The power of mentorship in career growth

Mentorship is more than just career advice, it’s a transformative experience that empowers individuals to grow, overcome challenges, and unlock their full potential. For Karina Hoeg-Staun, Rollingstock Project Managers Team Lead, mentorship has been a cornerstone of her career journey. From her early days in Brazil’s oil and gas industry to leading major transport projects in Australia, Karina’s story highlights how mentorship can shape not only careers but also the culture of an organization.

From Brazil to Australia 

Karina’s professional journey began in Rio de Janeiro, where she worked as an Electrical Engineer and Project Manager in the fast-paced oil and gas sector. However, when the industry slowed in 2015, she saw it as an opportunity to explore new horizons. This decision led her to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, where she managed energy delivery for the Sailing Venue—a high-pressure role that demanded quick thinking and precision. 

The Olympics became a springboard for international opportunities, bringing Karina to Australia to work on the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. It was during this time that she met her now-husband and decided to make Australia her permanent home. 

In 2019, Karina joined AtkinsRéalis as a Consultant in the Project Management team. Over the years, she immersed herself in a variety of rail and rollingstock projects, gaining invaluable experience and honing her expertise. Her dedication and growth were recognized with a promotion to Senior Consultant in 2022, and by 2024, she had stepped into her current leadership role as Rollingstock Project Managers Team Lead. 

The role of mentorship in Karina’s success

While Karina’s career path is impressive, she credits mentorship as a key factor in her professional development. “When I started my career, I didn’t have a mentor, and I had to figure out a lot on my own,” she shares. “Looking back, having someone to guide me would’ve made certain challenges much easier to handle.” 

 Through mentorship, Karina learned to recognize her strengths, address areas for improvement, and build the confidence to actively seek out opportunities. “It’s easy to assume that doing a good job will automatically lead to growth, but I’ve learned that businesses consider other factors too. Mentorship helped me understand how to position myself for success.” 

Becoming a mentor: Sharing knowledge and building confidence

Karina’s experiences as a mentee inspired her to become a mentor herself, helping others navigate their own career journeys. “I believe in the value of sharing experiences—what’s worked well and what hasn’t. It’s often easier to learn from someone else’s path than to try and figure everything out on your own.” 

As a mentor, Karina emphasizes the importance of listening, creating a safe space for open dialogue, and empowering mentees to think for themselves. “It’s not about giving answers but helping others reflect and find their own solutions,” she says. 

One of her most rewarding experiences as a mentor came during a group mentoring program. “I realized that many of the challenges we face in our careers are surprisingly common. Recognizing these shared experiences helped me stop taking things personally and understand the broader corporate environment.” 

Mentorship as a catalyst for cultural growth 

Karina believes that mentorship programs are essential for fostering a supportive and dynamic workplace culture. “Mentorship connects people from different areas and stages of their careers, encouraging fresh thinking and collaboration. It’s a fantastic way to build internal networks and create opportunities for growth.” 

At AtkinsRéalis, the mentorship program is designed to be accessible, allowing employees to take the initiative in finding mentors who align with their goals. Workday, our internal HR platform, provides a seamless way for employees to explore mentorship opportunities, specify their preferences, and connect with mentors across the organization. “Having the program available through Workday makes it easy for employees to connect with mentors whose experiences are relevant to their needs. This ensures the experience is meaningful for both sides.” 

Balancing work, life, and mentorship

Living on the Gold Coast, Karina enjoys the perfect balance of a fulfilling career and an active personal life. She’s passionate about CrossFit, loves reading, and is always on the hunt for the best breakfast spots and coffee. Working from home a few days a week has also made her commute to Brisbane more manageable, allowing her to maintain a healthy work-life balance. 

This balance has also allowed her to dedicate time to mentorship, which she sees as a way to give back and contribute to the growth of others. “Mentorship is a two-way street. While you’re helping someone else grow, you’ll often find that you’re learning and growing too.” 

Advice for future mentors and mentees

For those considering mentorship, Karina offers simple but powerful advice: “Don’t be afraid to seek out mentorship. Whether you’re a mentee or a mentor, the experience can be incredibly rewarding and transformative.” 

She also emphasizes the importance of flexibility in the mentoring relationship. “It’s important to find the right pace and rhythm. Sometimes frequent catchups are helpful, but other times, more spaced-out conversations work better. What matters most is that the process feels meaningful and not forced.” 

Building a better future through mentorship 

Karina’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship in shaping careers and creating a positive workplace culture. By sharing her experiences and supporting others, she’s not only contributing to the success of her mentees but also helping to build a more collaborative work environment at AtkinsRéalis. 

For those looking to grow in their careers, Karina’s journey shows that mentorship is more than just guidance—it’s a partnership that can unlock potential, foster confidence, and create opportunities for success.