Insights Rapid senior career advancement for women engineers at AtkinsRéalis

Hi, my name is Valentina. I'm a civil engineer specializing in roadway and transportation at AtkinsRéalis. I collaborate with a diverse team to ensure the successful initiation and completion of various infrastructure projects.

I graduated from college in Boston in 2018 and immediately decided to move to Miami, Florida. Couldn't handle the cold anymore! During the job application process, I sent a LinkedIn message to our then-TPO Senior Technical Director. And he replied, requesting my resume. I went through a long interview process, and the rest is history. Lucky me, I was hired!

Senior career growth opportunities for women engineers

My career's defining moments have been doubling down, working harder, and staying committed to achieving more. My eagerness to grow and succeed sparked that choice. It made a big difference in my career trajectory—I moved up in my role and became more recognized within the organization. The harder I worked, the more opportunities came my way, all while having the guidance and support of a strong leadership team.

Workplace support and mentorship for women engineers

AtkinsRéalis has undoubtedly shaped me into the senior engineer I am today, and they continue to mentor, guide, and teach me as I progress in my growth within the organization. The people here have truly felt like a strong support system—from Vice President Jeremy and Senior Technical Director Steve to project Manager Lorraine and Technical Manager Patty, not to mention many others, who have generously given their time to mentor me.

Career growth and flexibility in engineering and construction

Flexibility and adaptability are essential in my role as a roadway engineer, as I often juggle multiple projects both in and out of state. AtkinsRéalis has supported me in exploring new career paths and projects, showing me that there's always opportunity within the organization. For example, while I primarily work on roadway design projects, I've recently had the chance to support the cities program, which focuses on different aspects and allows us as a company to provide better solutions for our cities and give back to the community.

Reflecting back on my career, while I still absolutely love winning projects, I now define my success more by the relationships and respect I share with my colleagues and peers. AtkinsRéalis has given me the support and opportunities to grow, both in my senior role and as a person, and that's something I deeply value.

Advance your career in engineering through mentorship and support

As a woman in this field, never be afraid to speak up and ask for help. Yes, it can be intimidating at times, but there will always be someone with good intentions willing to assist. My best advice to young engineers is to follow your passion, work hard for your dreams, be yourself, and never doubt your abilities.

Sometimes, making a bold change is exactly what you need. If you want to join a team that will reward you and support your senior career progression, browse these fantastic job opportunities!