"Instead of feeling drained, I felt - this is exactly where I want to be”: Deeksha on going from intern to employee, badminton semi-finals, and the side of HR nobody sees

Deeksha reached the semi‑finals of the GTC badminton tournament and she’s still buzzing about it.  

“I enjoy the game for the energy and the fun more than anything else,” she says. Between that and the People Hub matches, the competitive spirit stays alive. But when she’s not on court, she’s usually on the road or in the kitchen, photographing dishes she’s cooked, experimenting with new recipes, or heading out on a drive. A road trip through Wayanad is still one of her best memories: “long drives through winding roads, the greenery stretching endlessly, small breaks for chai, and that feeling of freedom you only get when you’re on the road.” 

By day, Deeksha is a Graduate HR Analyst in HR Operations, based in Bengaluru. She joined AtkinsRéalis as an intern in 2023, returned as a graduate hire in 2024, and now works in the People Hub managing UK onboarding coordinating offers, Workday transactions, employee data, and the steady flow of queries from recruiters, hiring managers, and candidates.

The moment she knew she’d come back

The transition from intern to employee wasn’t a leap. It was a return to somewhere that already felt familiar. 

As an intern, I got a real glimpse into how things work behind the scenes in HR, the mix of people interactions, problem‑solving, and those moments where someone just needs a calm person to help them out. 

The defining moment came on a day when everything hit at once: onboarding cases, employee queries, sensitive situations, last‑minute requests from managers. Instead of feeling drained, I felt… this is exactly where I want to be. 

What sealed it was how the team treated her. “They didn’t treat me like ‘just an intern,’ but someone who could contribute. The environment was open, approachable, and people‑first. So when the opportunity to return came, it didn’t feel like a difficult decision.”    

The side of HR people don’t see 

Ask Deeksha what people outside HR might not realise about the job, and she’s candid. 

A big part of our day isn’t just onboarding, documents, or systems. A lot of our work involves managing the human side of things that most people never see. 

That means tough conversations about sensitive personal situations. Employees reaching out during stressful moments, looking for someone who can listen without judgement. Managers asking for guidance where the right answer isn’t obvious. And through all of it, balancing confidentiality, knowing a lot, sharing very little, and still making sure things move in the right direction. 

“What many don’t realise is that HR often carries a heavy emotional load. We navigate these situations quietly, keeping things professional while still being empathetic, neutral, and supportive. It requires patience, resilience, and a lot of emotional intelligence every single day.” 

The manager who sets the tone 

Deeksha is clear about who inspires her most at work: her manager, Amina. No matter how challenging or high‑pressure the situation is, she never loses her cool. Her ability to stay steady, think clearly, and guide the team with patience sets a strong example of leadership. 

“She inspires me to stay grounded, solution‑focused, and resilient in every situation.”

Her advice

Embrace the learning opportunities. This is an environment where continuous growth is supported, and you’re encouraged to step into new challenges with confidence. The culture here genuinely values balance, not just in words, but in practice. Trust yourself, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to seek support or mentorship. 

Ready to shape meaningful employee experiences just like Deeksha? Discover roles where your curiosity, empathy, and drive can make a real impact. Explore opportunities at AtkinsRéalis and start your journey with us.