From classical dance to construction data: Advika’s remarkable journey

She trained as a classical dancer, reads 23 books a year, and helps build some of the biggest projects in North America. Meet Advika.

For International Women’s Day, we’re sharing stories from people across AtkinsRéalis. This is Advika’s.

Here’s something most of Advika’s colleagues don’t know about her: her number-one passion is classical Indian dance. She trained from childhood in India and still gets her fix through YouTube performances whenever she can. She’s also an avid reader — 23 books last year, with a target of one a week this year. “I’m already behind,” she laughs. “Hopefully I catch up soon!”

A unique, nonlinear path into construction data intelligence

Advika is a Construction Data Analyst based in San Francisco, working with the Construction Data Intelligence team. She also serves as the San Francisco Office Leader. Her path to get here? Not exactly straightforward.

She first joined AtkinsRéalis as Technical Support from the India office, went back to university for a Master’s in Architecture, Engineering & Construction Management in the US, then came back as an intern before returning full-time. In just over two years, she’s worked across aviation, high tech, pharmaceutical, and commercial real estate. “I’ve gone from a fresh-faced graduate to an experienced PM,” she says, “and every day I learn something new.”

Fast-paced work, high-impact projects, and real-world exposure

Her day-to-day is fast. The CDI team rarely works on anything longer than four to six weeks. Advika’s mornings start early — coffee and meetings to stay connected with global colleagues — followed by deep work in Excel and Power BI. Recently she’s also been out on site in an APM role for a high-tech client, which she’s loved. “It’s been great to interact with the crews on site and be part of the progress on a large campus.”

The scale of what she works on is striking. She’s contributed to projects as small as $20,000 and as large as $10 billion, and the common thread is always creating the baseline that clients depend on. “It’s exciting to see projects come to fruition based on numbers and schedules you produced when it was still a concept.”

As a civil engineer turned project controls professional, she thinks a lot about the communities around her projects too. “My hope is that there’s always a positive that comes out of a project for the people nearest to it.”

A culture of collaboration, trust, and flexibility

When you ask Advika what sets AtkinsRéalis apart, she keeps coming back to the same thing: the culture. The collaboration across teams, sectors, and countries. The openness to new ideas. The trust.

“However many challenges rise with a project, people have been available to help, share knowledge, and work toward a common goal,” she says. “I appreciate the autonomy to own my projects, while still knowing I can rely on my team whenever I need perspective or guidance.” 

She’s also clear about the flexibility. The hybrid working culture. The way the company accommodates what people need in their personal and professional lives. “What helps me do my best work is the balance of support, trust, and collaboration that’s built into our day-to-day culture.”

Reflections for International Women’s Day

For International Women’s Day, Advika is reflective. She talks about her mother — an ambitious, career-oriented individual who taught her the value of speaking up and maintaining integrity. And a graduate school professor who championed her growth while managing a serious illness of their own.

“Every day I have the opportunity to work with some incredible people who not only support my growth, but also want to ensure I have the right tools to get there. And for that I am very grateful.”

Her message: Use your voice and open doors for others

Her message to anyone considering AtkinsRéalis? “Don’t be shy about using your voice and your platform. You were chosen to be here because of your strengths, your perspective, and your potential. Speak up in meetings, ask the question, share the idea. The more you advocate for yourself and your ideas, the more doors you open for others.”

And the future? Advika’s excited. She sees huge potential to use data in more impactful ways across construction — an industry that’s traditionally been slow to adopt technology. “At AtkinsRéalis, I believe we’re really paving a bright future for professionals who want to be part of that change.”

Interested in building your career at AtkinsRéalis? Explore our opportunities and discover what’s possible.