SPIE ITW EN

1. The SPIE Group’s rotational graduate scheme allows people to gain practical experience through
four postings in two years. This is just what Ilias Valasopoulos, 29, was looking for.
Find more about our job offers on www.spie-job.com/en
INTERVIEWS
WITHOURSO SPIEPEOPLE
Why did you join SPIE?
Ilias Valasopoulos: I came to the UK from Greece in 2014 to study for a Master of Science
in project management. I was originally interested in the international oil and gas industry,
but I decided that the construction sector would be a better option for me. I heard about
SPIE through my university. Their graduate scheme corresponded exactly to what I was
looking for: I wanted to try my hand at several different disciplines. I considered one or two
other companies, but there would have been much less practical experience. The rotational
system – you change your job, your division and your colleagues roughly every six months
for two years – not only lets you learn about many different aspects of the company, but also
find out where your own skills lie.
Where have you worked?
I.V.: There has been a great variety of posts. I began in the Fire and Security division in
Glasgow, where I was involved in the delivery of a big wireless CCTV (close circuit television)
network replacement project. After that, I stayed on in Glasgow but transferred to the FM
division, with responsibility for two office buildings. My third posting was with Distribution
and Transmission, where I worked on overhead lines projects. For the last few months,
I have been in Derby, in England, working on the Rolls Royce contract.
How much responsibility have you had?
I.V.: I have been an assistant project manager, but I’ve been given full responsibility for
a portion of each contact I’ve worked on. I have received a lot of support, which I’m grateful
for, particularly from my mentors, who have fed me information on the company and our
customers when I’ve needed it.
“The graduate scheme
has let me try my hand
at different disciplines.”