From sports and geography to working on key infrastructure projects: Lauren Ramshaw's career journey

From sports and geography to working on key infrastructure projects: Lauren Ramshaw's career journey

Success is rarely a straightforward path, and Lauren Ramshaw’s career as a Project Coordinator is a testament to the power of adaptability, ambition, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. From studying sports and geography at university to her current role as a project coordinator at AtkinsRéalis, Lauren’s story is an inspiring example of personal and professional growth.

Whether you’re early in your own professional life or considering a career pivot, Lauren’s story offers valuable lessons on how to evolve, stay resilient, and take bold steps forward.

Starting with sports & geography 

Lauren’s academic background in sports and geography may seem unrelated to her current role in infrastructure, but it provided her with a unique perspective. These studies honed her understanding of spatial planning, human interaction with environments, and teamwork, all of which laid the foundation for her future in project management.

While many expect their chosen degree to dictate their professional trajectory, Lauren viewed her education as a launching pad rather than a linear roadmap. This perspective, combined with her curiosity and willingness to explore new fields, set the tone for her career.

Exploring new horizons in Australia

One of the pivotal chapters in Lauren’s career unfolded in Australia. Relocating to a new country is no small feat—professionally or personally—but Lauren embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. Here, she was working on Sydney Metro , one of the largest public transport infrastructure projects in the world.

Working with Sydney Metro exposed Lauren to the complexities of major project delivery on a national stage. She was deeply involved in community relations, navigating the delicate balance of communicating project goals while addressing the concerns of stakeholders.

Lauren's experience with Sydney Metro proved to be more than just a career milestone—it was an eye-opener. It reinforced the importance of human-centred communication in infrastructure projects, as well as the impact well-executed transport systems can have on urban communities.

The role of maternity leave in career evolution 

Life’s milestones often intersect with career choices, and for Lauren, maternity leave became a defining moment. Balancing parenthood and professional aspirations is no easy task, but Lauren treated maternity leave as a time to both reflect and recalibrate.

She made intentional decisions about how to shape her career moving forward, choosing roles that aligned with her passions and long-term vision. Parenthood, far from limiting her opportunities, became an asset—it sharpened her time management skills and gave her a renewed focus on creating a career she was proud of.

Lauren’s approach highlights how career journeys are not interrupted by life changes, but are in fact enhanced by them. With the Sydney Metro project now complete, she takes immense pride in knowing she has helped build a lasting legacy. Her work will not only be experienced by her own children but will benefit generations to come, a tangible reminder of a project she contributed to.

Thriving at AtkinsRéalis

Today, Lauren plays a key role at AtkinsRéalis, where she brings her extensive expertise in project management, community engagement, and strategic planning. Her background—from her unique university studies to her hands-on experience in Australia—offers her team a well-rounded view and exceptional problem-solving skills.

AtkinsRéalis has further allowed Lauren to act on her passion for meaningful infrastructure projects that genuinely improve lives. Whether collaborating across disciplines or mentoring emerging talent, Lauren prioritises being a supportive colleague.

Her innovative mindset and adaptability, cultivated over years of multifaceted experiences, shape how she approaches challenges. She focuses on creating solutions that are not only efficient but also sustainable—and fundamentally aligned with the needs of diverse communities.

Lessons from Lauren's journey

Lauren’s story provides several takeaways for anyone navigating their own career path: 

Adaptability unlocks opportunity 

Lauren’s willingness to take on roles outside her original academic background enabled her to discover strengths she might not have known otherwise. Her ability to pivot and learn on the go was key to unlocking exciting new phases of her career.

Life events share your strengths 

Instead of seeing life milestones—such as maternity leave—as career roadblocks, Lauren used them as opportunities to re-centre. These moments brought new perspectives to the way she works and with decision-making.

The power of community connections 

Lauren’s time working on Sydney Metro underscored the importance of projects that connect people and improve communities. It's a lesson that reminded her that infrastructure is about more than just functionality; it's about creating a positive impact.

Moving forward

Lauren Ramshaw’s career is a testament to the idea that skills are transferable, resilience is invaluable, and there’s no single correct way to achieve success. Her evolution from studying geography to influencing major infrastructure projects reflects how determination and a focus on learning can open doors you never knew existed.

If there’s one thing to take away from Lauren’s story, it’s that your career isn't just about where you start—it’s about how you use every opportunity to adapt, grow, and make an impact.

What will your next chapter be? Learn more about our career opportunities.