Leadership after maternity leave: Career advancement at AtkinsRéalis

Hello, my name is Manali, and I work at AtkinsRéalis at the Global Technology Centre (GTC) in India. This International Women's Day, I want to tell you about my career journey, which has been as challenging as it has been rewarding. From my days at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, where I built my passion for civil engineering, to returning to AtkinsRéalis to work on transformative global projects—read on to see how my career has profoundly shaped me.

Building my civil engineering career across India, the US, and the Middle East

I began my professional journey with an international engineering/construction consultancy in Pune, contributing to projects across the Middle East. Driven to learn and grow, I moved to the US, pursued my master's at Columbia University, and worked with an American design and engineering company in Miami on impactful Florida Department of Transportation projects. In 2016, my path led me back to India, where I took on the role of on-site Project Manager for the Eastern Peripheral Expressway. This high-profile, PMO-monitored project pushed me to navigate immense responsibility at the young age of 27.

Returning to India to take on leadership in engineering

Working in a male-dominated industry has meant constantly answering questions and confronting biases—"Why civil engineering?" and "Why leave a secure job abroad to return to India?" But I've always believed that the answers lie in resilience and passion. At every step, I've had to go the extra mile to prove my worth, demonstrating through action that women are equally, if not more, capable of excelling in this field. Challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic tested this resolve yet again as I managed the delivery of High-Speed Rail 2 (HS2) for the UK market with a leading mobility consultancy, breaking into a new sector and embracing an opportunity to expand my expertise in uncertain times.

Becoming a leader at AtkinsRéalis after maternity leave

After a six-month maternity break, I returned to the workforce with a renewed sense of purpose. I joined AtkinsRéalis to lead rail workshare and transitioned into a broader role at GTC. I currently lead a team of 110 engineers. The path hasn't been without its hurdles—while some managers empowered and supported me, others were dismissive. What stands out, however, is the encouragement I've received from AtkinsRéalis, which has championed women leaders, trusted their potential, and provided the space to prove our capabilities. 

IWD2025: Championing women in engineering at AtkinsRéalis

On this Women's Day, I celebrate my journey and the determination of every woman breaking barriers in her field. To succeed, we must remember why we chose this path, stay adaptable, and turn challenges into opportunities. Let's continue to pave the way for an equitable future where women's contributions are recognized and celebrated—not just on this day, but every day. 

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