Choosing potential over position: Abhijith's journey from Trainee to Civil Lead.

Choosing the end goal despite what didn’t work out 

He graduated with his BTech during the peak of COVID-19 and threw himself into his first job in his hometown. It was an intense learning curve - designing stormwater and structural designs for Australian clients, deciphering international codes on tight deadlines, and working on everything from residential apartments to massive stadium pavilions. But his ultimate goal was always AtkinsRéalis. 

After applying on LinkedIn and waiting patiently, a recruiter finally reached out because they specifically noticed his hands-on stormwater experience. The catch?

They offered him a Trainee role, even though he was already working as a Senior Engineer. And Abhijith chose AtkinsRéalis, believing it was the perfect place to gain global exposure and challenge himself daily. That leap of faith changed the trajectory of his career. 

Choosing growth against the odds 

By his first year at AtkinsRéalis, Abhijith felt a new hunger for knowledge. He wanted to pursue a master’s degree while working full-time, a daunting conversation in most corporate settings. But when he raised the idea, the practice responded with overwhelming support. With their backing, he enrolled in the MTech program for Environmental Engineering through the BITS Pilani Work Integrated Learning Program. Balancing academics, household responsibilities, and project deliverables was exhausting, but his colleagues and mentors stood by him, making the impossible possible. 

Expanding horizons

Abhijith began in the drainage team, but curiosity soon pulled him toward Land Development. His scope expanded to aviation projects, wastewater treatment, planning applications, harbours, and nature-based solutions.

The turning point came when he was offered the role of Civil Lead for the Yorkshire Water Storm Overflow Alliance CSO schemes. In just three years, he went from design engineer to leading major framework projects, a dream he once wrote down in a notebook. 

Milestones and Impact 

Abhijith’s journey has been marked by significant milestones: 

- Mentoring early careers professionals 

- Leading WE initiatives for the W&E team 

- Finalist in multiple competitions, including CIRIA Susdrain SuDS Awards and Water Excellence Awards 

These accomplishments reflect his growth, confidence, and commitment to innovation.

Future at the intersection of traditional expertise and digital intelligence.

Abhijith believes in this, so he pursued certification in Data Science and AI from VIT Bangalore to bridge these worlds. His goal is to transform manual processes into streamlined, automated workflows, freeing engineers to focus on innovation. AtkinsRéalis has empowered him to turn these digital aspirations into operational realities.

Discipline of utmost importance 

Managing a household alone while leading major frameworks and pursuing higher education required discipline.

But AtkinsRéalis provided the trust and flexibility he needed. For Abhijith, true work-life balance isn’t about a perfect split, it’s about having a workplace that supports you during crunch periods. That support allowed him to thrive both personally and professionally.

Leading with empathy

For Abhijith, communication is more than data transmission—it’s the art of listening. His growth was built on adaptive listening to mentors, clients, and colleagues. As a leader, he harmonizes technical IQ with emotional intelligence, prioritizing mental health and empathy alongside project deliverables. He strives to be the same lifeline for trainees that his mentors were for him, teaching them not just technical skills but how to listen, adapt, and innovate. 

Visionary steps 

Abhijith is committed to AtkinsRéalis Vision 2035: achieving Net Zero carbon emissions and a fully digitalized engineering lifecycle. By integrating AI and automation into workflows, he is helping the company build smarter, faster, and more sustainable solutions today. His vision is clear engineering that is not only technically sound but also digitally intelligent and environmentally resilient. 

Abhijith’s journey from a pandemic-era trainee to a Civil Lead driving digital innovation is a testament to courage, resilience, and the power of listening. His story shows that sometimes a step back can be the start of an incredible leap forward.

Sometimes the right opportunity isn't the highest title, it's the one that helps you grow. Explore careers at AtkinsRéalis