ELLIE DAVIS
Employee Insights
BSc Physical Geography from the University of Sussex
Graduate Engineer: Ground Investigation
“There is a strong, welcoming environment created by both team members and colleagues from other departments, which makes it easy to settle in and feel supported from the very beginning”
What does your job role entail?
My role involves shadowing on-site ground investigation activities, preparing risk assessment documents and writing reports whilst in the office, which consist of data obtained from within the field / from the lab.
What is your background?
I graduated from the University of Sussex in 2024, with a physical geography degree. I have previous work experience, but not specifically in the industry.
What do you love most about your job?
What I enjoy most is the opportunity to travel to a wide range of locations across the UK, which not only keeps the work environment fresh, but also allows me to gain experience with a variety of site conditions and project types.
What do you find the most challenging aspect of your job?
I’d say it’s the long travel times to reach certain sites, which can be physically tiring. Additionally, working away from home is often necessary for some jobs, making it harder to maintain a consistent routine. However, these aspects are also balanced by the valuable experience gained from working in different environments across the country.
“I had the valuable opportunity to shadow experienced engineers, observing their techniques and learning tips and tricks they had to offer”
How do you feel you are developing at work?
My job role has enhanced my knowledge in the industry by exposing me to practical experience, on a wide range of sites across the UK. It has also helped to increase my confidence when interacting with colleagues and clients.
What made you apply for a role at Central Alliance?
The job description immediately stood out to me because it offered a combination of both fieldwork and office-based tasks. This variety was especially appealing, as it would allow me to gain hands-on experience whilst out on site, and help me to develop my technical skills when in the office.
How does CA make you feel included in the workforce?
There is a strong, welcoming environment created by both team members and colleagues from other departments, which makes it easy to settle in and feel supported from the very beginning. Whether you’re working directly with your team or collaborating across different areas of the company, everyone is approachable and is willing to offer guidance.
How does CA help you to make the step from university to working life?
There were no immediate expectations placed on me which allowed me to ease into the role. I had the valuable opportunity to shadow experienced engineers, observing their techniques and learning tips and tricks they had to offer. This supportive approach ensured I wasn’t overwhelmed and has enabled me to develop my skills progressively.
