From graduate engineer to senior manager: Nimish’s journey

When Nimish Sharma first walked through the doors of AtkinsRéalis as a Graduate Engineer in 2021, he could hardly have imagined where his journey would take him. From the bustling streets of New Delhi to the strategic corridors of Riyadh, his story is one of curiosity, adaptability, and the power of saying yes to new opportunities. 

What started as a traditional engineering role has evolved into something far more dynamic—a career that spans continents, disciplines, and ambitions. Nimish's path from Graduate Engineer to Senior Project Manager in Strategy & Transformation offers valuable insights for anyone looking to build a meaningful career in the built environment sector. 

His journey demonstrates that with the right mindset, supportive mentorship, and a willingness to embrace change, professional growth can exceed even your boldest expectations. 

Building strong foundations: Education and early career 

Nimish's educational background laid the groundwork for his diverse career trajectory. With a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and a Master's in Construction Engineering & Management, he developed a unique perspective that bridges creative design with strategic management. 

"What drives me is a deep curiosity about how systems function," Nimish explains. "Be it the spatial logic of architectural design, the orchestration of complex projects, or the strategic levers that enable business transformation." 

When he joined AtkinsRéalis in 2021, he entered the Graduate Program in our Global Technology Centre (GTC) within the Nuclear & Power market. The early rotations across multiple teams proved invaluable, offering fresh perspectives on different aspects of the business. From managing bids and proposals in the Transportation market to supporting project controls for major UK frameworks in the Nuclear & Power market, each role deepened his understanding of the built environment's complexities. 

These foundational experiences taught him that career growth isn't always linear. Sometimes the most valuable learning happens when you step outside your comfort zone and explore adjacent disciplines. 

Pivoting towards strategic transformation 

By 2024, Nimish found himself drawn to a different challenge entirely. His growing interest in business consulting and strategic transformation led him to actively explore new avenues for professional development. 

The opportunity that emerged was extraordinary: a prestigious, fully-funded PhD scholarship in Strategic Management at a leading business school in Sydney. For many, this would represent the pinnacle of academic achievement. Yet when AtkinsRéalis offered him an exciting role in Saudi Arabia around the same time, Nimish faced a defining career decision. 

"The decision was clear," he reflects. "AtkinsRéalis has empowered me to apply my passion for strategic management in a practical, high-impact environment, allowing me to build the skills and experience I once only hoped to gain through academia." 

This pivot from academia to applied strategic work illustrates an important career principle: sometimes the best classroom is the workplace itself, especially when you're working on real challenges that impact thousands of colleagues across multiple countries. 

Embracing global opportunities 

Nimish's move to the Riyadh office marked another significant milestone in his career journey. As part of the Program Advisory Operations team, and now within the Strategy & Transformation team, he supports over 3,800 colleagues across five countries in the Middle East region. 

The scope of his current role encompasses internal business operations, strategic planning, and change management initiatives—exactly the kind of high-impact work that attracted him to business transformation in the first place. 

Working in one of the world's most rapidly evolving regions has provided Nimish with invaluable exposure to large-scale strategic initiatives. The Middle East's ambitious infrastructure and development projects offer a unique laboratory for testing strategic management theories in real-world applications. 

The power of company culture

One of the most striking aspects of Nimish's story is how AtkinsRéalis' culture has enabled his career transformation. He describes the company culture as "innovative, inclusive, coll mentoring relationships has been particularly valuable. Nimish maintains connections with mentors across the UK, Australia, and India—people who've played pivotal roles in shaping his journey. These relationships transcend geographical boundaries and demonstrate the company's commitment to fostering meaningful professional development. aborative, and growth-oriented."

What sets AtkinsRéalis apart, according to Nimish, is the accessibility of its people. "From day one, I've found leadership and mentors to be incredibly supportive—always willing to guide, challenge, and uplift. All you need to do is ask."

Learning from exceptional leaders 

Throughout his journey, Nimish has had the privilege of working with remarkable leaders who've shaped his approach to both professional and personal growth. Mentors like Richard Yates, Stephen Pell, Jacqueline Richards, Catherine Kemsley and now Matthew Board, have each brought unique perspectives combining empathy, technical depth, and strategic insight. 

His current line manager, Sarah Lewis, exemplifies the supportive leadership culture that enables career transformation. "Sarah leads with authenticity, warmth, and a deep sense of care," Nimish shares. "She's someone I can rely on for honest feedback, thoughtful guidance, and a good laugh when it's needed the most." 

This kind of accessible, authentic leadership creates an environment where employees feel safe to take risks, explore new opportunities, and push beyond their comfort zones. 

Innovation as a driving force 

AtkinsRéalis' commitment to innovation has provided Nimish with exposure to cutting-edge approaches in the built environment sector. From global technical networks that connect experts across disciplines to immersive collaboration spaces like 'Lava Labs', the company offers access to advanced Virtual Design & Construction (VDC) technologies. 

The 'Ideas Hub' platform particularly resonates with Nimish's curiosity-driven approach to problem-solving. This grassroots innovation engine encourages every employee to share ideas that can solve real business and client challenges, fostering practical solutions in areas like generative design, digital twins, and automation. 

Looking towards the future 

Nimish's aspirations extend beyond his current role. With valuable experience gained across India and the Middle East, he's keen to explore opportunities in other key geographies where AtkinsRéalis operates, including Australia and the UK & Ireland in the future. 

His long-term vision aligns with the company's trajectory towards greater integration of digital tools, automation, and emerging technologies. He sees himself contributing to strategic initiatives that drive meaningful transformation while supporting the company's commitment to a culture where Everyone Belongs. 

Transform your career with purpose 

Nimish Sharma's journey from Graduate Engineer to Senior Project Manager illustrates what's possible when curiosity meets opportunity within a supportive organisational culture. His story demonstrates that career transformation doesn't happen by accident—it requires intentional relationship-building, a willingness to embrace uncertainty, and the courage to make bold decisions. 

For anyone considering their next career move, Nimish offers this advice: "Don't be afraid to reach out. Identify a mentor, build meaningful relationships, and create a clear plan for what you want to achieve—both in the short and long term. The opportunities are here; you just have to take the first step." 

Ready to write your own transformation story? Apply today and transform your career with AtkinsRéalis, where curiosity meets opportunity and individual growth drives collective impact.