Building a career through opportunity at AtkinsRéalis

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is the importance of saying yes whenever opportunities arise. You never know where a project, conversation or volunteering opportunity might lead.

Early in my career, I became involved in activities beyond my immediate role, including volunteering on the AtkinsRéalis Net Zero Superheroes competition. Supporting primary school students with their ideas and presentations was incredibly rewarding, but it also opened doors I never expected.

The experience eventually led to me becoming the School Engagement and Social Value Lead for the programme, giving me the opportunity to take on greater responsibility while making an even bigger impact.

It's experiences like this that have shown me some of the best development opportunities often come from getting involved, being curious and putting yourself forward.

Building confidence through networking

Networking has played a huge role in my career development at AtkinsRéalis.

A major turning point came when I attended UKREiiF as part of the AtkinsRéalis NetGen cohort. During the event, I spent time with senior colleagues and industry professionals from across the sector, gaining insight into different career paths and perspectives.

Before attending, networking felt intimidating. Afterwards, I realised it's really about having conversations, learning from others and building relationships.

The experience gave me the confidence to connect with people across the business, seek advice and explore opportunities beyond my immediate team.

AtkinsRéalis has also provided opportunities to build those connections through mentoring, networking events, graduate programmes and social activities. Being part of a large organisation means you're surrounded by people with a wide range of experiences, and I've found colleagues to be incredibly generous with their time and advice.

Stepping outside my comfort zone

As my career has progressed, I've been trusted with opportunities that have helped me develop both professionally and personally. 

One standout moment was helping organise and present at the Sizewell C Showcase for Lord Vallance, Minister for Nuclear. Presenting on social value to such a senior audience was a significant opportunity and one that pushed me outside my comfort zone. 

The positive feedback I received afterwards gave me a huge confidence boost and reinforced the value of taking on challenges that stretch your capabilities. 

Since joining AtkinsRéalis, I've also had the opportunity to expand my role beyond social value. Today, I split my time between social value and operations, working across a variety of projects and initiatives that require strong organisational, communication and stakeholder management skills. 

Alongside this, I've helped organise major internal and external events, supported project communications and worked closely with senior leaders and client teams. These experiences have provided exposure and responsibility that have accelerated my development and helped me build confidence at every stage of my career. 

Advice for future graduates

One of the biggest things I've learned is that career development isn't always about following a set path. Some of the most valuable opportunities come from being proactive, building relationships and saying yes to experiences that push you outside your comfort zone.

For anyone considering a role at AtkinsRéalis, my advice is simple: go for it. Be curious, build your network and make the most of every opportunity available to you.

Working in a large, multidisciplinary organisation gives you access to a huge variety of projects, people and experiences. You never know where one conversation, project or opportunity might lead.

Looking back, it's those opportunities that have shaped my career, strengthened my confidence and opened doors I never expected when I first started my journey at AtkinsRéalis.