My first 60 days at AtkinsRéalis – Gahee’s journey into people, culture, and change

Gahee Jeong joined AtkinsRéalis as an Assistant People Experience Manager based in South Korea, stepping into a role that sits at the intersection of global ways of working and local impact. Just 60 days in, her experience already reflects what it looks like to onboard with intention, connect across borders, and add value with confidence from day one.

“I might be more sensitive to these things because I work in HR,” Gahee says, “but what stood out to me immediately was how warm the environment felt.”

A welcome that feels personal 

From her very first days, Gahee noticed a culture that prioritizes collaboration. “The warm welcome from HR peers across Asia, along with the one-on-one sessions with my line manager, really stood out,” she says. “They helped me understand the organization better and made it feel genuinely welcoming from day one.”

That sense of personal connection was built into her onboarding experience. One-on-one sessions with key peers were scheduled in advance, giving her clarity not just on what needed to be done, but on who to turn to. “Being able to understand what others do and knowing exactly who to contact when questions come up made a huge difference,” she explains. “It helped me settle into my role much faster and with more confidence.”

Learning that’s structured and empowering

As an experienced hire, Gahee values clarity, access, and autonomy when it comes to learning. For her, one tool stood out. “Having a well-organized internal company website is key,” she says. “Being able to easily find policies, existing materials, past history, and industry knowledge on my own really supports a smooth learning curve.”

That structure allowed her to move quickly from onboarding to contribution, building understanding independently, while staying aligned with global standards and practices.

Balancing global alignment with local impact

As the sole HR representative in Korea, Gahee’s role comes with both responsibility and opportunity. “Joining the company and immediately working in line with global practices, while also being deeply involved with the local organization, has been a truly valuable experience for me,” she says. “I’m communicating closely with leadership, contributing to decision-making, and driving change. It’s been engaging, challenging, and exciting all at the same time.” 

Growth through challenge and perspective

For Gahee, growth happens in the moments where different viewpoints meet. “Every time a challenge comes up, I think about what value I can add from my position,” she explains. “Exchanging perspectives with different stakeholders helps me better understand the organization and its people.”

Those experiences have expanded how she approaches her work. “It allows me to think more broadly,” she says. “I believe the accumulation of these moments leads to real action (not box‑ticking) and drives meaningful change. Not just for me, but for the people I work with as well.”

Advice for new joiners

Looking ahead, Gahee has clear advice for those just starting their journey. “I encourage new joiners to actively learn about AtkinsRéalis as a company, their team, and their own role and to connect all of that so they can take pride in the work they do,” she says. “Even though the beginning can feel busy with day‑to‑day tasks, our well‑structured global processes, especially around learning and career development can create real opportunities. By proactively shaping your development and envisioning who you want to become, your journey here can be even more rewarding and fulfilling.”

If you’re looking for a career where structure meets trust, global alignment meets local impact, and your growth is taken seriously from day one, your story could start here.

Explore our current opportunities at AtkinsRéalis.