a variety of tasks such as heat loss calculations, running lighting simulations in Dialux and marking up M&E service distributions on architectural layouts. Now I carry out these tasks independently and attend design team meetings on my own to discuss the project design with other architects and consultants. Occasionally I attend site to help solve any design issues and meet the client/design team in person.
Where do you see yourself in the future?
Now that I’ve spent over a year in this role and industry, I’m excited to continue developing my career as a building services engineer within the company. I’m keen to build on my experience, take on greater responsibility, and strengthen my CV as I work towards achieving chartership.
Lucy Grain
What do you enjoy about your job?
I really enjoy that my job combines creative thinking while applying my technical knowledge to a wide range of projects. During my first year I have contributed to the design of SEN schools, hospices, residential flats and refurbishments of listed buildings, I find it very rewarding helping to construct these buildings for future real world use. While completing my day to day tasks I also have opportunities to help with 3D modelling software to produce high level technical drawings. Method also creates a very welcoming environment to work for, there are always social activities to attend such as sports day and after work pub trips, this meant it was quick and easy to meet everyone across the company despite working in a variety of office locations.
Challenging aspects
You’re immediately immersed in live projects, and the volume of information to absorb can feel overwhelming at first. However, being hands-on and entrusted with responsibility from the beginning has helped me develop my skills much more quickly. Another challenge is clearly communicating my knowledge to clients and fellow design team members. Building that confidence takes time, but Method provides valuable exposure by allowing you to attend meetings alongside experienced colleagues and learn from their approach.
Skills/qualifications learnt at University that you use in your job?
This role requires a good understanding of thermodynamics and general mathematics, both of which I developed during my degree. My studies also gave me experience in explaining and presenting complex technical concepts, which has been valuable when communicating MEP systems to clients and design teams. The main gap is industry specific knowledge which you pick up on the job through training.
Training you receive as part of your job
Method organises regular CPDs delivered by external companies, which provide insight into specific MEP systems and how they can be applied to the projects I’m working on. I also have the opportunity to attend targeted technical courses run by CIBSE to further develop my understanding. Much of my development has come from learning on the job, supported by senior engineers who offer guidance and share examples from previous projects.
Your piece of advice to anyone thinking of going into building services
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t have experience in the industry, much of the learning happens on the job. While my physics degree provided a strong foundation, Method offers excellent support in teaching the structure of the building industry. This job is a combination of technical knowledge and how to communicate that to both experienced engineers and clients who are not specialists in the field. This role combines technical knowledge with the ability to communicate to both experienced engineers and clients who may not have a technical background. It’s a great career choice for anyone with a background in maths or science who wants to apply creative problem solving skills to real world projects in the built environment.