7 Top tips from a chemical & process engineering grad at AtkinsRéalis

I'm Omaya, a Project Engineer at AtkinsRéalis. If you love STEM and want to start an engineering career—you've come to the right place. I'm here to answer the most frequently asked questions about my work/life at AtkinsRéalis.

1. What do I need to study for a career in process engineering?

There are many routes into what I do. You don't necessarily have to study chemical or process engineering or even do a degree. (If uni isn't for you, check out our fantastic apprenticeship opportunities.) I took the degree route, starting at Aston University in 2021, doing a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering with a placement year. In 2022, I completed my master's in advanced chemical engineering at Imperial College London. The rest is history. I joined AtkinsRéalis' Chemical and Process Engineering Graduate Scheme in 2023. Browse related roles.

2. What's a typical day for a graduate process engineer at AtkinsRéalis?

No two days are the same. I've had a varied set of experiences in the past two years, where I've not only done process engineering projects but also worked on project management and project engineering. The day typically involves team meetings to review project progress, client requirements and engineering specifications. Process engineers work closely with other engineering disciplines, so collaboration is key for project implementation. You'll also have opportunities to make site visits. AtkinsRéalis offers a supportive environment where you can grow, gain exposure to various engineering disciplines, and work on a range of high-profile projects. Each day provides opportunities for both technical growth and soft skill development. Find out more about life with us.

3. How does AtkinsRéalis advance workplace equality, diversity, and inclusion (ED&I)?

AtkinsRéalis strongly promotes an inclusive and diverse workplace environment through various initiatives, policies and employee resource groups (ERGs). It encourages a supportive and inclusive environment via leadership commitment, advocating for ED&I, and creating accountability. Ultimately, we all want to ensure everyone here feels valued and supported. Outside of my day job, I'm heavily involved in ED&I activities, including those for EMBRACE, our ethnic minority ERG, and the Faith network. These groups allow employees to feel represented and supported. I also work in inclusive recruitment and developing individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. Discover more.

4. How does AtkinsRéalis support early career professionals developing technical and leadership skills?

To give you an idea of the choice of work and opportunities you can have, I've engaged in 11 projects with eight different clients, which allowed me to collaborate with colleagues from other engineering disciplines. That has helped me develop and enjoy a wider exposure than I expected.

AtkinsRéalis provides a robust environment for early-career professionals to develop technical and leadership skills through mentorship, continuous learning, career progression frameworks, and exposure across a vast number of projects. This commitment to professional development ensures that employees can grow into competent engineers and future leaders inside our organization.

Not only does project exposure help with technical and professional development, but we also have access to brilliant training. The options range from developing presentation and communication skills to learning technical writing and fundamentals for more niche areas. Mentoring is supported and encouraged in the business, whether having a colleague mentor you through chartership or career growth. Read more about training and development.

5. What's the most exciting project you've worked on as a graduate process engineer at AtkinsRéalis, and why?

Hands down, working as a design delivery manager for archaeology and unexploded ordnances (UXO) on-site for Sizewell C (SZC). This role was not a typical process engineering role but a project engineering one, which shows the variety of work available at the organization. Part of my role was being a constraints coordinator. I liaised weekly with on-site area managers, ensuring no UXOs or archaeological constraints were overlooked as we approached the construction phase. The real-world impact of SZC is how it will provide decades of clean, reliable electricity for around six million homes. Together with wind and solar, it will help build a greener energy system and protect households from high gas prices. Find out more about our Nuclear team.

6. What advice would you give someone interested in pursuing engineering at AtkinsRéalis?

If you're considering a career in engineering at AtkinsRéalis, take the relevant course needed for your chosen career path. Each specialization can offer many different opportunities within the company. During your studies, gain practical experience through summer and industrial year-in-industry placements. Besides the hands-on experience, building soft skills such as collaboration and communication is essential. Build connections by attending networking events and careers fairs or staying active on Linkedin. Chat with one of our current grads today.

Regarding applying to AtkinsRéalis, I advise tailoring your application for the role by highlighting your skills and experiences that align with the position. After that, in the interview, show enthusiasm for working at AtkinsRéalis and how your values and goals align with the company's mission. You will most likely have technical questions during the interview for an engineering position. So, brush up on your core engineering principles and practice applying them to real-world scenarios. Stay curious, keep learning, and embrace opportunities to collaborate and grow. Not ready to apply? Stay in touch via our talent community.

7. How does AtkinsRéalis participate in STEM outreach and make a difference in the community?

AtkinsRéalis encourages and empowers employees to get involved in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) outreach by providing various opportunities to engage with communities, schools, and organizations. For example, our Net-Zero Superheroes school competition helps students learn about net zero by creating a mini project with support from our employees. These initiatives support the company's commitment to education and societal impact and allow employees to inspire and mentor the next generation of STEM professionals. Another initiative we support is mentoring students to reach their full potential, guiding them through internship and graduate scheme applications to help shape their career paths. Learn more.

Want to work on net-zero projects that sustainably impact our world? Explore related graduate roles below!