How I balance my Muslim faith and career in consulting

Hello & salaam! I'm Fawziyah, a Degree Apprentice at AtkinsRéalis, currently on the Apprentice Consultant Development Programme and pursuing a degree in project management. As an early careers Muslim professional here, I'm proud to make a tangible impact on projects, gaining vast opportunities to work with clients across various initiatives. What especially resonates with me is our organization's emphasis on social value, net zero and creating a more sustainable future.

In this blog, I share how being part of the Faith ERG at AtkinsRéalis has supported my early career journey—helping me feel valued, understood and included.

Faith-based employee support groups for fresh starters

When I first joined AtkinsRéalis, adjusting to life in a large, global workplace was a little daunting. To find my footing, I actively sought opportunities for professional development and networking, which led me to our self-started employee resource groups (ERGs). These quickly became invaluable. I soon joined our Muslim Community, a branch of our Faith ERG that recognizes, celebrates, and encourages employees to share their diverse beliefs. Becoming a member gave me the sense of belonging and support I needed to progress.

How AtkinsRéalis supports its diverse workforce

AtkinsRéalis offers accommodations that help employees from minority backgrounds perform, including flexible working patterns and bank holidays, enabling colleagues to balance work with cultural, religious and personal commitments. This support is especially meaningful for Muslims, allowing us to complete daily prayers and observe months like Ramadan when routines can shift. Many offices also provide designated prayer spaces, removing barriers and showing respect for diverse practices, making it easier to fulfill personal religious obligations. Mandatory inclusivity training sessions also empower colleagues to embody AtkinsRéalis' values and cultivate a respectful workplace.

Islamophobia Awareness Month: Raising awareness and driving change

We also have regular events that promote mutual understanding, ensuring everyone feels acknowledged and supported for their unique identities. Islamophobia Awareness Month in November aims to educate people about the experiences of Muslims and their contributions to society while highlighting the impact of Islamophobia and ways to combat prejudice. Last year, AtkinsRéalis colleagues in the Muslim Community marked the occasion with a powerful webinar, aligning with the 2024 theme, 'Seeds of Change,' which emphasized how small actions can drive significant progress.

Collaborating for an inclusive and supportive workplace

The webinar, attended by over 300 employees, featured a panel discussion on the experiences of Muslim colleagues, allyship, and practical steps to tackle religious discrimination. Senior leaders shared their commitments, showcasing the organisation's dedication to inclusivity at all levels. Teams from transportation, infrastructure, PPS, Nuclear & Power, and ADS&T divisions came together for the event, showing a collaborative drive to create a fairer, more supportive workplace. The discussions were robust, shining a light on the meaningful steps the company is taking to promote inclusivity and drive change.

Supporting employees in the workplace through allyship

On a personal level, events like these set the tone and precedent for inclusivity so that we constantly evolve the workplace. Of the myriad events held last year, a session I attended that particularly resonated with me was World Hijab Day, bringing attention to the lived experiences of being a visibly Muslim woman. It was a chance for hijabi colleagues to educate teammates across the organization on what the hijab means to them, the intricacies behind feeling like we belong, deconstructing misconceptions, and addressing the stigma of looking visibly different.

At AtkinsRéalis, we believe differences make a difference—our unique experiences give rise to our creativity and innovation, informing how we work and preserving a culture that centers our people.

Find out more about how to join and browse our exciting early careers opportunities today.