As we gear up to invite a new wave of talented graduates to consider joining the Design Fire Consultants (DFC) family, we couldn’t be more excited to share insights from last year’s graduates about their first year at DFC. Their experiences capture the supportive and nurturing environment we strive to create. From learning opportunities to building friendships, we’re proud to show you why DFC is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to kickstart a career in fire engineering. Let’s dive in!

A Warm Welcome

When our graduates walked through the doors, they were greeted by a friendly atmosphere that made settling in a breeze. Muneeb Kazmi expressed;

“I have felt incredibly welcome at DFC since joining…I did not know what to expect. It has however been anything but a traditional corporate office. The team really is a big bunch of warm, kind and fun people…in a supportive environment…I therefore find myself perfectly at home!,”

From day one, our graduates experienced being part of a close-knit DFC community. Plus, the exciting variety of projects they get to be involved in keeps their work engaging and fulfilling.

Learning and Development

At DFC, we’re all about growth and development! Our graduates have opportunity to learn through hands-on training sessions and site visits that really bring their studies to life. For example, Akshay Rathee shared;

“Being able to see the science behind fire safety in action was truly eye-opening. It made everything we learned in school feel so much more relevant!”

This kind of experience doesn’t just deepen understanding, it boosts confidence too!

One of the best things about DFC is the support from experienced colleagues. Nandakishore Murali commented; “As a new graduate, stepping into the world of Fire Engineering could have been daunting. However, DFC provided everything I needed to thrive. The support from experienced fire engineers was incredible, making the learning curve much easier to navigate. Their guidance allowed me to build my technical skills confidently, and the way DFC operates gave me the freedom to pursue areas I’m passionate about, while also exploring new and exciting aspects of Fire Engineering.”

It’s not just about guidance, it’s about fostering a space for growth that allows our engineers to truly thrive.

Hands-On Learning Experiences

We know that starting a new job can come with its fair share of challenges and our graduates have faced busy workloads and tight deadlines. But the collaborative spirit at DFC means that no one is ever alone in tackling these hurdles! With the help of senior colleagues, they’ve learned how to manage their time effectively and prioritise tasks without feeling overwhelmed. Max Cox notes;

“After completing my summer placement, I decided to stay on working at DFC whilst I completed my degree. Therefore, my first year at DFC consisted of both working and studying. Throughout this year, the level of support I have received from my colleagues, not only with my project work, but also my university work, has been amazing. This showed me the importance of team work at DFC and the values that the whole team works by.”

Regular check-ins and honest discussions create an environment where everyone feels comfortable seeking help and bouncing around ideas. This culture of support not only eases the workload but also sparks creativity and innovation in problem-solving.

Work-Life Balance

One thing that truly sets DFC apart is our commitment to maintaining a healthy work-life balance. We believe that when our employees feel fulfilled in both their personal and professional lives, they perform at their very best. Our team enjoy a range of social gatherings, annual CPD event at the University of Edinburgh, Christmas parties and team-building activities, forming strong bonds and making the workplace feel like a community.

Shiban Ahmed shared how these fun events help create a sense of belonging and connection among colleagues; “Starting my career and choosing my first company was a big decision. I wanted to join a company that not only excelled in Fire Engineering but also fostered a supportive work culture—one where I could grow at my own pace. Design Fire Consultants stood out to me as the company that aligned with these values. Their commitment to work-life balance, along with their excellent approach to fire safety, made DFC the ideal place for me to start my professional journey.”

“One of the best parts of my time at DFC has been the fantastic social events. Regular social events and the annual Christmas party are perfect examples of how dedicated the company is, to create a fun and inclusive environment…DFC encourages us to visit different offices and participate in events for some fun, both inside and outside the company.”, said Akshay Rathee.

Join Us!

As our 2023 graduates reflect on their first year at DFC, one thing shines through: the journey is just beginning. They’ve enjoyed a fantastic mix of learning, support and fun, while building a solid foundation for their Fire Engineering careers. If you’re a graduate eager to join an enthusiastic team that genuinely cares about your growth and happiness, we can’t wait for you to take the leap with us!

Ready to shape the future of fire safety? Join us at DFC and make a real difference.