From sports and geography to working on key infrastructure projects: Lauren Ramshaw's career journey

From sports and geography to working on key infrastructure projects: Lauren Ramshaw's career journey  

Success is rarely a straightforward path, and Lauren Ramshaw’s career as a Project Coordinator is a testament to the power of adaptability, ambition, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. From studying sports and geography at university to her current role as a project coordinator at AtkinsRéalis, Lauren’s story is an inspiring example of personal and professional growth.  

Starting with sports & geography 

Lauren’s academic background in sports and geography may seem unrelated to her current role in infrastructure, but it provided her with a unique perspective. These studies honed her understanding of spatial planning, human interaction with environments, and teamwork, all of which laid the foundation for her future in project management.  

Exploring new horizons in Australia  

One of the pivotal chapters in Lauren’s career unfolded in Australia. Relocating to a new country is no small feat—professionally or personally—but Lauren embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. Here, she was working on Sydney Metro , one of the largest public transport infrastructure projects in the world.

The role of maternity leave in career evolution 

Life’s milestones often intersect with career choices, and for Lauren, maternity leave became a defining moment. Balancing parenthood and professional aspirations is no easy task, but Lauren treated maternity leave as a time to both reflect and recalibrate.  

Thriving at AtkinsRéalis  

Today, Lauren plays a key role at AtkinsRéalis, where she brings her extensive expertise in project management, community engagement, and strategic planning. Her background—from her unique university studies to her hands-on experience in Australia—offers her team a well-rounded view and exceptional problem-solving skills.  

Lessons from Lauren's journey  

Lauren’s story provides several takeaways for anyone navigating their own career path: 

Adaptability unlocks opportunity 

Lauren’s willingness to take on roles outside her original academic background enabled her to discover strengths she might not have known otherwise. Her ability to pivot and learn on the go was key to unlocking exciting new phases of her career.  

Life events share your strengths 

Instead of seeing life milestones—such as maternity leave—as career roadblocks, Lauren used them as opportunities to re-centre. These moments brought new perspectives to the way she works and with decision-making.  

The power of community connections 

Lauren’s time working on Sydney Metro underscored the importance of projects that connect people and improve communities. It's a lesson that reminded her that infrastructure is about more than just functionality; it's about creating a positive impact.  

Moving forward  

Lauren Ramshaw’s career is a testament to the idea that skills are transferable, resilience is invaluable, and there’s no single “correct” way to achieve success. Her evolution from studying geography to influencing major infrastructure projects reflects how determination and a focus on learning can open doors you never knew existed.