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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.
First established in London in 1968, we have grown
from very small beginnings to the Company we are today with over
300 employees in
the UK, France, Ireland and Dubai. For the last 13 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 five main business sectors:
- Transport Planning, Policy and Strategy
- Transport Implementation
- Social and Market Research
- Transport Information Systems
- Business Consulting
New Dublin, Dubai and Birmingham offices have
been established in the last three years and have grown rapidly. We
have also set up Rail Operations and Interchange Planning teams
to add 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. Some of our employees have joined MVA Consultancy recently, others have been with the Company for over 30 years, building up a wealth of professional knowledge which they will happily share with more junior staff. The environment is warm, friendly and nurturing and you’ll find you’re working with some of the best 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 in the Wicklow Mountains in Ireland.
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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?
We have already recruited 15 new graduates to join us in the
Autumn of 2008. We now have two further vacancies to join our Business Consulting
Division working in the Manchester Office on public transport ticketing.
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What are the entry requirements?
Ideally you will be anticipating
a minimum 2:1 first degree in Computer Science, Maths or Physics.
Or you may have completed your first degree and be studying for
a
Masters
or PhD.
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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 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 still apply if I have already graduated?
Yes. Whether you have been travelling, working, or studying for
a masters or PhD, the extra experience or skills gained are of great
value to us.
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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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