Finding my place in the environment: a journey through people, places, and purpose

From anthropology to infrastructure, my journey hasn’t been traditional — but it’s been meaningful. Here’s how I found a role where people come first.

If you had told me a few years ago that I’d end up working in the built environment and infrastructure sector, I probably wouldn’t have believed it. Not because it didn’t interest me, but because, coming from a social sciences background, it simply wasn’t a path I ever imagined for myself. Yet here I am, a Communication and Engagement Consultant at AtkinsRéalis, based UK, doing work that sits right at the intersection of everything I care about: people, communities, and meaningful impact.

How it all started

My journey has never been linear. Back in school, I was the student who loved history, geography, politics, and economics. I was fascinated by people- how they live, how they think, how they shape the world around them. That curiosity led me to study Sociology and Anthropology, and later a Master’s in Social Anthropology at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), which brought me from India to the UK. My interest in media and communications began early, during internships in journalism and content creation while I was studying in India. Later, as a contributing writer for a London-based online publication and student magazines, that passion only grew stronger. These experiences inspired me to pursue a second Master’s in global media and communications at SOAS, University of London, to deepen my knowledge of the field.

When I first came across the role at AtkinsRéalis, it immediately caught my attention. It felt different, like a space where my background in understanding people and societies and my knowledge of media and communications could genuinely add value. I wasn’t sure how someone with my academic journey would fit into a company known for engineering and design, but the more I learned, the more it made sense. This role showed me that there is room for social scientists in the built environment, and that our perspective is not only relevant but essential.

What my day actually looks like

No two days are ever the same, and that’s exactly what I love.

Some days I’m curating content such as writing newsletters, social media posts, FAQs, or website content. Other days I’m producing engagement strategies, analysing stakeholder feedback, organising events, or sitting in meetings with engineers, planners, ecologists, and project managers. I might be preparing materials for a public consultation, hosting a webinar, or mapping out key stakeholders for a new scheme.

It’s dynamic, people-focused, and deeply collaborative.

Why this work matters

AtkinsRéalis’s purpose is engineering a better future for our planet and its people and it’s something I genuinely connect with. Every project we deliver, whether it’s a road improvement, a reservoir upgrade, or a new active travel route, ultimately exists for the people who use it.

My role is to make sure those people are heard and that we earn the social license to operate.

We engage with communities, create accessible materials to communicate, organise events, and provide platforms for feedback. We help identify concerns early so they can be addressed as soon as possible. And we make sure that community voices shape the development that will eventually shape their lives.

It’s people-centred work in a technical world, and that’s what makes it meaningful.

A moment that made me proud

One project that will always stay with me is the Environment Agency’s Gooseum Reservoir Improvement Scheme. The original plans would have significantly altered the Millennium Green, a beloved community space, and understandably, residents were upset. Through early, honest, and empathetic engagement, we were able to help the project team rethink the approach entirely.

Instead of intrusive construction, an innovative alternative was developed; one that preserved the Millennium Green, protected memorial trees, maintained footpaths and river access, and still met safety standards. Construction time was reduced dramatically, and the community kept the space they loved.

Seeing how genuine engagement could transform a project, and rebuild trust, was incredibly rewarding. And being part of a team that won an Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE) Award for Collaboration was the cherry on top.

Growing into my role

I joined AtkinsRéalis in 2022 as a Junior Consultant, fresh out of university. Since then, I’ve grown in ways I couldn’t have imagined.

I’ve supported senior colleagues, then taken ownership of key deliverables. I’ve managed a framework of reservoir projects, served as the Editor of our practice-wide newsletter, attended the London Real Estate Forum as a Next Gen delegate, and worked on high-profile schemes like the M25 Junction 10 Improvements.

In 2024, I was promoted to P2. I’ve now joined the Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR), taking steps toward professional accreditation, with full support from my team. And I’m excited for what’s next.

What surprised me most

Honestly? That I ended up here at all.

When people think of AtkinsRéalis, they think engineers and architects. But what I’ve discovered is that the “people” side of infrastructure is just as important. My social science background isn’t just relevant, it’s essential. And I love being part of a space where technical and human perspectives come together.

Working across disciplines

My work is inherently collaborative. I’m constantly engaging with planners, engineers, ecologists, modellers, business case leads, and more. I gather information from them, translate it into accessible language, and share it with communities.

We run workshops, map stakeholders, plan key messages, and feed consultation insights back into scheme development. I also work closely with our Creative Design team to bring content to life visually.

It’s teamwork in the truest sense.

Advice for anyone considering a career in stakeholder engagement

Bring empathy. It’s your superpower.

Listen deeply. Think inclusively. Make your materials accessible. Engage with diverse groups. Analyse feedback with curiosity. And don’t be afraid to innovate- sometimes a drop-in event can become a social gathering that brings in young people who might otherwise never engage.

Our team culture in three words

Honesty. Kindness. Respect.

We’re open, supportive, and genuinely appreciative of each other. It makes all the difference.

Why I joined and why I stay

I joined because the role felt unique and aligned with my skills. I stay because of the people, the culture, the innovation, and the opportunities. I stay because I feel valued. And because I know the work we do matters.