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.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
02/04/2025
Summary
Hi, I'm Ahmad, the regional leader of AtkinsRéalis' Power New Build team here in the Northwest of England. Why did I join AtkinsRéalis? I wanted to be part of a world-class engineering services p

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/31/2025
Summary
Sophie, a Building Surveyor at AtkinsRéalis, tells all about life in Bristol You’ve probably already seen the photos of hot air balloons drifting over Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s Clifton Suspensi

Preview
AustraliaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/31/2025
Summary
The rail sector is at the heart of Australia’s infrastructure revolution, spanning more than 36,064km of track and powering economic growth, innovation, and connectivity. Once reliant on imported as

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/31/2025
Summary
Do you want to fuel your career with purpose and watch your impact grow? Would you like to make an impact and join the global net zero revolution? Do you have what it takes to lead the nuclear r

by
Shailaja Mantha

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/29/2025
Summary
The future of electrical engineering is bright, and its influence on industries like automotive, energy, and wearable technology is growing exponentially. At AtkinsRéalis, electrical engineers are a

Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/29/2025
Summary
Mechanical engineering is recognized as one of the most diverse and impactful fields, constantly shaping innovations across industries. At AtkinsRéalis, professionals like Sean, a BIM (Building

Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/28/2025
Summary
What does it take to transform an industry? Hard work, innovative technology, and a culture that fosters creativity. This is how AtkinsRéalis, a global leader in project management, engineering

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/28/2025
Summary
If you are thinking of global career move to KSA, head on to read Sarah’s story on how she relocated to KSA for her work. Hi I’m Sarah, and I joined the AtkinsRéalis Graduate Program to work in T

Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/24/2025
Summary
Infrastructure in the Middle East is developing at a rapid rate. With projected growth of 2.9% by 2030, opportunities in the region aren’t slowing down any time soon. Central to this transformati

Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/24/2025
Summary
At AtkinsRéalis, we’ve had a big part to play in shaping the skyline and infrastructure of the UAE. Having contributed for over 50 years, we’ve been proud supporters of the rapid growth and ambitio

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/24/2025
Summary
Hello, I'm Amalia, a senior billing specialist at AtkinsRéalis in Romania. On my first day at the organization, I had mixed feelings— I felt a little fear but also confidence that I would be fine

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
01/23/2025
Summary
Our journey began in Bangalore, India, as six professionals representing various disciplines from the Global Technology Centre (GTC) embarked on a month-long secondment to lead the Project off

by
Akash Kumar
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Union
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a be
Reference
R-127008
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Health & safety
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering services and nuclear company dedicated to engineering a be
Reference
R-127007
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Consultant
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Dubai
Description
Join us in engineering a better future for our planet and its people.AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading design, engineering and project management organization. We connect people, data and technology to
Reference
R-126058
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Health & safety
Market
Transportation
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking HSE Inspector (Rail Project in GCC).About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering
Reference
R-124121
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Bangalore
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Consultant
Category
Permanent
Location
Bangalore
Riyadh
Description
We’re AtkinsRéalis, a world class Engineering Services and Nuclear organization. We connect people, data and technology to transform the world's infrastructure and energy systems. Together, with our i
Reference
R-126751
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Project controls
Market
Project, programme & cost management
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is looking for a Cost Control Manager (Estimation Manager), in Abu Dhabi, UAE.About AtkinsRéalis:Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéali
Reference
R-126680
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Riyadh
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Process engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Riyadh
Description
About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-leading professional services and project management company dedicated to engi
Reference
R-126614
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Information technology
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis Business is hiring an experienced Information Manager for our Middle east delivery team. This person will be carrying out a mix of functions that span from internal process improvements t
Reference
R-126349
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Dubai
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Structural engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Dubai
Description
AtkinsRéalis is currently looking for Structural Engineer.About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering s
Reference
R-126348
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Abu Dhabi
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Structural engineering
Category
Permanent
Location
Abu Dhabi
Description
AtkinsRéalis is currently looking for Structural Engineer.About AtkinsRéalis Created by the integration of long-standing organizations dating back to 1911, AtkinsRéalis is a world-class engineering s
Reference
R-126345
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Equality, 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