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Careers> Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can you tell me a bit more about MVA?
MVA Consultancy provides advice on transport and other policy areas,
to central, regional and local government, agencies, developers,
operators and financiers.
We work with our clients to think through complex
issues concerning the location and movement of people, goods and
services – as
well as helping them maximise the potential of their own businesses. We
understand the human dimension, and the impact and implications of
transport in its broadest sense. We offer a blend of business
planning, qualitative and quantitative research, modelling, commercial
awareness and operational experience – allowing us to create
strategic solutions that work with real people in the real world.
Established in London in 1968, we have just celebrated
our 40th anniversary. We have grown from very small beginnings to the
Company we are today with over 300 employees in the UK, France, Ireland
and the Middle East. For the last 14 years we've been part
of SYSTRA Group, an international rail engineering consultancy with
headquarters in Paris.
Our plans are to continue to expand, particularly
in the Middle East and Europe, and to broaden our range of consultancy
offerings to meet new demands. Our work is currently divided
into six main business sectors:
- Transport Planning, Policy and Strategy
- Transport Implementation
- Social and Market Research
- Transport Information Systems
- Business Consulting
- Environmental Planning
New offices have been established in Dublin,
Birmingham, Marseille, Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the last three years
and have grown rapidly. In
the last year we have also added expertise in environmental planning
and smarter travel choices to our extensive service offering.
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What's it like to work at MVA
Take a look at the ‘What our graduates say about us’ page to get a realistic view of working at MVA Consultancy.
You’ll see the work is interesting and challenging but there
is also a great social life. Our staff profile is a good mix
of gender, age, ethnic origin, nationality and academic/technical
expertise as well as personalities. We have grown rapidly in
the last four years, increasing our headcount by 50%. But we
proudly retain many employees who have been with the Company for
years, building up a wealth of professional knowledge which they
will happily share with more junior staff. The environment is
relaxed, friendly and nurturing but you’ll find you’re
working with some of the best and most committed professionals in
the business.
All our offices are in central locations with good public transport
access. They are light, modern, open plan and equipped with
the latest technology.
The social life in each office is excellent. Across the various
regions, this includes the opportunity to participate in many sports
such as football, badminton, cricket, climbing, hill walking, rounders,
cycling, 10 pin bowling. We also have the usual Christmas parties,
summer barbecues, pub quizzes and general pub visits. There
is also an annual weekend teambuilding event for the whole company
- this has included sailing on the Solent, as well as activity centres
in North Devon and the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland. This
year we celebrated our 40th anniversary with a stylish party for
all employees and partners at Old Billingsgate in London.
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What training will I receive?
Your development is very important to us and key to our continued
success. As well as our Graduate Development Programme (see the ‘Our
Graduate Development Programme’ page), throughout your career
with us you'll find we regularly review training and development
needs and put in place the training or development opportunities
required to fill the knowledge or skills gaps. This will include
on-the-job training as well as technical training and training to
equip you to operate successfully in the world of consultancy. Training
will include project management, report writing, sales, presentation
skills.
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How would I progress within the organisation?
Working in transport consultancy or social and market research
is a lifelong career. And we have many examples of graduates who started
with us years ago and have risen to positions of seniority within the company. Promotion
from one grade to another can be expected, and promotion reviews take place
every December. All you have to do is meet the relevant competencies and
demonstrate the potential to perform at the next level. You’ll be
helped in this through our programme of training and development.
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Will you sponsor me for further education?
We are committed to having a skilled and professionally knowledgeable workforce.
As such we encourage our employees to continue their professional development
throughout their career. This continuous professional development will take
many forms but one of the ways an individual can gain new knowledge and learn
new skills is by undertaking external further education.
To support external education, we provide financial assistance and time off
for approved courses of study. If you are interested in relevant further education,
you can apply for educational sponsorship when you have completed one year's
service with the Company.
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How many graduate vacancies do you have?
In 2008 we recruited 18 new graduates. We have the same requirement for 2009.
We have 16 transport consultancy vacancies and 2 social and market research
vacancies.
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What are the entry requirements?
Ideally you will be anticipating a minimum 2:1 or 2:2 first degree
or you may have completed your first degree and be studying for a
masters or PhD in a relevant subject. A list of the main degree disciplines
we consider can be found under the 'What
are we looking for?' section
of the website.
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How long will it typically take to complete the application form?
The form will take approximately 20 minutes to complete.
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Is the computerised application form the only way I can apply for
a job at MVA Consultancy?
All graduates must complete the Graduate Application form to apply
for a position at MVA Consultancy. However, should you wish to complete
the application form by hand, contact Doug Medhurst at dmedhurst@mvaconsultancy.com for a copy to be sent to you by post.
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Can I still apply if I require a work permit?
Whilst MVA Consultancy is committed to equal
opportunities, initially we can only consider applications from
EU/EEA citizens. This
is because the Home Office will not issue a work permit unless an
organisation can prove it could not find a suitable candidate from
within the EU/EEA.
Therefore, only after we have screened all applications
from EU/EEA citizens and interviewed those who match our criteria,
can we determine whether or not we have found sufficient candidates
from within the EU/EEA. If we cannot find sufficient candidates,
we are then able to consider applications from non-EU/EEA citizens.
If you are not an EU/EEA citizen, we would still
encourage you to apply. In 2008 we were able to invite several
non-EU/EEA applicants to our later assessment days.
If you have any queries regarding work permits, please contact Doug
Medhurst at dmedhurst@mvaconsultancy.com or telephone Doug on 01483
742885.
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What if I am a resident of an EU/EEA country?
Students from the EU/EEA do not require a work permit and are encouraged
to apply. We currently have staff from 6 EU countries working within MVA Consultancy.
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Can I apply for a position in both Transport and Social and Market
Research?
Yes. In the majority of cases if you were to be short-listed it
would be for one or other of these two areas. However on occasions,
work in transport and social and market research are combined in
one role. To apply for a position in both areas please cross both
boxes under the 'Which position are you applying for?' section of
the Graduate Application form. There is no need to complete a separate
application form.
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Are there any vacancies overseas?
Graduates applying to MVA Consultancy are recruited to work in one
of our offices in the UK or in Dublin. However, with the continued
development of our business internationally, even if based in the
UK, you may well be asked to work overseas, particularly in the Middle
East for periods of a week or two, or several months.
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Can I still apply if I have already graduated?
Yes. Whether you have been travelling, working, caring for others
or studying for a masters or PhD, the extra experience or skills
gained are of great value to us.
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After I have made an application, how long will it be until I find
out if I have been shortlisted?
The main recruitment period starts in October each year. Once your
application form is submitted your application will usually be acknowledged
within 3 working days. Applications are typically short-listed in
early March for assessment centre days taking place at the end of
March/early April.
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How can I check the stage my application has reached?
Usually, you will not need to check. However,
if you don't hear from us in line with the above schedule, you can
contact Doug Medhurst at dmedhurst@mvaconsultancy.com.
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What will the Assessment Centre day involve?
The assessment centre days are typically held in March
or April each year at our Head Office in Woking. This is a one-day
event involving skills tests, group activities and a formal interview.
It also includes an overview of MVA Consultancy, the Graduate Development
Programme and the benefits package. You will also get the chance
to meet senior staff and some of our previous graduate entrants.
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If I am unavailable in late March/ early April and therefore unable to attend one of the assessment centres, should I still apply?
All short-listed candidates must attend one of our
assessment centre days. If we are unable to find sufficient candidates who meet our criteria from
the late March/early April assessment centre days, we will arrange
further days during April. It may, therefore, still be worthwhile
you applying to join MVA.
Please indicate on your application form, under question 7, your availability
around late March and throughout April 2008.
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If I was successful, how will you decide which office I join?
You should indicate the offices you would like to be considered
for in order of preference on your application form. This will be
used by us as a guide for potential locations so please only include
those offices that you want to be considered for. Location will be
discussed during the interview and the final decision will be determined
by your preferences, regional requirements and the suitability of
your skills and qualifications to available opportunities.
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If you have any further questions about graduate
recruitment at MVA Consultancy, please email Doug Medhurst at dmedhurst@mvaconsultancy.com.
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