"Consider where you see yourself and what your values are"

Already at first glance, the ad for our graduate program was appealing to Toby. There was numbers and data involved, but also problem-solving for real-world challenges. However, tasks where not the only thing on Toby’s radar when comparing workplaces.

“I wanted to work for a company that makes a difference. And Atlas Copco Group makes a massive difference to lots of industries around the world,” Toby says.

“I also wanted to work for a company that's very forward thinking. Trying to make things better is just kind of part of the way my brain works.”  

Toby’s innate drive to find improvements aligns well with the Group – we often say “there is always a better way”. Toby has noticed that these are not just pretty words to us, but something that is reflected in day-to-day operations.   

“That's kind of instilled into me every day – to try and come up with a better way of doing things, to innovate and improve what we currently do. Because yeah, if you don't have that mindset, especially in logistics and supply chain, you're going to get left behind.”

Toby’s graduate program is based in Burgess Hill in his native UK. Toby has rotated through freight, operations and supply chain planning – shadowing and learning from colleagues, as well as taking ownership of projects. 

For one, he has been tasked with making sure data for weights and dimensions for materials and parts are correct. Getting this right is crucial, for example to accurately calculate emissions from transports. 

Weights and dimensions were not the only challenge in this project. Data from newly acquired companies can be troublesome to incorporate, as they might have used different systems or collected data in a different way than the Group. So Toby was asked to set up a process (SOP) that made it as easy as possible to enter the data manually. Toby shares that he collaborated with intended users to shape a user-friendly process.  

“It's very easy for me to just sit there and think “yeah, this is the best way to do this.” But that's likely not going to be the case, because I've not worked in these people's roles,” Toby says.

One of the things Toby likes best about his job is collaborating with people from every corner of the world. Not only has Toby done a placement in the US, he has also worked in a team where everyone but him was South Korean. 

“Everyone is so friendly, which may seem like kind of a simple thing, but everybody is genuinely really, really friendly everywhere I go. Everyone's always wanting to help.”

Toby also appreciates that the sustainability approach within the Group comes across to him as genuine. 

“I feel like they do actually care. They do try to really reduce their impact on the environment and I'm proud to work for a company like that.” 

He also enjoys access to a lot of extracurricular activities in Burgess Hill, such as book swaps, sports activities and the local sustainability initiative. 

“You're getting to know people outside of work as well, and that just expands your network even more.”

When it comes to advice for other students looking at what companies to work for after graduation, Toby recommends researching what directions companies are taking, based on things like mission and values. 

“I think it's important to consider where you see yourself and what your values are. Because my values are somewhat rooted in making a positive difference and positive change. And I feel like Atlas Copco Group definitely has that same philosophy and those same values, whether it's environmental, the world in general or even with its people,” Toby says.

“Try and put yourself in the shoes of yourself in five years’ time – do I see myself going on that same journey?”