Let’s find your next opportunity​

{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}

{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}

saved
viewed

Discover what it's really like starting your engineering career. Graduate engineer Viola Lee shares her first-year experience, growth, and opportunities.

Starting your career as a graduate engineer can feel overwhelming... “Will you fit in? Can you handle real-world projects? What will the learning curve look like?” Viola Lee is a Graduate Engineer at AtkinsRéalis whose first year in the water team has been defined by curiosity, resilience, and a passion for meaningful engineering work. Her journey reflects the experiences of many early‑career engineers stepping into the professional world, full of questions, excitement, and the drive to make an impact. In the reflections that follow, Viola shares her personal perspective on how this transformative year has shaped her career.

Viola Lee

Building skills through real challenges

Working in the water team has pushed me to develop both technical expertise and soft skills. I've become proficient in advanced engineering software like ICM Infoworks and CAD, tools that have enhanced my ability to deliver precise, efficient project outcomes.

Collaborating closely with colleagues and actively participating in client meetings has strengthened my communication abilities. Each project presents unique challenges that require adaptability and creative problem-solving skills that have grown exponentially through hands-on experience.

One highlight was representing AtkinsRéalis as an ambassador at the HKUST career fair, where I shared my graduate engineer journey with prospective candidates. Standing there, explaining what I'd learned and accomplished, I realized how much I'd grown in just one year.

 

The experience that changed everything

Two months into my role, I participated in GradConnect, a 2-day orientation camp that became my most memorable experience at AtkinsRéalis. This wasn't your typical corporate retreat. Through carefully designed team-building exercises, I connected with fellow graduate engineers from different disciplines and teams across the company.

The camp offered invaluable insights into AtkinsRéalis' core values and organizational structure. During the dinner buffet, I had meaningful conversations with experienced seniors who shared their career journeys and practical advice. These connections laid the foundation for relationships that continue to support my professional growth today.

 

Professional development that actually works

AtkinsRéalis doesn't just talk about supporting early careers, they deliver through structured programs. The early career program includes workshops specifically designed to help new graduates settle into professional life and adapt to dynamic work environments.

The company's commitment to continuous learning shines through regular technical lunch talks and knowledge-sharing sessions. Topics range from carbon and net zero initiatives to cybersecurity fundamentals. These sessions create valuable cross-team learning opportunities that broaden your engineering perspective.

Professional certifications through HKIE Scheme A training and ICE training programs demonstrate the company's investment in our long-term career development.

Early career workshop

Technology and innovation at work

AtkinsRéalis embraces advanced digital tools that streamline workflows and enhance collaboration. Since joining, I've had opportunities to explore sophisticated engineering software for various projects, expanding my technical toolkit significantly.

The integration of technology isn't just about efficiency; it's about enabling innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges. Each software mastery opens doors to more sophisticated project involvement.

 

Work-life balance that works

Engineering careers can be demanding, but AtkinsRéalis prioritizes employee wellbeing through thoughtful initiatives. Regular after-work activities include ice-cream days, massage sessions, regional fun Friday events, and seasonal celebrations.

Emerging Professionals Network (EPN) group organizes engaging activities like dog shelter visits, dragon boat contests, Halloween games, and archery events. These experiences build connections beyond project work and create a genuine sense of community.

 

Ready to start your engineering journey?

My year at AtkinsRéalis has exceeded expectations in every way. The combination of meaningful projects, supportive colleagues, comprehensive professional development, and genuine work-life balance creates an environment where graduate engineers can thrive.

If you're considering your next career move or starting your engineering journey, explore the opportunities at AtkinsRéalis.

 

Related blogs

Tomasz on building a squiggly career in International Urban Development Advisory

Meet Tomasz and discover how embracing new opportunities can shape a truly global career path.

Card link for Tomasz on building a squiggly career in International Urban Development Advisory
Tom Johnson House, Dublin, Ireland - brick building against a bright blue sky

From C3 to A2: a deep retrofit in Dublin 4

How AtkinsRéalis’ structural engineering capability in Ireland drives sustainable and visible value – what could you add?

Card link for From C3 to A2: a deep retrofit in Dublin 4
Kristi smiling at the camera

Sustainability isn’t a job title. It’s a way of practising.

From early lessons in solar living, discover how Kristi is redefining sustainability in design and preparing for LEED v5.

Card link for Sustainability isn’t a job title. It’s a way of practising.
Image of Amy at the big bang fair

From music technology to acoustic consulting: Amy on building a career in environment digital

Discover how Amy is turning technical knowledge into real-world impact through acoustics and digital solutions.

Card link for From music technology to acoustic consulting: Amy on building a career in environment digital
Image of Tony smiling at the camera

25 years in flood risk: Tony on building a career at the intersection of science and infrastructure

Discover Tony’s journey from graduate to Associate Director, read how he’s built a career protecting communities from flood risk.

Card link for 25 years in flood risk: Tony on building a career at the intersection of science and infrastructure

A decade of curiosity, connection, and finding my voice: Growing through people, passion, and possibility.

Ten years is more than a milestone, it’s a reflection of the people, experiences, and moments that shaped the journey. What began in Talent Acquisition evolved into something richer, driven by curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections.

Card link for A decade of curiosity, connection, and finding my voice: Growing through people, passion, and possibility.
Pratik in grey suit

Standards, strategy, and steady growth: A Journey of commitment, capability, and Chartership

Pratik’s career journey at AtkinsRéalis highlights the power of combining technical depth with strategic thinking, from project controls and governance to chartership, leadership, and delivery excellence across global infrastructure programs.

Card link for Standards, strategy, and steady growth: A Journey of commitment, capability, and Chartership

Building strong foundations: Defne’s journey in structural engineering at AtkinsRéalis

I work at AtkinsRéalis as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) in building structures, a field I am deeply passionate about. What I love about my job is that it combines technical rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact. Every project is built on a simple but essential idea: without a solid structure, nothing stands.

Card link for Building strong foundations: Defne’s journey in structural engineering at AtkinsRéalis
Ayushi Gupta in Blue dress

From drainage engineering to shaping Heathrow expansion: Ayushi on growth, mentorship, and building multidisciplinary expertise 

At AtkinsRéalis, opportunities to grow often begin with saying yes to new challenges. For Ayushi, that journey led from drainage engineering to working on large-scale international infrastructure projects while building leadership, technical, and collaboration skills along the way.

Card link for From drainage engineering to shaping Heathrow expansion: Ayushi on growth, mentorship, and building multidisciplinary expertise 
Smiling picture of Mohammed

Building real-world experience: An early career in engineering at AtkinsRéalis

Starting a career in engineering can be a big transition from academic study to real-world practice. This blog highlights how early career professionals at AtkinsRéalis develop technical skills, gain on-site experience, and grow through collaboration, networking, and hands-on project work.

Card link for Building real-world experience: An early career in engineering at AtkinsRéalis

A career where you can learn and belong: Jocelyn Teng’s story

Jocelyn Teng shares her early career journey in engineering, building confidence, finding her voice, and growing through support and connection at AtkinsRéalis.

Card link for A career where you can learn and belong: Jocelyn Teng’s story

Engineering the systems behind everyday life: Viola Lee’s story

Read how early career engineers contribute to resilient infrastructure, build connections, and grow through real-world experience at AtkinsRéalis.

Card link for Engineering the systems behind everyday life: Viola Lee’s story

Related jobs

We are sorry there are no jobs that match your exact criteria. Try a new search term, or use the filters to continue browsing for available opportunities.

a man smiling and flyovers in background

Talent Community

Would you like to know more? Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to stay connected and engaged with us at AtkinsRéalis.