Insights Exploring Career Mobility at AtkinsRéalis: Mohan Rajadurai's Journey
Mohan Rajadurai | Principal Project Manager
What is career mobility?
Career mobility, also known as career advancement or career progression, refers to the ability and opportunities for individuals to move upward or forward in their careers.
It involves gaining new responsibilities, promotions, higher-level positions, increased earning potential, and the development of new skills and experiences within a specific career or job field.
We caught up with Principal Project Manager, Mohan Rajadurai, who joined us over 30 years ago as a Highways Engineer in Epsom.
#insideAtkins talked to Mohan to find out more about why the international opportunities throughout his career have been some of the best decisions he’s made, and what advice he has for others wishing to add diverse experiences to their careers.
Meet Mohan
He continues to be based in the south of England but over the past three decades, has worked on projects around the world.
“We’re a multinational company,” Mohan told us, “with more clients than ever before. There are many benefits to working on projects that are being constructed abroad, or in taking up a secondment that can expose you to new cultural experiences in your home country.”
Gaining international experience and working with different cultures
“I’ve worked in numerous countries around the world, including Saudi Arabia, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Sri Lanka and India. In some cases, I relocated and in others, I would go on short visits where I could.
Either way, I enjoyed living and working immersed in different cultures, learning and obtaining first-hand experience.
When travelling to where a project or client is based isn’t an option, I find that regular Skype calls, especially video calls, can still help you engage with another culture and improve your communication skills. I always promote video calls where possible.
For many people, moving abroad isn’t something they’re interested in. We’re fortunate to work in a company where we can get international experience without having to leave British soil for a long period of time if we don’t want to.”
We offer the unique opportunity for international exposure right from the comfort of your home if that's what you prefer. Our diverse projects span the globe, and we value the rich experiences gained from working with different cultures. We have offices in over 50 countries across six continents.
As an organisation, we encourage international experience while allowing our team members to choose the path that aligns with their preferences and career goals.
Tell us about your secondment opportunity and how that contributed to your professional development?
“I’ve worked in the client offices of Highways England, BAA, TfL, Metronet, the London 2012 Olympics and others. These are big clients for us, so I feel very lucky to have been able to work with them so closely in their own environments.
I’m always eager to widen my experiences, and it’s also improved my confidence immensely. If your manager suggests looking at an opportunity like this, take it! I’ve enjoyed mine so much.
Getting experience with other cultures isn’t always about geography; sometimes it’s about less obvious differences, like ways of working. Going on secondment to an office closer to home is a great way to build up a client relationship, develop your technical skills and add value to a project.
I was uncertain at first but being open to these experiences has been the best thing that’s happened to my career.”
Our secondment opportunities offer an exciting pathway for our team members to broaden their expertise and deepen their understanding of different sectors and clients.
You’ve also worked with our Global Design Centre (GDC) in India. What did you do while there?
“I spent several years working closely with our colleagues in India, where I was based for a short time, on several rail and highway UK projects.
I also took up a temporary role as Head of Water and Environment which helped me to develop further relationships within our teams in the GDC and find ways to make more use of the many skills we have in India on our UK projects, such as the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon as well as other highway and rail projects.
By getting actively involved, getting out there and building my knowledge of how the GDC’s delivery model works, I’ve been able to help them drive their growth and raise their profile here in the UK.
I’m always happy to talk to anybody about working with colleagues in the GDC – they’re such an important differentiator for us.”
Do you have any advice for others who might be presented with opportunities like these, wherever they might be?
“When chances like this come up, go for it! Trust the company and make the most of it.
We are a very global company, so try to say ‘yes’ as much as you can. These experiences will be very useful for your career development and your confidence.
Meeting new people and exposing yourself to different cultures widens your technical knowledge, can put you in a great position on large projects and helps build your network.
Career mobility can be an invaluable part of your career and social development.
Get started with an exciting global career like Mohan and learn more about AtkinsRéalis today. Or sign up for job alerts.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
![Blueprints and a hard hat on a table with hands writing over the blueprints.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/gCtvIzX4lkgElwjcrKkQGQ/75/shutterstock_1807436797-min.jpg)
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/25/2024
Summary
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is on track to become a global tech hub centered around innovation and digital entrepreneurship. Vision 2030 has already made waves in transforming the nation’s
![A picture of Shaila smiling in a pink jacket](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/Fs4sXhd4S0XBCwjcq4c3aQ/75/Shaila+TN+3.png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/24/2024
Summary
Hello! I'm Shaila, Associate Director and IT Business Partner at AtkinsRéalis in India. I lead diverse projects, nurture teams, and champion equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I). Using my
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Picture of Wannacha smiling in a white shirt.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/cZibr30WnEaV9AjcqrybMA/75/WANNACHA_TN.png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/23/2024
Summary
Hello! My name is Wannacha, and I joined AtkinsRéalis in Seoul in early 2024 as a process engineer. I'm proud to bring a unique blend of technical expertise and my own cultural insight
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![A picture of Adam Brooks in a suit smiling.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/NqMOvndEIk_fNQjcqnc8-w/75/Adam+Brooks+-+TN.png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/23/2024
Summary
Hello, I'm Adam. And, remarkably, I'm nearing my 40th anniversary with AtkinsRéalis! What started as an ‘apprentice’ as a trainee straight out of school has evolved into a fulfilling career, w
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Photo of Mahalakshmi with the AtkinsRéalis logo](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/np3xO56nN0OfAwjcqnc8-w/75/Mahalakshmi+TN+(1).png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/23/2024
Summary
Hi, my name is Mahalakshmi. I'm an Associate Group Data Architect at AtkinsRéalis and a mother of two. I began my career in September 2010 at Infosys before moving on to a longer stint
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Close up hand signing contract with pen](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/sO_H58P5iUnIiwjcqgqs_A/75/shutterstock_1286215696-min.jpg)
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/22/2024
Summary
In 2021, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) inaugurated the Middle East Green Initiative (MGI), a collaborative regional approach to address climate change. The goals of this
![Graphic representation of faces in different colours.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/A3iXatQHh0g6wQjcpU9v8w/75/TT50+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/16/2024
Summary
Fantastic news: AtkinsRéalis has been named one of The Times' Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2024! This prestigious honor shows how dedicated everyone at our organization is to promot
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![A Picture of Jo smiling outdoors.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/TIMW30C24kg6wwjcpU9v8w/75/Jo_tn2+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/16/2024
Summary
My name is Jo, and I'm a nuclear safety engineer at AtkinsRéalis. My primary role is to provide engineering and safety advice during the design and operation of nuclear facilities and for the
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Construction projects in Riyadh - the city from an aerial view](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/GMVm1QEtGEHPsQjaDNNiZg/75/Riyadh.jpg)
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/12/2024
Summary
Skip to Quantity Surveying jobs in Riyadh The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) is in the midst of a period of economic and sustainability-led transformation. Prince Mohammad bin Salman Al-Saud (MBS)
![Photo of Jo smiling for the camera](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/i7X_O905VkVDXAjcoieojA/75/JO+TN+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/11/2024
Summary
Hello! My name is Jo. As a Nuclear Safety Engineer at AtkinsRéalis, my experience so far has seen me work across various project lifecycles - from generic design assessments to nuclear new bui
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![Picture of Mei smiling in front of a screen.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/kMLdoAfTNU6hLQjcpIXZ2Q/75/Mei+1.png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/11/2024
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
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
![A Picture of Paul smiling.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/43cc2251-abc6-42a6-bf07-36e410f33bf7/2023.17000.2547/img/RBMGnUs9gkJQ5gjcoHiKiQ/75/paul+miller+(2).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/10/2024
Summary
Hello. My name is Paul, and I'm the Practice Director for Risk at AtkinsRéalis. Risk management is a dynamic field where problem solvers thrive on keeping projects and programmes secure and on
![](/Blob/img/user_no_image.jpg)
by
Shailaja Mantha
AtkinsRéalis
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