Apto Graduate Programme Q&A
“You’re not just a graduate, you’re part of the team”: Nicole Marugliano on finding her feet in data centres and shaping a more sustainable future.
Six months ago, Nicole Marugliano graduated in Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering from Trinity College Dublin. Today, she’s helping shape the future of digital infrastructure at Apto as a Graduate Quantity Surveyor. From supporting supplier relationships and running quarterly sustainability reports to contributing to key procurement processes, she’s playing a hands-on role in helping Apto to deliver hyperscale data centres across Europe.
As one of the very first hires through Apto’s new Graduate Programme, Nicole shares what it’s really like to join a growing company in this fast-moving industry – and why she’d recommend it to any graduate who wants to learn fast, be challenged and actually make a difference.
So, why Apto? What stood out to you about the graduate programme?
I liked that it wasn’t a huge corporate with a robot-led interview process. It felt real. I met people, had proper conversations and I got the sense straight away that this was a place where I’d be trusted to contribute. The startup feel really appealed to me too. You’re not a small cog in a big machine here. You’re needed.
Were you familiar with data centres before applying?
I’d heard of them, but I didn’t know much about the industry. As I learned more through the process, I realised how big the sector is and how much it’s growing. It’s also relatively new, which means there’s space to move and grow within it. It’s not like every path is already carved out – you can find your own.
What’s surprised you most since joining?
Honestly, how much I’ve been trusted. I was expecting to be eased in, but from the beginning I’ve had real tasks, real responsibility and real support. I don’t feel like the ‘graduate’ who’s just there to observe – I feel like I’m part of the team. It’s been way more hands-on than I imagined in the best possible way.
What’s the team and culture like at Apto?
It’s honestly one of the best parts of working here. Everyone’s so driven and hardworking, but also friendly and supportive. I was a bit nervous at first – you never know how much responsibility you’ll get or whether you’ll feel out of your depth – but from day one, I’ve felt like a valued member of the team.
No one’s too senior to help or answer questions, and in a small office help is literally a metre away. I can ask anything and that’s so important when you’re learning. I never feel like I’m asking a stupid question or being judged. It’s a culture where people genuinely want you to succeed. You’re encouraged, included and you feel part of something that’s moving forward with real purpose.
And what kind of work are you actually doing?
My role in the commercial team as a Quantity Surveyor has been incredibly varied. I’m involved in everything from speaking with vendors and helping assess who we should partner with, to managing contracts and supporting budgets, invoicing and reporting. It’s a steep learning curve, but an exciting one. Knowing that the decisions we’re making now will directly influence how our data centres are built and operated.
One of the projects I’ve enjoyed most has been researching and writing a report on alternative power sources for data centres. It’s technical, it’s practical and it ties directly into the sustainability challenges I care about.
Speaking of sustainability — is that something you’re particularly passionate about then?
Definitely. Data centres sometimes get a bad rap, especially here in Ireland. People focus on their energy use without always recognising how essential they are to everyday life. What excites me is the opportunity to shift the conversation and help change attitudes, not just by talking about sustainability, but by actually doing something about it.
There’s huge potential to make a positive impact. I want to be part of that change, and being in the industry gives me the chance to help make that happen.
How has the programme helped you apply what you learned in university?
The technical knowledge helps, of course, especially understanding how things work at a systems level, but it’s more about the mindset and soft skills. Balancing a degree and working part-time taught me how to manage my time and deliver under pressure. That’s been a huge help here. Things move fast at Apto, and I’ve learned how to prioritise and stay focused. No two days are the same.
What would you say to someone thinking about applying to the graduate programme?
Do it. Especially if you’re curious, ambitious and want to actually be involved. You’re not just watching from the sidelines – it’s the complete opposite. You’re contributing from day one. It’s the best way to learn fast, get proper experience and be surrounded by people who want you to succeed. I’m doing real work that matters and I’m learning more than I ever imagined.
Apto’s Graduate Programme is designed to give bright, curious graduates the chance to thrive in a fast-growing industry and make a real impact from day one.
If you’re adaptable, ambitious and ready to shape the future of digital infrastructure, consider our Graduate Programme and apply now.
