A career where you can learn and belong: Jocelyn Teng’s story

Starting your career in engineering can feel like stepping into the unknown. New systems, technical challenges, and unfamiliar expectations can make even the most prepared graduates question where to begin.

For Jocelyn Teng, a Graduate Engineer in the MEP team based in Hong Kong, that journey has been shaped not just by technical learning, but by the people around her, the opportunities she’s embraced, and the confidence she’s built along the way.

“I’m still at an early stage in my career,” she says, “but every experience here has helped me grow step by step.”

Learning the foundations while contributing to real work

In her role, Jocelyn supports multidisciplinary project teams across a range of engineering activities. From preparing drawings and technical reports to contributing to design and modelling work, she is involved in the day‑to‑day delivery of projects, ensuring accuracy and alignment with requirements.

But her learning doesn’t stop at technical tasks.

She also participates in client meetings, where she gains exposure to real project discussions and develops a deeper understanding of how engineering decisions are made. Working closely with teams across disciplines has helped her see how collaboration shapes outcomes and how different perspectives come together to solve complex challenges.

“It’s not just about doing the work,” Jocelyn explains. “It’s about understanding how everything fits together.”

Growing beyond the role

One of the most defining experiences in Jocelyn’s journey has come from stepping outside her immediate role and getting involved in the Emerging Professionals Network (Asia Young Professional’s Committee).

Through this experience, she has taken on responsibilities beyond engineering, helping to organize activities and connect with colleagues across different teams and backgrounds.

“It gave me the chance to meet people I wouldn’t usually work with,” she says. “It really broadened my perspective.”

Balancing technical responsibilities with wider engagement has made her experience more meaningful, allowing her to grow not only as an engineer, but also as a communicator and collaborator.

“It’s those moments outside of day‑to‑day work that make you feel more connected,” she adds.

A team environment that builds confidence

Starting out in any career comes with uncertainty, and for Jocelyn, the support of her team has been a key part of building confidence.

“What helps me most is having people around me who are willing to share their experience and explain the thinking behind their work,” she says.

Being able to ask questions openly and learn without hesitation has created an environment where growth feels natural. At the same time, she values the trust she is given, even when working on smaller parts of a project.

“When you’re trusted with responsibility, even in small ways, it helps you grow faster,” she explains.

That balance of guidance and ownership has helped Jocelyn develop both technically and personally, reinforcing her confidence as she continues to learn.

Creating space for everyone to grow

For Jocelyn, one of the most encouraging aspects of her experience has been seeing how workplaces can create space for people to grow and feel they belong.

She reflects on how important it is to recognize contributions, create opportunities, and ensure that people at all stages of their career feel seen and supported. In industries like engineering, where representation continues to evolve, visibility plays a powerful role.

“It’s encouraging to see people in different roles and at different stages,” she says. “It makes the path feel more possible.”

These moments of visibility and support help build confidence, not just individually, but across teams, creating an environment where people are empowered to contribute and grow in their own way.

Finding your voice early

Looking back at her journey so far, Jocelyn’s advice is simple, but powerful.

“Don’t doubt yourself too much in the beginning,” she says. “It’s normal not to know everything.”

For her, growth comes from staying open, asking questions, and giving yourself permission to learn step by step. She also emphasizes the importance of speaking up, even early in your career.

“You may not have the most experience, but your perspective still matters,” she explains.

That belief is something she is carrying forward as she continues to develop, not just focusing on her own growth, but also contributing to an environment where others feel encouraged to do the same.

A journey just beginning

For Jocelyn, this stage of her career is just the start. With each project, conversation, and opportunity, she is building the confidence and experience that will shape her future in engineering.

Her story is a reminder that careers don’t develop overnight. They grow through small moments of learning, the support of others, and the willingness to step forward, even when you’re still figuring things out.

If you’re starting your career or looking for a place where you can learn, contribute, and grow with the support of those around you, opportunities at AtkinsRéalis could be the next step in your journey.