Croydon

The Croydon office – actually three buildings – is the Group’s HQ and is located in East Croydon, with its great transport links. There is easy access to London, with trains connecting to both East and West Croydon stations (less than a 10 minute walk) and the south coast, Surrey and Kent. In addition, tram lines and buses mean that there are many convenient areas for graduates to live whilst still being able to get to work within half an hour. Accommodation within Croydon and to the South can be relatively inexpensive, while those living further in, often around Clapham and Balham, have the advantages of being closer to London and a better night out.

The Whitgift and Centrale shopping centres offer all the standard high street shops, conveniently close together and protected from the elements. The Surrey Street Market offers fruit and vegetables of the world and the high street offers a wide range of bargains. There are lots of places to eat and drink, with noodles being a particular favourite with the staff on a Friday lunchtime.

The Sports and Social Committee organise some events, such as trips to shows in London, bowling and nights at the Wimbledon dog track. Seasonal celebrations are organised within each division and people vote for the kind of event they favour. Due to the size of the office it is often easiest to get to know people on your own floor and so currently most of my ‘work socialising’ involves people within my subdivision, where there is a good atmosphere between all levels of engineers. The Croydon Office Graduate Society (known as COGS) offers opportunities for graduates to socialise between divisions and have a good time.

I have found that I like Croydon, although it is occasionally a little anonymous. The large office has a wide range of people and work and the location means that it is easy to keep yourself entertained, both at lunchtime and after work.

Bethan Haig
Graduate Geotechnical Engineer
Tunnels division