Learning, collaboration, and early-career growth: Gaurav’s journey as a Structural Engineer at AtkinsRéalis.

When Gaurav talks about his journey so far, there’s a quiet sense of pride, not just in the milestones he has achieved, but in the experiences that have shaped him into the engineer he is becoming. 

Gaurav completed his Master’s degree in Structural Engineering from NIT Silchar, following his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. With a strong academic grounding, his journey with AtkinsRéalis began in 2022, when he joined as a Structural Engineering Intern. That internship became his first real exposure to international engineering projects, global delivery models, and multidisciplinary collaboration. 

“Working with global teams opened my eyes to how complex infrastructure is delivered. It gave me confidence and a sense of direction early in my career.” 

After completing his internship, he received a Pre‑Placement Offer, and in 2023, he joined AtkinsRéalis full‑time as a Structural Engineer, marking the official start of his professional journey. 

Growing through global exposure 

Since joining, Gaurav has contributed to projects across the USA, the UK, and other regions, working closely with teams based around the world. From buildings to bridges, and metro to railway infrastructure, each project gave him new challenges to explore and new engineering practices to learn. 

Beyond the technical learning, these global interactions broadened his perspective, helping him understand diverse codes, design philosophies, and the importance of clear communication between disciplines. 

Outside work, he enjoys cooking, travelling, reading, music, and an unusual but fascinating interest - aircraft accident investigation, where engineering is used to decode failures and improve safety. 

A career that evolves with every step 

In just two and a half years, Gaurav’s career has progressed steadily from Graduate Engineer → Assistant Engineer → Engineer I→ Engineer II. 

These transitions reflect trust. The organization recognizes potential and supports you with opportunities to grow. 

As his responsibilities increased, his interactions expanded too. From GTC, only discussions to leading conversations with CREs, Project Managers, and BIM teams across countries. Each step pushed him to sharpen his communication, technical judgment, and problem‑solving skills.

A culture built on support, openness, and approachability that only helps you grow 

“As an early‑career engineer, it means a lot to know that if you’re stuck, help is just a call or message away.” 

Senior engineers and managers encourage knowledge sharing, and there is a strong sense of psychological safety. This is a workplace where speaking up, asking questions, or raising concerns is always welcomed.

A recognition that made an impact - Employee of the Month, January 2025

One of Gaurav’s proudest moments was being recognized as Employee of the Month (January 2025) - a completely unexpected but deeply meaningful surprise. 

What made it even more special was that the announcement was made by senior leadership visiting from Ireland. Although Gaurav wasn’t in the office that day, his team collected the recognition on his behalf, making the moment even more memorable. 

The recognition was awarded for his contribution to the Broadway Junction (USA) project- a project that greatly shaped his early experience.

Professional growth powered by learning & mentorship 

AtkinsRéalis has played a key role in Gaurav’s development, especially through: 

- Exposure to international projects 

- Continuous guidance from experienced engineers 

- Detailed technical reviews and discussions 

- Opportunities to work on complex multidisciplinary designs 

This support system has helped him grow into a more confident, capable engineer. 

Innovation that improves efficiency and engineering excellence 

Innovation is part of Gaurav’s daily work. A recent example was the development of a VBA‑based LUSAS script -supported by Copilot- that automated extraction and formatting of support reactions directly into AtkinsRéalis templates. This reduced repetitive work and improved coordination with the Geotechnical team. 

His team is also exploring: 

- Parametric modelling using Rhino + Grasshopper 

- AI tools like Copilot for technical reports and design documentation 

These innovations streamline workflows and allow engineers to focus on what matters most is engineering judgment.

Where diversity and collaboration fuel great work 

Working with colleagues from different countries and backgrounds, Gaurav has seen how diversity contributes to stronger outcomes. 

The environment is respectful, welcoming, and inclusive. Everyone’s voice has space here. 

He believes employees can strengthen inclusion by listening, encouraging others, sharing knowledge, and creating a welcoming atmosphere.

Teamwork that brings designs to life

Two projects highlight the power of collaboration: 

Broadway Junction (USA) 

- Continuous alignment with architecture 

- Coordination with US and Australia teams 

- Smooth integration of evolving client inputs 

Current multidisciplinary project 

- Collaboration with Telecoms, Architecture, and MEP teams 

- Integrated design development 

- Strong coordination across engineering disciplines 

For Gaurav, successful project delivery is always a team effort. 

Work‑life balance that supports personal wellbeing 

Working with colleagues from different countries and backgrounds, Gaurav has seen how diversity contributes to stronger outcomes

Where diversity and collaboration fuel great work 

Gaurav manages balance through organization and planning, but the company’s flexibility plays a big role too. 

He appreciates being able to work from home during festival visits to his hometown, something his manager readily supports. 

His hobbies of cooking, travelling, reading, and aviation investigations help him recharge and return to work with clarity and creativity.

Clear communication that keeps everyone aligned 

Monthly leadership calls, regular project updates, structured emails, and open‑door communication ensure teams stay informed and connected. Coordinating with PHODs helps resolve project‑level issues quickly. The transparency in communication makes collaboration smoother and strengthens trust. 

Leadership that supports, guides, and empowers 

To Gaurav, a good leader is approachable, supportive, open to discussions, trusting with responsibilities, constructive with feedback and focused on developing people. These qualities, he says, are what make early‑career growth possible. 

Looking ahead - building expertise, embracing technology, and growing into leadership 

As AtkinsRéalis continues to expand globally, Gaurav sees his role growing with more technical depth, greater responsibility, and stronger leadership opportunities. 

He is particularly excited about the future of AI in engineering: 

I want to explore how AI tools can help us deliver faster, reduce repetitive tasks, and improve the quality of engineering decisions. 

For him, the goal is simple: develop into a confident engineer and future leader who supports others - just as his mentors supported him. 
 
If you’re looking to build a career where learning is constant, ideas are valued, and opportunities are global, this is your place. Come, join our team and build your future with us.