Supported every step of the way: The Navy to Project Management

21 June 2019

Sophie joined AtkinsRéalis in 2018 after serving with the Royal Navy for 12 years. During this time Sophie also completed a Business and Economics degree and with her resettlement training grant, obtained further project management qualifications. Sophie currently works as a Project Controls Officer.

“In the Royal Navy I was a Leading Writer, which meant I had many different roles. I’ve worked with NATO, aboard the HMS Montrose and within the UK on naval recruitment, to name just a few. Looking back, there are many key skills that I feel I picked up while serving, such as teamwork, leadership, flexibility, and the ability to work under pressure and remain level-headed.

The day I had my interview at AtkinsRéalis it was the SSAFA Big Brew Up, so I walked into the office and was met with the sight of a Petty Officer in uniform! I knew from my interview research that the company supported the Armed Forces and on day one I was introduced to a fellow veteran who managed my induction and has become a great source of advice. AtkinsRéalis has a programme called Partnering with Armed Forces and as a member I am part of a network of veterans and reservists within the company. Within the network, my local group gets together monthly to share advice and support. 

I’m currently working within a Project Management Office as a Project Controls Officer. I work with very large sums of money, which was a little daunting at first but now I enjoy the problem-solving element of being immersed in multiple projects and seeing how they fit together at a strategic level. Being a Consultant comes with the freedom to shape my career path, by gaining experience in numerous markets and projects within AtkinsRéalis.”