Kickstart your data science career with AtkinsRéalis

I'm Chukwume, a Graduate Data Scientist on the Data Intelligence team at AtkinsRéalis in the UK. I studied Civil Engineering as an undergrad but later pursued a master's in Applied Computational Science and Engineering at Imperial College London. I made the switch after discovering my passion for computational and data science and the big and lasting impact these skills can have in the real world.

Getting onto the data science graduate programme at AtkinsRéalis

In 2022, a friend spoke highly of AtkinsRéalis. Doing some research, I was impressed by staff-led initiatives, like the Embrace (BAME) employee resource group. As a first-generation Nigerian woman in the UK, that was really important to me and I decided to apply. I thoroughly prepared and researched interview questions and how to best answer them based on my experiences. For the technical part of the interview, I prepped on data science concepts I had learned in school. Before the interview, I reminded myself to stay calm and authentic, then offered a short prayer to God as a Christian. At the final stage, I was video-interviewed by two team members, who helped me feel comfortable and less nervous. The rest is history. I joined the Data Science Graduate Programme in 2023, and it's been a brilliant journey.

Tips to stand out during the AtkinsRéalis application process?

There's no one better to be than yourself with your unique qualities and abilities. Be personable in your interview, and show your friendly self, your kind self, or any other self that helps you connect with your interviewer and prospective colleagues. Also, do as much research as you can. Every piece of information you get and use will make you stand out.

So, what is it like being a graduate at AtkinsRéalis?

I work with a diverse team of data scientists with varying degrees of expertise and experience in different areas. We all bring something unique to the team, and that helps with innovation and excellence. My team is also supportive, despite most of us working in different offices because of our flexible working environment. The way I fit into my team is by standing out. As a woman with a unique background, I offer a valuable point of view and difference. Blending our uniqueness together is really what makes each and every one of us belong and contribute to the team.

What projects do data science graduates work on at AtkinsRéalis?

At AtkinsRealis, we get on real-world client projects from day one.

My work spans internal initiatives, like using Large Language Models (LLMs) to extract value from legacy data, to external client work, such as developing dashboards for strategic decision-making. I've used data science to uncover hidden patterns, helping clients identify problems, mitigate risks and make better decisions. But being a consultant isn't just about technical capabilities—it's also about softer skills like stakeholder management, communication, and collaboration. I've taken on team initiatives, too—from running meetings to engaging colleagues, and strengthening team cohesion.

Working on cutting-edge projects at AtkinsRealis is very exciting—getting a model to work, making a minor fix for a huge impact, or discovering something new. But the real thrill comes from knowing my work makes a difference. Does it help the environment? Save clients time or money? Does it help the ordinary person on the street? That's what truly drives me.

There's also so much more I can get involved with in my team—from chatbots that unlock hidden insights, optimization tools that analyze thousands of complex options in seconds, and anomaly detection models that prevent costly errors. We use technologies like genetic algorithms, time-series forecasting tools (like Meta's Prophet), neural network tools (NeuralProphet), and containerization software like Docker and Kubernetes. I look forward to having you on board and seeing what we can build together—because the most cutting-edge solutions are yet to come!

Find a place that aligns with your personal values...

Two of my personal values are integrity and excellence, which align closely with AtkinsRéalis' core values and culture. Honesty was paramount in my family, a principle I live by. I stay true to myself and those around me, doing and saying only what I will be proud of, whether in public or private. Integrity at work means being honest about my capacity, delivering on what I promise, and ensuring my colleagues and clients can trust my words and actions. Excellence is equally important to me—I strive to be my best in everything I do. It sets me apart and instills confidence in my work, consistently delivering results that meet or exceed expectations. At AtkinsRéalis, these values are appreciated—your colleagues will be confident in your work and trust you to always pull through and get things done right.

Why start a graduate data science career at AtkinsRéalis?

Working with the people at AtkinsRéalis has been the most rewarding part of my journey. It has really helped me shape what I want to do and work on in the future. Working on something in isolation greatly differs from working in a team or across multidisciplinary teams. Skills like collaboration, empathy, understanding and communication really come into play and are tested, opening up opportunities for development.

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