Did you know that we run a graduate recruitment scheme here at Ordnance Survey? We’re in the second year of the scheme, and currently have six vacancies open for applications until 28 February, all based at our lovely offices in Southampton.

If you didn’t already know,  at Ordnance Survey we’re constantly looking at our data and how we collect and deliver it to keep it commercially viable in a continually evolving world. We’ve got the expertise and the technology, and we need the fresh thinking, imagination and talent to see us even further into the future.  

Our new graduates could be using a variety of data modelling techniques and analytical tools; researching data gathering processes, providing technical advice, initiating production improvements or developing technical solutions; or be involved in project management and product development.

We’re a friendly place to work for with lots of great people to support new joiners along the way, but you don’t just have to take my word for it, our four graduate recruits from 2012 are already thriving in their roles and tell us how they’ve been finding it:

Shona Quinn

Graduating with a degree in geography, I was looking for a job that would allow me to use and develop skills from my time at university in an interesting way, and that’s exactly what Ordnance Survey offered.  The thing I found most surprising about working at Ordnance Survey is the variety of work that goes on here.  Before I worked here I didn’t realise quite how much was involved in creating their products! 

I’ve already been involved in a range of work since I started, from investigating the user experience of our products, to keeping track of new technology developments and visiting the Ordnance Survey’s regional conferences to talk to our field surveyors about an internal ideas tool.  It’s an interesting variety and one of the great things about being a graduate here is that people are keen for you to get involved with lots of different things.

The office is really friendly and the graduate induction was great.  As well as having time to get to know each other, we met people from all around the business and had a chance to find out what goes on in different areas. Having that introduction made starting in the office much easier.  Plus it was an excellent opportunity to learn about the important work that’s done around the business and how it all links together. 

Kate Beard

I was attracted by the idea of working somewhere that had a really strong brand and reputation for quality. I was also attracted by the graduate scheme: because I was recruited for a specific role, I knew I would be able to get started straight away on something that I wanted to do. At the same time, the scheme lets you have a lot of control and say over your own develop and training: if you have something you want to do, or an area you want to know more about, there is lots of support to help you do that.

Like a lot of people, most of what I knew about Ordnance Survey came from the paper maps I’d used when out walking and cycling. Until I started working here, I hadn’t realised just how much our data is used in government and in business and for such a variety of different things, from helping insurance companies tackle fraud to aiding local councils plan and deliver more effective services. 

A large part of my job involves keeping up to date with changes in Government policy that might affect us. Because so many people use our data so widely, that turns out to be most things! Since I’ve started, I’ve written briefings on topics including intellectual property, public sector reform, flooding, planning regulations, IT policy, government procurement and open data.  I’ve also assisted in drafting responses to Government consultations, which has given me a good insight into the work being done in other parts of the business.

The atmosphere here is very friendly, and people are always very willing to answer questions and talk to you about their work. The graduate scheme was well organised, and we had lots of support and opportunities to settle in before we started working. My manager did a great job of making sure I wasn’t overwhelmed when I started, then allowing me to have more responsibility and independence as I settled in.