back

Menu

Close

EN
EN

Unlocking Career Opportunities: Amar's Secondment Experience

Posted by Attrax Administrator
Posting date: 01/31/2020 15:01

Over the past 50 years, we’ve helped shape cutting-edge ideas in Saudi Arabia; from large infrastructure projects to mixed-use masterplan developments. 

King Abdullah Financial District, Riyadh Metro and King Abdulaziz International Airport are among some of the flagship projects where we’ve proudly supported the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 and its economic diversification agenda. 

Amar is a Project Architect at AtkinsRéalis based in the London office and recently spent ten weeks in Saudi Arabia on a secondment. We caught up with Amar to learn more about his work on the King Abdullah Financial District project and how it has opened the door to new opportunities. 



                                image of Amar smiling


HOW DID YOUR SECONDMENT IN SAUDI ARABIA COME ABOUT?

"A call was put out to architects within the business to help mobilise a team in Riyadh in support of a masterplan development called the King Abdullah Financial District. 

There were several roles available and the project consisted of 88 partially built / derelict skyscrapers, five of which had been awarded to us to fully review. This included reviewing construction drawings and checking what had been built on-site, as well as acting as the client advisor on any Requests for Information (RFI’s).

My job was to take ownership of one of the towers, a 31-storey residential tower with an 11-storey retail podium. 

It was an engaging and challenging role that involved reviewing over 500 drawings, as well as specifications and reports against local building codes and compiling all of our results into a single report for our client to best understand how they could complete the building I was working on as well as the other towers. All within the space of ten weeks!"

Working for a global organization like AtkinsRéalis is a passport to unlocking a world of career and project opportunities. 

The sheer reach of our operations, spanning over 50 countries across six continents, opens doors to diverse experiences and projects on a global scale. 

Whether it's contributing to infrastructure developments in the United Kingdom, collaborating with international teams, or embarking on secondments closer to home, our global presence offers an array of exciting prospects. 

WHY DID YOU PUT YOURSELF FORWARD FOR THE SECONDMENT?

"I strongly believe that going outside your comfort zone is key to strengthening your career progression. I knew that moving from working in London to working in Saudi Arabia would have its challenges, but I figured the experience would be worth it."

WHAT DID A TYPICAL DAY ON YOUR SECONDMENT LOOK LIKE?

"Employees had flown over from places such as Dubai, Egypt, India and Jordan to work on this project, and as we were all staying at the same hotel, a minibus would take us all to the site first thing in the morning, and we’d conduct our site visit in the towers whilst it was cooler.

When I was on site, my time consisted of checking construction package drawings, walking around the towers checking for defects, and attending client /contractor project team meetings to advise on how best to proceed. 

Some project meetings would have 30 people sitting around a board room eagerly awaiting our recommendations – quite a contrast from how things are done back home in London. 

The evenings were then spent with the team, looking for the most appealing restaurant to eat in! The local shawarma wraps are highly recommended."

One of the remarkable aspects of joining AtkinsRéalis is that you're never alone on this journey. Many colleagues have been and are in the same position as you, and they're more than willing to share their experiences and lend a helping hand. 

From day one, you'll find support from colleagues, mentors, and friends who understand the excitement and uncertainty that comes with working in an unfamiliar environment. 

WHAT DID YOU ENJOY ABOUT YOUR SECONDMENT?


                                image of Amar in Riyadh


"What I enjoyed the most was the network that I developed, both internally within Atkins as well as with colleagues from our client team and contractors. 

There were people from all over the world in Riyadh, and you can learn a huge deal from the way they work, how they interact with one another and how they behave within a professional environment." 

Collaboration is one of our core values which means we work together and embrace each other’s unique contribution to deliver amazing results for all.

WOULD YOU RECOMMEND WORKING ON SECONDMENT TO A COLLEAGUE?

"Secondments are a great way to broaden your horizons, open new doors, see how other parts of the world work, and then bring that value back with you.

Throwing yourself at something that might seem daunting can pay off in ways you wouldn’t expect, so always keep your mind open to new opportunities."

FINALLY, DO YOU HAVE A ROLE MODEL WHO HAS INSPIRED YOU DURING YOUR CAREER?

"I've been lucky to work around a multitude of senior architects since finishing university. Both within AtkinsRéalis and in my previous practice. 

I’ve always endeavoured to reach out to people within the office who are open to offering advice and help, not only on technical queries regarding my job role but on wider aspects of my career too. 

I find the most inspiring leaders are ones who can relate to you on an individual basis. Everyone has their own path, and sometimes a good leader can help to unlock your potential by pushing you in the right direction and offering you or encouraging you to seize new opportunities." 

SEE WHERE A CAREER WITH ATKINS COULD TAKE YOU

Being part of AtkinsRéalis is a chance to be a part of some of the most exciting projects around the globe. 

Browse all our current architecture jobs, or learn about a day in the life of an architect at Atkins to find out more about the different types of projects you'll be involved with.

We're on a mission to find greener solutions. Check out the top careers at AtkinsRéalis that are helping us build a more sustainable future.

jobscarousel

Related Jobs

Principal Urban Designer (KSA or UAE)

Salary

Location

Riyadh

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Architecture

Category

Permanent

Location

Riyadh

Description

As a provider of multi-disciplined technical services to the built environment, Atkins Middle East is committed to design excellence in the delivery of first-class solutions which combine innovation,

Reference

R-105831

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

View
Associate Planner

Salary

Location

Manchester

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Architecture

Category

Permanent

Location

Leeds

Manchester

Sheffield

Description

Role: Principal/Associate Planner Location: Manchester, Leeds and SheffieldPlanning a better future for our communities:Bring your skills to the table as a Town Planner in our diverse and friendly nat

Reference

R-106619

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Ritwi Chatterjee View
Innovation Manager

Salary

Location

UK

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Architecture

Category

Permanent

Location

United Kingdom

Description

AtkinsRéalis Building Design Practice are committed to delivering projects in the built environment that improve the quality of life for those people who live, work, and play within them.  In support

Reference

R-105469

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Sandeep Bordoloi View
Senior Design Researcher

Salary

Location

London

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Architecture

Category

Permanent

Location

London

Description

AtkinsRéalis Building Design Practice are committed to delivering projects in the built environment that improve the quality of life for those people who live, work and play within them.  In support o

Reference

R-104548

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Mahendran CV

Author

Mahendran CV
View
Regional Head of Master Planning and Urban Design

Salary

Location

Dubai

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Architecture

Market

Cities & development

Category

Permanent

Location

Riyadh

Dubai

Description

Role Summary: The Regional Head of Master Planning and Urban Design is responsible for overseeing and advancing the master planning and urban design studio within the Middle East region. This role inv

Reference

R-104341

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

View
Project Architect

Salary

Location

Bristol

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Architecture

Category

Permanent

Location

Bristol

Description

AtkinsRéalis Architecture & Master planning Practice are looking to recruit innovative Architects to be part of our growing Bristol Architectural Team.About AtkinsRéalis:AtkinsRéalis is more than just

Reference

R-103474

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Mahendran CV

Author

Mahendran CV
View
BIM Specialist - Common Data Environment (CDE) Content

Salary

Location

London

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Architecture

Category

Permanent

Location

London

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-103427

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

View
Associate - Urban Design /Masterplanning

Salary

Location

London

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Architecture

Category

Permanent

Location

London

Description

AtkinsRéalis is looking to appoint an Associate - Urban Designer/Masterplanner into our studios in central London, Bristol or Cardiff.You will work as key part of our Masterplanning leadership team, c

Reference

R-102736

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Mahendran CV

Author

Mahendran CV
View
Urban Designer

Salary

Location

London

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Architecture

Category

Permanent

Location

London

Description

AtkinsRéalis has an exciting opportunity for an Urban Designer with relevant experience in our central London office to work on our national and international projects.We are looking for an individual

Reference

R-102733

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Mahendran CV

Author

Mahendran CV
View
Senior Urban Designer / Masterplanner

Salary

Location

London

Type

Temps plein

Career Area

Architecture

Category

Permanent

Location

London

Description

AtkinsRéalis is seeking enthusiastic and skilled Senior Urban Designers/Masterplanners to join our central London studio. Please upload your up-to-date portfolio along with your CV, for us to process

Reference

R-102732

Expiry Date

01/01/0001

Mahendran CV

Author

Mahendran CV
View

Related Articles

Kitty smiling for the picture.
3 Simple Tips to Effectively Raise Your Visibility at Work

Preview

Europe

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

11/20/2023

Summary

When Kitty Ho, Associate Director, first started with the Project and Programme Services team at AtkinsRéalis, she was glad to work with someone in senior leadership who looked like her. She r

Preview

Strategies for Greater Exposure in Project Management

Read more

by

Shailaja Mantha

by

Shailaja Mantha

Makaita in her graduation gown posing for the camera.
3 Top Tips on Starting Your Rail Career at AtkinsRéalis

Preview

Europe

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

11/16/2023

Summary

"Contributing to the future of sustainable and efficient transportation, One Rail at a Time" – Makaita G, Graduate Engineer Makaita, what do you do in AtkinsRéalis' Rail

Preview

Interested in a Graduate Rail Career? Why You Want to Work at AtkinsRéalis

Read more

by

Deborah McCormick

by

Deborah McCormick

Why education is key to tackling the cyber skills gap

Preview

Europe

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

11/15/2023

Summary

Computing science taught in schools today must be broadened, and must start being taught much sooner, if we have any chance of closing the cyber skills gap, says former teacher and AtkinsRéali

Preview

Is Cyber Security A Good Career? Let's Ask a Cyber Consultant.

Read more

by

Shailaja Mantha

by

Shailaja Mantha

The broader the cyber recruitment remit, the richer the cyber talent pool

Preview

Europe

Content type

Blogs

Publish date

11/15/2023

Summary

The demand for cyber security professionals is continually increasing, yet the cyber skills shortage and gap persist. It’s time to boost the diversity of cyber skills in the UK by thinking out

Preview

Is Cybersecurity a Good Career for Anyone? Here's How We Ensure is at AtkinsRéalis

Read more

by

Shailaja Mantha

by

Shailaja Mantha

jobscarousel

Recently viewed jobs