Building my career in project controls at AtkinsRéalis

How I shaped my project controls career via hands-on experience and leadership opportunities.

"I've always wanted to pursue an engineering degree. As a child, I changed my dream discipline as often as I got a haircut! Eventually, I chose Electronics and Communications Engineering and completed an MSc in Engineering Management. That degree introduced me to companies like AtkinsRéalis and set me on the path to Project Controls."

My name is Modebayo, and I'm based in Projects and Programme Services in UK on the Cost Management team. In this blog, I'll share what I love most about being a graduate at AtkinsRéalis, from the exciting construction projects I work on to the brilliant opportunities that come my way.

Graduate experience in Enterprise Risk Management (ERM)

My career in risk began in the ERM Team, where I got to grips with the non-delivery functions within the organization. For the first time, I explored Health, Safety & Security, Information Security, Anti-Fraud, and more. I relied on networking and collaborating with subject matter experts across functional areas, which helped me gain valuable insights into the controls and strategies of a large organization. In ERM, my key responsibilities included developing the Risk Control Assure framework, creating assessment techniques, and identifying areas for improvement. My affinity for software tools also led me to design a risk performance metric tracker as a health check for delivery risk managers' risk registers.

Hands-on learning at every construction delivery stage

I was soon given the opportunity to work on the Old Oak Common station and Phase 2a Remediation Workstream. I saw first-hand how contracts are managed during the delivery phase, involving active construction and project execution. In contrast, the Phase 2a Remediation Workstream allowed me to see contract management during the closedown phase, focusing on safely winding down operations and restoring sites following decommissioning. This experience gave me a detailed understanding of contract management across different project stages.

Developing the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB)

I joined the Phase 2a risk management team to help develop the Performance Measurement Baseline (PMB). Since then, I've conducted regular risk reviews with the project lead and engaged with the supply chain for real-time updates. This transparent communication allows us to address concerns, tackle risks collectively, and develop effective strategies. Our speak-up culture creates a collaborative space for openly identifying threats and opportunities, helping the team work safely toward shared goals.

Growing as a leader working on significant infrastructure projects

I chaired the High Speed 2 (HS2) Risk Management Early Careers Network, facilitating bi-weekly sessions for early-career members interested in or already working in risk management. I also created a risk management competency checklist to help risk managers assess their skills and identify areas for growth. My focus on continuous improvement led me to head the HS2 Commercial Delivery and Controls Framework (CDC): Continuous Improvement Steering Group. In this role, I host workshops with CDC members to gather initiatives and explore improvements or efficiencies that can enhance the Programme Controls function.

My risk management journey from newbie to guest speaker

I attended the 2022 Project Controls Expo as someone new to the project controls industry, eager to learn and connect with like-minded individuals. The event was eye-opening, with lectures from experienced professionals and engaging risk workshops that sparked my curiosity. I found myself asking the age-old question: what is a risk? This ignited a passion for understanding risk management and its role in project controls.

A few months later, I joined the HS2 Enterprise Risk Management team, where I honed my skills and gained experience across teams, including Old Oak Common and Phase 2a. Fast forward to 2023, I returned to the PC Expo—not as a visitor but as a guest speaker! Sharing the stage with the HS2 Programme Controls Director and CDC Framework colleagues, I reflected on HS2's legacy in project controls and the opportunities it presents for early-career professionals like me.

Why join AtkinsRéalis?

I love how I can truly be myself here, and I mean this both personally and professionally. AtkinsRéalis promotes a culture that gets you excited to walk through the front door by empowering the diversity of its people, celebrating their success and giving them support whenever needed.

Ready to explore the many exciting directions AtkinsRéalis can take you? Read more about our Project & Programme Services team and apply.