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

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

“Visibility changes perception”: Milena on leadership, confidence, and her journey from London to Dubai

Discover Milena’s path to becoming one of CIBSE’s youngest Fellows, read how visibility and representation shaped her leadership philosophy.

Card link for “Visibility changes perception”: Milena on leadership, confidence, and her journey from London to Dubai
Image of piriya sitting on a mountain top

“Your career growth is only limited by the ambition you harbour”: Piriya on 14 years, three countries, and the manager who changed everything

From Bengaluru to Ireland and back—read how Piriya built a global engineering career grounded in resilience and ambition.

Card link for “Your career growth is only limited by the ambition you harbour”: Piriya on 14 years, three countries, and the manager who changed everything
a smiling picture of Merna

Long drives, loud music, and designing spaces where people feel seen

Meet Merna, a landscape architect blending creativity with purpose. Read how she designs spaces that help people feel connected, seen, and inspired.

Card link for Long drives, loud music, and designing spaces where people feel seen
A candid picture of Eliza writing on a white board, with a marker

Creative thinking, serious impact: meet Eliza

From UX design to data leadership, Eliza’s journey is all about saying yes to opportunity. Read how she shaped a bold, global career from New Zealand.

Card link for Creative thinking, serious impact: meet Eliza
Hrudya carrying her child

“I grew up believing equality was simply the norm”: Hrudya on three generations of independent women, motherhood, and Chartership

From designing the foundations that shape our world to empowering the people around her, read how Hrudya’s journey showcases passion, resilience, and possibility.

Card link for “I grew up believing equality was simply the norm”: Hrudya on three generations of independent women, motherhood, and Chartership

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.

Card link for From classical dance to construction data: Advika’s remarkable journey
Image of Anna on a horse

From policy to pinch-me moments: Anna on natural capital, neurodivergence, and never following a straight line

Discover Anna’s path from policy to practice, where impact, authenticity, and a non linear career come together.

Card link for From policy to pinch-me moments: Anna on natural capital, neurodivergence, and never following a straight line

From reinvention to recognition: My journey to becoming a chartered project professional

What does it take to rebuild your career — and rise even higher than before? Kajal’s journey is a story of courage, reinvention, and earning one of the highest recognitions in project management.

Card link for From reinvention to recognition: My journey to becoming a chartered project professional

Starting over: how I saved my civil engineering apprenticeship

Setbacks don't define you – how you respond does. See how I turned my first one into a win.

Card link for Starting over: how I saved my civil engineering apprenticeship
AtkinsRéalis logo

My future in civil engineering: why an apprenticeship was the right choice

Here's how my apprenticeship is helping me grow in confidence and real-world skills.

Card link for My future in civil engineering: why an apprenticeship was the right choice
Image of Keith standing on a bridge

From global adventures to nuclear innovation: Keith’s story

Meet Keith, who’s helping shape the UK’s clean‑energy future by bringing global, cross‑discipline experience to one of the most exciting and fast‑growing areas of our business.

Card link for From global adventures to nuclear innovation: Keith’s story

Leading fire protection innovation at AtkinsRéalis: Aaron’s journey and vision

As the Director of Fire Protection for Canada at AtkinsRéalis, I have the privilege of leading a team of nearly 30 specialists and engineers across the country. Every day, I work to unify our national expertise and elevate our technical excellence across sectors such as nuclear, defence, power and energy, transportation, and more.

Card link for Leading fire protection innovation at AtkinsRéalis: Aaron’s journey and vision

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.

Group discussion in a talent community meeting

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.