From university to industry: my Placement journey at AtkinsRéalis

After completing the third year of my Chemical Engineering degree at University College London (UCL), I was keen to gain practical experience and understand how the technical knowledge I had developed at university translated into a professional engineering environment.

I was particularly interested in seeing how the approaches used in academic projects compared with industry standards and expectations. AtkinsRéalis stood out because it offered the opportunity to work alongside experienced engineers, gain exposure to real projects and learn more about the consultancy side of the industry, an area I had little experience of before.

Getting stuck into real projects

I joined AtkinsRéalis as a Process Engineer within the Power and Energy Solutions team in Bristol. Throughout my placement, I supported colleagues across multiple offices around the UK, which gave me exposure to a variety of sectors and challenges.

One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was working with people from different engineering disciplines. It showed me firsthand how projects are delivered through collaboration and how different specialisms contribute to a successful outcome.

This gave me a much broader understanding of engineering than I had gained through university projects alone and highlighted the importance of teamwork and communication in professional practice.

Learning from a supportive team

From my first day, I felt welcomed and supported. I was assigned a buddy who became my go-to person throughout the placement, always available to answer questions and offer guidance whenever I needed it.

The wider team was equally supportive. As someone new to both AtkinsRéalis and the engineering industry, I appreciated how willing colleagues were to explain unfamiliar terminology, answer questions and help me build my confidence.

What surprised me most was how invested people were in my development. I made a conscious effort to network during my placement and found colleagues across the business incredibly approachable. Despite their busy schedules, people were always willing to share their experiences, explain their roles and offer advice about their career journeys.

These conversations helped me build a professional network while giving me valuable insight into the many opportunities available within engineering.

A highlight beyond technical engineering

One of the highlights of my placement was contributing to a Health and Safety Newsletter. As part of the project, I reviewed incidents reported across the practice and selected key topics to include.

It was fascinating to learn more about the processes used to maintain a strong safety culture and communicate important messages across the business. The experience also allowed me to develop skills beyond the technical aspects of engineering, particularly written communication and critical thinking.

Knowing the newsletter would be shared with a wider audience made the work especially rewarding, as it contributed to something with real impact.

Lessons I'll take into my future career

One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that engineering extends far beyond the technical knowledge taught at university. Successful project delivery relies on communication, collaboration and a willingness to learn from others.

Working alongside experienced professionals showed me how much can be gained by asking questions, seeking feedback and staying curious. Some of my most valuable development came from observing how engineering is applied in practice and learning from the people around me.

For anyone considering a placement at AtkinsRéalis, my advice is simple: go for it. The breadth of opportunities available means you'll gain exposure to different sectors, learn from experienced professionals and develop skills that will benefit you throughout your career.

My placement has helped bridge the gap between university and industry, strengthened my confidence and given me a clearer understanding of the type of engineer I want to become. It's been an incredibly rewarding experience and one I'll carry with me long after returning to university.

Explore Placement opportunities at AtkinsRéalis.