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

5 career development tips for graduates starting out in environmental science

How I built a career in water science – and what I'd tell anyone starting out in an environmental role.

Hi, I'm Vera – a water quality scientist and Technical Director at AtkinsRéalis. I lead a global team working to protect our rivers and coastlines from pollution, shaping a better future for people and the planet. If you're curious about science and care about the environment, there's an exciting and meaningful career waiting for you in water. Read more about our talented water teams.

Over the years, I've had the chance to grow, lead, and learn in a field that really matters – and I know how valuable good guidance can be. In this blog, I'm sharing five career development tips for beginners to help you build a rewarding future and reach your professional goals.

A selfie picture of Vera sitting in a train

Tip 1: Finding a mentor early in your career

I am a huge believer in the importance of mentoring in fostering career progression. I have been fortunate to have some exceptional mentors over the years. Mentoring helps refine your career plans and discover different perspectives, clarifying strengths and areas for growth. Register with us on Connectr to chat with a graduate mentor and get real career advice!

Tip 2: Preparing for meetings and making your voice heard

Preparing for meetings is crucial. Take the time to review background material and write down questions or ideas you want to explore. Don't be afraid to speak up; it can be daunting, especially at the start of your career, but you'll be surprised at how much your insights will be valued and listened to. Discover how our young professionals really drive their own development.

Tip 3: Building your professional network early really matters

Dedicate time to develop your professional networks – whether through attending your professional organisation's' events, volunteering to participate in or lead industry working groups, or showcasing your work on social media. Strong professional networks are a vital component of your professional development toolkit. Tap here for five more benefits of early careers networking.

A selfie picture of Vera

Tip 4: Staying curious and growing your career through emerging work areas

I've always done this through personal reading, speaking to clients and colleagues across the industry, and learning through conferences and events. I love science and really enjoy exploring the up-and-coming topics in my field. This has meant that I have developed my career through many different avenues, keeping me enthused and feeling like I'm learning every day. Read about some of our exciting areas in the environment and geoscience fields.

Tip 5: Saying yes to opportunities beyond your job description

Whether getting involved in professional groups, being a strong advocate for ED&I initiatives across the sector, or representing the organization in conferences and workshops. These are all things that enable me to make a valuable contribution to my sector while continuously developing. Explore some of our staff-driven "Everyone Belongs" initiatives.

There's space for everyone to thrive.

When I started out, there were very few women in senior technical or leadership roles across the industry. Leadership often seemed tied to a narrow set of traits or working styles, which didn't reflect the diversity of talent I knew was out there. While challenging, it motivated me to get involved in employee-led groups and bigger initiatives pressing for belonging, representation and support. Thankfully, the sector has come a long way in the past decade – today, I see a much more inclusive environment where different approaches to leadership are recognised, supported, and genuinely valued.

Learn more about my team and be the first to hear about apprentice and graduate career opportunities: Join our early careers Talent Community – or scroll down for related stories and opportunities!

Related blogs

Man in a navy blazer and white shirt posing for a professional portrait.

Shaping the future of mobility: My career as a project manager

From aeronautics to a leading role on Québec’s REM project: How Réjean Perreault found purpose as a civil engineer and project manager at AtkinsRéalis.

Card link for Shaping the future of mobility: My career as a project manager
Headshot image of Josée

Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall

Discover Josée’s career journey from Scenic services manager to Director of Operations at the Maison symphonique de Montréal, where she ensures everything runs in perfect harmony.

Card link for Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall
Accessibility that empowers: Giridhar’s story at AtkinsRéalis

Greatly and Brightly: Thriving as a woman in engineering

Irene Seo, P.Eng shares her woman in engineering career journey from an early role in civil engineering to a director role with global influence.

Card link for Greatly and Brightly: Thriving as a woman in engineering
Accessibility that empowers: Giridhar’s story at AtkinsRéalis

Building roads and a career: My Journey as a Woman in Civil Engineering

From supervising to leading highway operations: Catherine’s career journey speaks of teamwork, growth, and the value of women in civil engineering.

Card link for Building roads and a career: My Journey as a Woman in Civil Engineering
a man standing on a beach.

Mechanical engineering jobs in nuclear: What it's like starting out.

Here's how I turned two summer placements into a full‑time career in mechanical engineering in nuclear.

Card link for Mechanical engineering jobs in nuclear: What it's like starting out.
Picture of Chinmay sitting on a chair

My early career in the heart of the nuclear renaissance: Chinmay’s journey at AtkinsRéalis

From campus to clean energy innovation — Chinmay’s story captures what it means to start your career at AtkinsRéalis. As a young engineer, he’s helping shape the future of nuclear technology through curiosity, collaboration, and purpose-driven work.

Card link for My early career in the heart of the nuclear renaissance: Chinmay’s journey at AtkinsRéalis
AtkinsRéalis carbon training is shaping careers in sustainable engineering

How global carbon training boosts my sustainable leadership at AtkinsRéalis

I joined carbon training for the skills – and left with a whole new perspective on leading across borders.

Card link for How global carbon training boosts my sustainable leadership at AtkinsRéalis
Padraic

Bringing my carbon tool to life with expert global colleagues

Discover how carbon training at AtkinsRéalis helped me grow my expertise and helped create a carbon quantification tool now used across transportation projects.

Card link for Bringing my carbon tool to life with expert global colleagues
Tony

Why Ireland Is the Place to Build Your Engineering Career

Are you ready? How leaders can break past the ceiling, take on bigger roles, and deliver Ireland's most ambitious programmes.

Card link for Why Ireland Is the Place to Build Your Engineering Career
Tackling the carbon challenge: My part in sustainabillity at AtkinsRéalis

Tackling the carbon challenge: My part in sustainabillity at AtkinsRéalis

Imagine leading change, building carbon solutions with our global AtkinsRéalis team.

Card link for Tackling the carbon challenge: My part in sustainabillity at AtkinsRéalis
Careers in Defence: Project Management, Cybersecurity and More

Building a brilliant career in defence

Breaking barriers and building a rewarding career in defence – here's how I did it.

Card link for Building a brilliant career in defence
Kevin

Engineering jobs in Ireland: Build your legacy on major projects

Join AtkinsRéalis Ireland to work on Metrolink, Dublin Airport, Water Supply Project and more. Explore engineering jobs, leadership opportunities, and career growth.

Card link for Engineering jobs in Ireland: Build your legacy on major projects

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.