Engineering has traditionally been a male-dominated field, but this dynamic is steadily changing. Women are breaking barriers and excelling in STEM careers, bringing diverse perspectives and skills to the table. One inspiring story is that of Jocelyn, a Graduate Engineer at AtkinsRéalis. Her career trajectory, projects, and experiences offer valuable insights for early career professionals and STEM students eyeing a future in engineering.
Discovering a passion for engineering
Jocelyn’s story begins in mainland China, where she was born and raised. Pursuing her education in Hong Kong, she took her first professional steps at AtkinsRéalis as a Graduate Engineer. This role marked her entry into the world of engineering, blending passion, technical expertise, and a drive to create meaningful solutions.
Beyond her work life, Jocelyn enjoys exploring hobbies that keep her balanced and energized, exemplifying the importance of maintaining work-life harmony even in a demanding field like engineering.
A memorable start
Jocelyn fondly recalls participating in GradConnect, a two-day orientation camp for new graduates. More than just an introduction to the company, GradConnect offered interactive activities, fostering valuable connections among peers and mentors. Beyond the games and camaraderie, hearing insights directly from senior executives, including the CEO, left a lasting impression on her. These sessions were instrumental in guiding her and instilling a sense of purpose in her engineering career.
Tackling ambitious projects
Currently, Jocelyn is contributing to an A&A (alterations and additions) data center project for CLP in Sham Shui Po (~6,000 sq. ft.) and Sha Tin (~2,700 sq. ft.). These centers are being transformed into state-of-the-art connectivity hubs. By integrating the latest technologies, the project aims to improve energy efficiency, optimize plant footprints, and enhance reliability for critical facility operations.
The real challenge lies in resizing and upgrading the infrastructure while ensuring uninterrupted operations. Despite its complexity, the project excites Jocelyn, as it represents the epitome of engineering innovation and problem-solving.
The culture at AtkinsRéalis
When describing the company culture, Jocelyn sums it up in five impactful words: safety, integrity, innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
However, to her, the standouts are innovation, collaboration, and excellence. She appreciates that the company encourages creative thinking, enabling engineers to propose and implement better solutions constantly. Collaboration across teams enhances problem-solving capabilities, while the pursuit of excellence drives everyone to perform at their best, ensuring both professional growth and outstanding results for clients.
Celebrating achievements and growth
AtkinsRéalis ensures that employee achievements are recognized and celebrated. For example, the company has a global recognition platform called #WOW, allowing colleagues to acknowledge each other’s contributions in real time. For certain grades, employees can even provide financial recognition awards, reinforcing a robust culture of appreciation.
When it comes to professional development, the company offers exceptional support. Jocelyn highlights her enrollment in the “Scheme A” training program established by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers. This initiative helps graduate engineers acquire hands-on experience, paving the way to becoming professional engineers. Additionally, Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training is available to further refine skills and knowledge.
Sparking innovation in projects
The impact of technology on Jocelyn’s work is profound, particularly in the CLP Connectivity Hub project. Instead of relying solely on traditional design approaches, the team employed advanced 3D scanning and point cloud technology to improve their understanding and visualization.
"By creating comprehensive 3D models, we were able to enhance coordination and gain deeper insights into the building’s conditions. This approach improved efficiency across the board," Jocelyn explains. These innovative methods reflect AtkinsRéalis’ commitment to blending advanced tools and engineering expertise to deliver exceptional results.
Fostering diversity and inclusion
Jocelyn recognizes the critical role diversity plays in fostering creativity and inclusivity in the workplace. Employees can take meaningful steps toward a more inclusive culture by engaging in diversity training, encouraging open dialogue in teams, and challenging unconscious biases when they arise.
The company’s active commitment to diversity is also reflected in its well-rounded benefits programs, including early leave on Fridays and before significant holidays, flexible work-from-home days, and even birthday leave.
Building the future together
Jocelyn’s story underscores the importance of mentorship, innovation, and collaboration in engineering. For women in STEM and early career professionals, her experiences highlight the boundless possibilities and fulfillment found in pursuing such a path.
If you’re inspired and eager to shape your own engineering career, explore the possibilities with AtkinsRéalis. Take on exciting projects, collaborate with industry leaders, and grow in an environment where innovation thrives.
Why AtkinsRéalis?
When asked what motivated her to join AtkinsRéalis, Jocelyn highlights the leadership opportunities and collaborative culture conveyed during her interview. "The strong focus on growth and teamwork from my future manager was incredibly compelling," she recalls. Once she joined the team, her expectations were exceeded—her colleagues proved to be supportive, approachable, and inclusive. A friendly atmosphere allowed her to integrate seamlessly and connect deeply with teammates.
The environment at AtkinsRéalis isn’t just about doing the job; it’s about excelling while fostering healthy professional relationships. The ability to grow while being surrounded by like-minded, driven colleagues keeps Jocelyn motivated every day. Check out our open positions and apply today.
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