From French-speaking graduate to building a growing Cost Control team: Maya on shaping her journey at AtkinsRéalis 

At AtkinsRéalis, language skills can open doors to global opportunities. 

For Maya, joining AtkinsRéalis as a French-speaking Graduate Engineer became an opportunity to contribute to international projects, collaborate closely with the Canada region, and help build a growing Cost Control discipline from the ground up in Cairo. 

From being one of the first two members of the team to mentoring new joiners as the function expanded, her journey reflects how bilingual talent, collaboration, and ownership can create meaningful career growth early on.

What motivated you to join AtkinsRéalis? 

I joined AtkinsRéalis in November 2024 as a Graduate Engineer (French speaker) within the Project Management Department – PPMS. Coming from a background in business development and proposal writing, I was looking for an opportunity where I could grow professionally while contributing to global projects in a more technical and strategic environment. 

What attracted me most was the international exposure, collaborative culture, and the opportunity to use my French language skills in a meaningful way while working with global teams. I wanted to be part of an organisation where I could continue learning, contribute beyond expectations, and build a long-term career.   

How has your journey been so far? 

From the very beginning, my journey has been defined by growth, collaboration, and the opportunity to create impact.

One of my earliest milestones was becoming part of the team establishing the Cost Control discipline for the Canada region in the Cairo office. Alongside one colleague, I was among the first two members of this discipline. 

We worked closely with teams across Global Technology Center India, the Canada region, and Canadian management to understand processes, systems, policies, and strategic objectives. 

It was an exciting experience because we weren’t just supporting projects — we were helping build the foundation of a growing function while collaborating across cultures, teams, and time zones. 

What kind of work have you been involved in?

As our involvement increased and we supported more projects, my technical lead and I introduced new ways of working to streamline workflows, improve efficiency, and reduce recurring challenges.

One of the biggest challenges was managing collaboration across different time zones while ensuring smooth communication and timely delivery for the Canadian region.

Over time, our bilingual capabilities, consistency, and strong collaboration with stakeholders helped us build trusted relationships across teams. After around one and a half years of close collaboration, project managers and senior stakeholders from the Canada region began requesting us by name for specific projects.

That recognition was incredibly rewarding because it reflected the quality, reliability, and relationships we had built together as a team.

During this period, the team itself grew significantly, from just 2 members to 15.

How did your role evolve as the team expanded? 

As the team grew, I naturally stepped into a larger role in supporting and onboarding new team members.

I actively supported the team leader by helping train new joiners, sharing knowledge and best practices, and mentoring team members technically and professionally.

It was important to ensure that as the team expanded, we maintained the same level of quality, collaboration, and delivery standards that helped establish our reputation with the Canadian region.

Alongside this, I contributed to more than 450 projects across multiple disciplines, covering Class 0 to Class 2 estimates, while consistently receiving positive feedback on the quality and consistency of my work.

What achievements or milestones are you most proud of?

I’m especially proud of how we successfully built a strong and recognizable Cost Control presence within the Canada region as a bilingual team.

Overcoming language barriers, time-zone challenges, and the pressures of a fast-growing function taught me a lot about adaptability, communication, and teamwork.

Over the past year and a half, I was fortunate to receive several recognitions, including: 

- Recognition for excellence during the internal quality audit 

- Appreciation from my line manager for exceptional quality and consistency 

- Star of the Month – PPS Cairo Project Controls for outstanding performance in cost control 

These recognitions motivated me to continue pushing beyond my limits and striving for excellence. I was also promoted from Graduate Engineer to Engineer I, which was a proud milestone in my journey.

I’m deeply grateful to my managers for trusting my capabilities, supporting my growth, and giving me opportunities to take ownership early in my career.

Beyond work, what makes AtkinsRéalis special for you? 

What truly makes AtkinsRéalis special is the people and supportive culture.

Here, colleagues become family, not just teammates. The environment encourages collaboration, learning, and wellbeing alongside performance and delivery.

Since joining, I’ve also volunteered as a Wellbeing Champion, helping welcome and support new joiners during their induction process and making sure they feel comfortable and connected from day one.

More recently, I joined the C2H team, contributing to engagement activities and events that help strengthen team connections and create a positive work environment.

That sense of belonging is something I truly value.

How have you balanced work and continuous learning?

Despite the fast-paced nature of the work, I’ve been fortunate to maintain a healthy work-life balance while continuing to invest in my development.

During this period, I completed a Professional Program in Project Management (PRMG) at the American University in Cairo and I’m currently in the final semester of my MBA in Project Management at Ain Shams University.

Balancing work and studies hasn’t always been easy, but the support and flexibility around me made it possible.

What would you say to someone considering joining AtkinsRéalis?  

I would say AtkinsRéalis is a place where your skills, ideas, and background are genuinely valued.

For French-speaking professionals especially, there are exciting opportunities to work on international projects, collaborate with global teams, and grow your career while making a meaningful impact.

If you’re willing to learn, take ownership, and step outside your comfort zone, you’ll find an environment that supports your growth and encourages you to succeed.

For me, this journey reflects what’s possible in an organisation that invests in people, encourages ambition, and celebrates excellence — and I’m excited for what lies ahead.

Build your global career with AtkinsRéalis 

Looking to build a global career using your French language skills? Explore opportunities at AtkinsRéalis and discover how you can collaborate across borders, grow your expertise, and make an impact from day one.