Meet James Hampson

As a former apprentice, James is passionate about developing talent. He mentors several rising leaders, including some of our clients’ future stars. James also sat on the executive board of the Jacobs Careers network when he was head of major programs, providing senior direction and inspiring employees at all levels with his story — from entry level to vice president. In 2021, he was named as Jacobs Inclusive Leader of the Year for championing Black Talent in the construction industry.

Beyond helping others achieve their career goals, James inspires teams and program leaders to develop new and innovative delivery methods.

What advice would you give to graduates entering the field? 

Don’t feel pressured to make all the key decisions alone. I started my career early at 16 (and even did work experience in the Stockton office at 14), and I was privileged to have inspiring bosses and mentors right from the start. Their guidance helped me make the right choices. 

Being flexible and open to travel early in your career is a great way to gain experience. For example, if I had limited myself to Stockton, there were only a handful of opportunities. Expanding to the whole of the U.K., meant there were 100 opportunities, and looking globally with Jacobs opened up hundreds more. Flexibility creates options. However, you need someone to help you learn the right skills along the way and help you make the right decisions. A mentor will help you find the right balance between career growth and lifestyle choices. 

So don’t jump from one job to the next — find the right mentors and stick with them. I didn't get here alone. I've got several mentors and coaches I rely on for different areas, and their support strengthens my network. The more you invest in these relationships, the more your colleagues and teams will benefit too. 

Second lesson: You don’t need a strict five- or 10-year plan, nor do you have to keep climbing up the corporate ladder. Your next job choice doesn’t have to go up in responsibility or scale. I’ve taken a few zigzags — across sectors, roles, responsibilities and titles — sometimes moving sideways or even stepping back to gain the right skills. Here’s where a mentor can help you identify the skills you need for the path you want, whether in leadership or as a technical specialist. Think of it like earning badges in Scouts — you need the right combination to become a well-rounded professional. Focus on what’s missing, gain those experiences and build the foundation for long-term success.