Must-do construction graduate secondments in India and Saudi Arabia

India: How our talented graduates gain hands-on project skills on secondment in Saudi Arabia

Our journey began in Bangalore, India, as six professionals representing various disciplines from the Global Technology Centre (GTC) embarked on a month-long secondment to lead the Project office in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. But first, allow me to introduce our team. Meet...

• Sanman from the Structures team (that's me in the white shirt),
• Bharath in Architecture,
• Jayakanthan, who works in Building Information Modeling (BIM) Structures,
• Sreemathula in BIM-Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP),
• Prasannakumar from the Wet Utilities team,
• and last but not least—Mudassir from the Projects and Programme Management Services team.

Our graduate secondment from Bangalore to Riyadh begins...

On arriving in the vibrant city of Riyadh, we headed straight for our hotel. Its central location, close to the AtkinsRéalis office, ensured a smooth daily commute and routine. We were touched by how thoughtfully AtkinsRéalis provided for our well-being and work/life balance during our stay. The accommodation perfectly balanced work and relaxation, with well-equipped rooms offering high-speed internet, cozy workspaces, and a comfortable space to unwind after a great day of collaboration. We felt right at home, able to focus on our professional goals while enjoying the welcoming, stress-free atmosphere.

International project experience for construction graduates

We quickly adapted to our new environment and began working at the lead project office on the sixth floor of Hamad Tower, a prominent landmark and the hub of our host office. We collaborate closely with project leads and colleagues from multiple disciplines, significantly enriching our professional experience.

We primarily focused on the Qiddiya Theme Park Project, contributing to the concept stage. The collaborative environment, blending expertise from different disciplines, enabled us to bring innovative ideas to the table. Simultaneously, we supported the Al-Mishraq Project, gaining insights into its design complexities.

Hands-on site experience for graduate project professionals

We visited the ongoing site of the Al-Misk City-Mishraq project site, where we engaged in insightful discussions with site engineers, contractors, and the senior resident engineer. This hands-on exposure provided valuable insights into onsite conditions and challenges, enhancing our understanding of practical implementations. During these visits, we gained an in-depth knowledge of the current construction progress and the onsite challenges. 

We focused on the design requirements from the contractor's perspective, identifying areas where adjustments were needed to ensure seamless execution. The collaborative discussions were invaluable—we addressed design discrepancies, clarified technical details, and understood how the designs were translated into construction. This hands-on exposure was crucial in reinforcing the practical aspects of project delivery and fostering better coordination between design and construction teams.

Time for early careers mentorship from senior leaders

The final days of our secondment were highlighted by inspiring discussions with senior department heads and project leads. These interactions not only deepened our professional connections but also created lasting memories.

How our Riyadh secondment shaped our early career development

Our secondment to Riyadh was an unforgettable learning, collaboration, and personal growth journey. The opportunity to contribute to landmark projects like Qiddiya Theme Park and Al-Mishraq, alongside exploring Riyadh's rich cultural and natural landscapes, has been truly rewarding.

We're incredibly grateful to the organization for providing this platform to work with experts from diverse disciplines and to experience the dynamic environment of an international office. The warmth and camaraderie we shared with our colleagues in Riyadh made this experience even more special.

The knowledge and insights we've gained during this month will undoubtedly enhance our professional journeys. We return to Bangalore with a renewed sense of purpose and knowledge from this rewarding experience. We sincerely thank the organization for this unique professional and personal growth opportunity. Thank you, AtkinsRealis!

Searching for the best construction graduate programmes in India with the best secondment opportunities? Look no further and check out these brilliant graduate opportunities.