insights Transferable skills you didn't know you could use for a construction career
I graduated with a degree in Psychology from Cardiff University but wasn't clear on my next steps. So, I took a temporary job working for a Process Engineering Contractor in the Water Industry. I had a broad role managing their office and acting as an executive assistant. An opportunity came up with Welsh Water as a Communications representative, and I jumped at the chance.
Communications: engaging and managing people
The Communication role involved many responsibilities, including Community Engagement, Stakeholder Management and internal communications. During this time, I started my family and had the first of my two children, taking six months out before returning to work full time.
It was clear that I had a flair for communications and soon found myself taking a lead role within the team. I then started working directly for Welsh Water as the Internal Communications Manager. I enjoyed the job but missed the client interface, so I took the opportunity to move on.
Corporate affairs: connecting with stakeholders
I then joined Centrica as a Corporate Affairs Officer, responsible for Stakeholder Engagement and organizing political and stakeholder visits to critical assets. I quickly decided this role wasn't for me and left within the year moving back to work for the contractor.
Bids: Understanding budgets and proposals
I was then working as a Bid Manager, bidding for multiple framework opportunities with Water Companies across the UK. Sadly, the company went into administration. I reached out to my network, and a friend knew of a job going at AtkinsRéalis, so I applied. Despite a lack of direct experience as a Project Manager, I felt I had transferrable skills.
Valuable knowledge of markets
When I joined AtkinsRéalis, I was recruited as an Assistant Project Manager in the Water Market. I quickly progressed to the role of Project Manager and expanded my portfolio to include projects with a number of other water companies. I was ready to take on greater leadership responsibility, and a project came up in the Defence market working for BAE Systems. I now work across multiple markets and have a great network across the infrastructure business. I have been promoted to Associate Director and taken on significant line management responsibilities.
Just put your hand up for every opportunity that interests you.
Within AtkinsRéalis, I have found that being open to opportunities and stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to some fantastic roles. Today, I am the Practice Manager for a team of over 40 Project Managers and project controls staff, working out of three regional offices and leading the delivery of several exciting multi-disciplinary design projects. No two days are the same!
Join a practice where you'll be trusted with more responsibility faster and supported by everyone around you. Search live roles.
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Our articles
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
10/01/2024
Summary
We interviewed Turki Ghesheyan on his experience with the AtkinsRéalis Saudi Graduate Program. Tell us a little bit about yourself My name is Turki, I am an Architectural Engineer who graduated from
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Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we have a team of local, regional, and international experts in the UAE who are dedicated to delivering innovative solutions in the market to meet the needs of our clients. The UAE i
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EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Sherif, and I work at AtkinsRéalis in London. As a principal fire engineer, I'm proud to "engineer a better future" every day here, specifically as our work relates to shaping
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EuropeContent type
ProjectsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hinkley Point C (HPC) is the first nuclear power station to be built in the UK since the 1990s. Technically complex and the country’s largest infrastructure project – our talented people from
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GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/30/2024
Summary
Hi! I'm Alina, an associate director specialized in transport infrastructure engineering. I lead the North-West Estimating team in Project & Programme Services here in Manchester. Over the past
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Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/27/2024
Summary
Across the evolving landscape of the Middle East, Architects play a large part in designing and planning complex building structures that are in line with groundbreaking innovation. The constructio
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Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/24/2024
Summary
In the fast-paced world of consultancy, architecture, and project management, the need for forward-thinking leadership and innovative strategies has never been more critical. At AtkinsRéalis, we
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EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
09/13/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Dilini! Two years ago, after completing my doctorate in structural fire engineering, I began practicing in the UK fire engineering industry. I'm proud to have contributed
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