insights A day in the life of… Felicity Heathcote-Márcz, cyborg ethnographer
27 February 2018
Felicity Heathcote-Márcz is a senior consultant and cyborg ethnographer in the Intelligent Mobility (iM) practice, where she brings a brand-new research methodology into the fast-changing world of transport solutions and mobilities of the future. Felicity works on a variety of projects to understand socio-technical systems and provides insight on how user groups interact with technologies. Her work also involves an analysis of cultural and social impacts of new technologies and innovation. Curious about what this boils down to in practice? We asked Felicity what her average day looks like.
My alarm goes off…
And Spanish guitar classic Bamboleo heralds in another glorious day (every day that begins with Bamboleo must be glorious). If today is one of my travelling days, I’ll be awake bright and early to catch a train – usually to London for meetings at Euston Tower. Otherwise I catch the metro to begin my day at the Exchange office in Manchester city centre. I usually work from home once or twice a week too – putting green mobility solutions into practice and keeping my cat company.
I’m responsible for…
Cyborgs and ethnography at AtkinsRéalis! What that really means is I specialise in the immersive study (through participant observation and ethnographic interviews) of how people interact with technology and the world around them – taking account of culture, context and history as important dynamics that drive behaviours and outcomes. I’m getting acquainted with a variety of projects that the iM team is involved in, offering an ethnographic approach to research and contributing ethnographic solutions in new bids across the business too.
I got the job…
This is an interesting one. Back in March this year, I was completing a PhD at Manchester Business School when I went to an event run by AtkinsRéalis and a member of the iM practice showed an interest in my work on cyborgs in the financial sector. I was then contacted by a recruiter from AtkinsRéalis and soon had an interview lined up. I couldn’t turn down such an interesting opportunity to join this new and exciting iM team and area!
My typical day…
Involves a fair bit of writing – contributing text to bids on what USP and value cyborg ethnography can bring to clients, presentations for workshops or conferences, or educational/thought leadership pieces for internal or external publication. I joined the iM team in September and in just this short time I am starting to see more and more opportunities in the pipeline where immersive methods to understand behaviours and cultural factors can support integrated ticketing, Mobility as a Service and Connected and Autonomous Vehicle solutions.
My most memorable career moment…
In terms of my as yet short-lived iM career, speaking at the Smarter Travel Live conference on the future of mobility as part of an expert panel was thrilling. It was an excellent opportunity to garner some feedback on the big issues facing the transport sector for the future, and to meet some of our partners and clients.
The worst part of my job is…
I suppose I haven’t found out yet as I’m still a newbie! My role with AtkinsRéalis suits me very well, as I’m able to keep some of the autonomy and intellectual pursuits I enjoyed in academia (writing articles and speaking at conferences) along with providing a grounded contribution to commercial projects. As ethnography is traditionally a long-term methodology, it will be challenging to provide this rich data in the short bursts of time required for tight project budgets – but certainly do-able.
The best part of my job is…
So far the team I have been working with in iM have made starting a new role in a new organisation very easy and enjoyable for me. My experience so far shows me that we have many absolutely excellent people across the business and I’m looking forward to meeting and collaborating with them more as I become more known and embedded in the business.
After work I…
Apart from making sure my cat is content, I love to read (though am still to master my target of one book per week!) and am a Radio 4 addict. But just to down play the impression that I’m 100 years old, I also really enjoy getting out with friends/family for a meal or drinks at least once a week. Watching art house movies and exploring the wild and wonderful city of Manchester also make my favourite activities list.
If I wasn’t a cyborg ethnographer at AtkinsRéalis, I’d be a…
Cyborg ethnographer somewhere else! Probably back doing long-term academic projects bringing anthropology to the understanding of organisations, or freelancing. If I had to choose a completely new career though, I’ve always wondered what life would be like away from a desk as a farmer… Bamboleo would definitely be needed for those early mornings I think.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/12/2024
Summary
In the fast-paced world of engineering, finding a career path that is both rewarding and sustainable can sometimes feel like trying to solve a complex equation. But imagine a world where work-li
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/11/2024
Summary
Life is full of twists and turns, and the story of Sheela Reji's career is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and ambition. For those who dream big and are willing to walk the
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/08/2024
Summary
Hi, my name is Valentina. I'm a civil engineer specializing in roadway and transportation at AtkinsRéalis. I collaborate with a diverse team to ensure the successful initiation and completion
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/07/2024
Summary
For job seekers, HR professionals, and business leaders, insights into human resources leadership can illuminate paths to success. This article features an exclusive Q&A with Naomi Miles, Vice-P
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
11/04/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Jeremy. I'm a Director here at AtkinsRéalis and Head of the Project & Programme Services Property team in Devon & Cornwall. I started my career in the 90s in building surveying—an
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/31/2024
Summary
Meet Laurence, Director, Systems Engineering, a woman passionate about innovation and public transit. Through her own experiences, she will offer her perspective on managing complex projects and
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/30/2024
Summary
In a world where inclusivity is becoming a central focus, Tom Elam stands out as a leading figure in advocating for People of Determination. This partnership with the Butterfly highlights a signif
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/25/2024
Summary
I'm Mei, a chartered engineer with extensive experience in water and wastewater engineering projects in the UK and internationally. I’m the Water Sector Lead and Project Director in AtkinsRéal
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/11/2024
Summary
Hello. I'm Karen, a Senior Programme Manager in Project & Programme Services at AtkinsRéalis in the UK. Born to Ghanaian parents and raised in North London, my journey has been one of resilience
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/10/2024
Summary
From engineering internships to leadership roles: My journey at AtkinsRéalis Discovering leadership through my civil engineering internships Allô, my name is Karolane. I work at AtkinsRéalis
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/08/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we believe that sustainability is more than just a goal - it shapes everything we do. For over a decade, our team members, like the one you'll meet today, have b
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/02/2024
Summary
In the rapidly evolving world of energy, having the right foundation in nuclear and net zero energy is crucial. AtkinsRéalis stands at the forefront of this sector, offering abundant opportuniti
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Aylesbury
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Aylesbury
Description
Applicants should submit their cv and a covering letter detailing what they will bring to the role. Please ensure you submit your application by December 4th.Account DirectorBe trusted to make great t
Reference
R-122880
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Abhishek SahaAuthor
Abhishek SahaSalary
Location
Edinburgh
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Transport planning
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Edinburgh
Glasgow
Description
Lead delivery with vision. The transportation infrastructure sector in Scotland is experiencing unprecedented levels of investment and AtkinsRéalis is leading projects to upgrade existing transport ne
Reference
R-122912
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
Manchester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Quantity surveying
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Derby
Leeds
Manchester
London
Epsom
Edinburgh
Description
Build a reputation for high-quality delivery.Join our organisation, where we have a huge variety of projects on-the-go at any one time. So, when you start this role with us, it could take your career
Reference
R-122826
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Anita SharmaAuthor
Anita SharmaSalary
Location
Manchester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Quantity surveying
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Derby
Leeds
Manchester
London
Epsom
Edinburgh
Description
Lead delivery with vision.You might know us for the great work we do across our wide variety of projects. We're proud to say it's thanks to our people's diversity of thought, expertise and knowledge.
Reference
R-122825
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Anita SharmaAuthor
Anita SharmaSalary
Location
Manchester
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Quantity surveying
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Derby
Leeds
Manchester
London
Epsom
Edinburgh
Description
Build a reputation for high-quality delivery.Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and togeth
Reference
R-122824
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Anita SharmaAuthor
Anita SharmaSalary
Location
Newcastle upon Tyne
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Business development
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Birmingham
Derby
Stockton-on-Tees
Leeds
Manchester
Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Description
Shape a faster, smarter, safer future.You might know us for the great work we do across our wide variety of projects. We're proud to say it's thanks to our people's diversity of thought, expertise and
Reference
R-122424
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Abhishek SahaAuthor
Abhishek SahaSalary
Location
UK
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Construction
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
United Kingdom
Description
Shape a faster, smarter, safer future.Are you ready to take up a vital role in shaping some of our exciting projects? How about joining our talented team, where everyone has a voice, and together we f
Reference
R-122381
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Vinayak DaddiAuthor
Vinayak DaddiSalary
Location
Birmingham
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Project controls
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Birmingham
Derby
Manchester
Bristol
Cardiff
Description
Build a reputation for high-quality delivery.You might know us for the great work we do across our wide variety of projects. We're proud to say it's thanks to our people's diversity of thought, expert
Reference
R-122236
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Anita SharmaAuthor
Anita SharmaSalary
Location
Aylesbury
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Birmingham
London
Aylesbury
Description
Let’s make great design possible.The AtkinsRéalis Local Transport Market has experienced significant growth over the last five years through strong collaboration with our clients. We continuously push
Reference
R-122227
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Anita SharmaAuthor
Anita SharmaSalary
Location
Aylesbury
Job Type
Flexible Working
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Birmingham
London
Aylesbury
Description
Streamline the way forwardThe AtkinsRéalis Local Transport Market has experienced significant growth over the last five years through strong collaboration with our clients. We continuously push bounda
Reference
R-122226
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Anita SharmaAuthor
Anita SharmaEquality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more