--- title: "From Classroom to Career: Engineering Journeys at Veolia" description: Discover how practical experience at Veolia transforms engineering graduates' careers, bridging the gap between university knowledge and real-world application. image: https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(21)-2.png --- Resourcing the world - Newsroom - Newsroom - [Events](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/newsroom/events-listing) - [Latest News](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/latest-news) - About Us - About Us - [Ireland Company Profile](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/company-profile) - [Ireland Careers](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/ireland-careers) - [Ireland Management Team](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/ireland-management-team) - [Testimonials](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/testimonials) - [Veolia Water Technologies](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us) - Veolia Water Technologies - 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Services - [Global Water Audits](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/services/global-water-audits) - [Hubgrade Digital Solutions](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubgrade-digital-solutions) - [Installed Base Services](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/services/installed-base-services) - [Purified Laboratory Water](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/solutions/services/laboratory-products) - [Water Treatment Chemical Programs](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/services/water-treatment-chemical-programs) - [Mobile Water Services](https://www.watertechnologies.com/products/water-wastewater-services) - Resources - Resources - [Case Studies](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/resources/case-studies) Search [UN Goals](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/acting-and-committing-ecological-transformation) [Contact](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/contact-us) ![](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/Untitled%20design%20(21)-2.png) [![Reset](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/raw_assets/public/vwt-uk/images/back-arrow-icon.svg) Back](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie) # From Classroom to Career: Engineering Journeys at Veolia ![Veolia Water Technologies](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/Veolia%20Case%20Study%20Logo.jpg) by Veolia Water Technologies 25 October 2026 4 minutes read [![Reset](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/raw_assets/public/vwt-uk/images/back-arrow-icon.svg) Back](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie) Follow Connect with us ### **How practical experience, mentorship and opportunity can turn a university degree into a career** Take a moment to reflect on your own transition from university to the workplace - it can feel like a big step for any graduate. Many engineering graduates in particular, struggle to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world application. While university provides the theoretical foundations, practical experience offers the opportunity to put that knowledge into action, develop new skills and understand what a career in engineering really looks like. For **Peter McGuinness** and **Riley Thompson**, both Mechanical & Manufacturing Engineering graduates/students from Dublin City University (DCU), that journey has taken place at Veolia. Peter is currently gaining experience as a **Student Project Engineer on a six-month placement**, while Riley has taken the next step in his career as a **Graduate Project Engineer Coordinator**, having previously completed an internship with Veolia. Their experiences highlight how a placement can bridge the gap between university and the workplace, and for Riley, how that experience can become the foundation for a career. **![](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Sep-07-2026-09-43-33-7461-AM.jpeg?width=932&height=513&name=undefined-Sep-07-2026-09-43-33-7461-AM.jpeg)** ### **From university to the workplace** For Peter, his placement has provided a first-hand look at the difference between studying engineering and working as an engineer. *"University and the workplace are fairly different spaces. For both however, you only get out what you put in."* At Veolia, Peter has quickly learned that accuracy and accountability are essential. His work contributes to wider projects, meaning the quality and timeliness of his work can directly affect colleagues and project delivery. Riley's journey demonstrates what can happen when that experience continues beyond placement. He completed an internship at Veolia during the summer after his third year at university before returning to DCU for his final year. After graduating, he expressed his interest in returning, and was invited back to Veolia as a Graduate Project Engineer Coordinator. For Riley, the transition back into Veolia was seamless, with the familiarity of the team and workplace allowing him to build on the experience he had already gained. ### **What does an engineering role at Veolia look like?** Peter's role in the drawing and document office is central to Veolia's project execution. His responsibilities include: - Updating and generating P&IDs - Creating layouts and termination drawings using AutoCAD - Producing technical documentation - Preparing FMEA reports - Developing RAMS documentation - Creating IQ/OQ documentation The projects he supports range from drinking water systems to **Water for Injection (WFI)** systems used by pharmaceutical companies. Riley's role as a Graduate Project Engineer Coordinator involves multiple dimensions of project management and technical support. His key responsibilities at the moment are managing the Document & Drawing Office. Here, he and his team look after any sort of documentation that may be requested from a Project Engineer, as well as drawings that are needed to help visualise what the specific project entails. This variety means that neither role is simply about completing a task at a desk. Both provide insight into how engineering projects move from design through to delivery. **![](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Sep-07-2026-09-47-46-8365-AM.jpeg?width=2028&height=958&name=undefined-Sep-07-2026-09-47-46-8365-AM.jpeg)** ### Engineering with an environmental impact One of the biggest differences between university and the workplace is the opportunity to learn through real-world experience. Peter arrived at Veolia without having used AutoCAD before, yet now, it’s one of the main tools he works on a daily basis, alongside developing his knowledge of water treatment processes such as **Ion Exchange and Reverse Osmosis**. He has also gained a deeper understanding of engineering documentation and strengthened his communication skills through working directly with Project Engineers. For Riley, his CAD skills have developed significantly since leaving college, while his role has also taught him something university could not: how to manage his own workload. With multiple projects and competing deadlines, Riley has learned to prioritise tasks, communicate with his team and manage his workload effectively. ### **The importance of training, trust and mentorship** For both Peter and Riley, their development has been supported by the people around them. Peter describes receiving support from the company from day one, with colleagues reviewing his work and introducing him to Veolia's drawing standards and conventions. Riley has similarly benefited from training and mentorship, including technical training, an electrical workshop and preparation for site-based work. But perhaps the biggest factor in both experiences has been **trust**. Rather than being treated simply as students or graduates, both have been given genuine responsibilities and the opportunity to contribute to real projects. For Riley, that trust has played a major role in building his confidence: *"There is a major trust in me and my abilities to work on projects and within the team or with clients."* ### **From placement to profession** Riley's journey demonstrates the potential of a placement to become more than just a university requirement. His internship gave him an opportunity to experience Veolia's working environment, develop his skills and build relationships with the team. After completing his degree, he returned to the company as a graduate engineer. Peter is now at the earlier stage of that journey, gaining the practical experience that will help shape his final year at university and his future career. ### **Advice for the next generation of engineers** Despite being at different stages of their careers, Peter and Riley share many of the same messages for students considering engineering… ***Ask questions*** Don't be afraid to admit you don't know something. Asking questions is one of the fastest ways to learn. ***Get practical experience*** For Peter, placement is an opportunity to see theory applied to real systems. Riley's own experience shows how that placement can potentially open the door to future opportunities. ***Stay curious*** Engineering is about understanding how things work and finding solutions. Genuine curiosity can take you a long way. ***Trust your abilities*** You aren't expected to know everything when you start. As Riley puts it, there is a reason you were given the opportunity in the first place. ***Keep learning*** University provides the foundation, but professional development continues throughout your career. ### **Building the next generation of engineers** Peter and Riley's journeys may be different, but both demonstrate the value of giving young engineers the opportunity to **learn, contribute and grow**. From Peter developing his AutoCAD and water treatment knowledge on placement, to Riley building on his internship experience as a graduate engineer, their experiences show what can happen when classroom knowledge meets real-world opportunity. For engineering students and graduates looking to make an impact, Veolia offers the chance to work on meaningful projects, learn from experienced teams and develop the skills needed for a career in ecological transformation. ### **Your degree is the starting point. Your career starts when you put it into practice.** [**Explore Career Opportunities at Veolia →**](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/about-us/ireland-careers) **![](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hs-fs/hubfs/undefined-Sep-07-2026-09-55-39-4089-AM.jpeg?width=600&height=568&name=undefined-Sep-07-2026-09-55-39-4089-AM.jpeg)** ## Tags ## Related articles ![Subscribe](https://blog.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/hubfs/vwt-uk/subscribe.jpg) ## Sign up to blog notifications Receive the latest blog updates. {|error|} By checking this box, you agree to **Veolia Water Technologies's** [Privacy Policy](https://www.veoliawatertechnologies.ie/privacy-policy-veolia-water-technologies) and you agree to receive information on our products and services. Keep me informed ## Thank you for subscribing. Return to blog Note: If you do not receive any emails, please check your junk folder. 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