Let’s find your next opportunity​

{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}

{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}

saved
viewed

My first year as a graduate engineer: A journey of growth

Starting your career as a graduate engineer can feel overwhelming... “Will you fit in? Can you handle real-world projects? What will the learning curve look like?” Viola Lee is a Graduate Engineer at AtkinsRéalis whose first year in the water team has been defined by curiosity, resilience, and a passion for meaningful engineering work. Her journey reflects the experiences of many early‑career engineers stepping into the professional world, full of questions, excitement, and the drive to make an impact. In the reflections that follow, Viola shares her personal perspective on how this transformative year has shaped her career.

Viola Lee

Building skills through real challenges

Working in the water team has pushed me to develop both technical expertise and soft skills. I've become proficient in advanced engineering software like ICM Infoworks and CAD, tools that have enhanced my ability to deliver precise, efficient project outcomes.

Collaborating closely with colleagues and actively participating in client meetings has strengthened my communication abilities. Each project presents unique challenges that require adaptability and creative problem-solving skills that have grown exponentially through hands-on experience.

One highlight was representing AtkinsRéalis as an ambassador at the HKUST career fair, where I shared my graduate engineer journey with prospective candidates. Standing there, explaining what I'd learned and accomplished, I realized how much I'd grown in just one year.

 

The experience that changed everything

Two months into my role, I participated in GradConnect, a 2-day orientation camp that became my most memorable experience at AtkinsRéalis. This wasn't your typical corporate retreat. Through carefully designed team-building exercises, I connected with fellow graduate engineers from different disciplines and teams across the company.

The camp offered invaluable insights into AtkinsRéalis' core values and organizational structure. During the dinner buffet, I had meaningful conversations with experienced seniors who shared their career journeys and practical advice. These connections laid the foundation for relationships that continue to support my professional growth today.

 

Professional development that actually works

AtkinsRéalis doesn't just talk about supporting early careers, they deliver through structured programs. The early career program includes workshops specifically designed to help new graduates settle into professional life and adapt to dynamic work environments.

The company's commitment to continuous learning shines through regular technical lunch talks and knowledge-sharing sessions. Topics range from carbon and net zero initiatives to cybersecurity fundamentals. These sessions create valuable cross-team learning opportunities that broaden your engineering perspective.

Professional certifications through HKIE Scheme A training and ICE training programs demonstrate the company's investment in our long-term career development.

Early career workshop

Technology and innovation at work

AtkinsRéalis embraces advanced digital tools that streamline workflows and enhance collaboration. Since joining, I've had opportunities to explore sophisticated engineering software for various projects, expanding my technical toolkit significantly.

The integration of technology isn't just about efficiency; it's about enabling innovative solutions to complex engineering challenges. Each software mastery opens doors to more sophisticated project involvement.

 

Work-life balance that works

Engineering careers can be demanding, but AtkinsRéalis prioritizes employee wellbeing through thoughtful initiatives. Regular after-work activities include ice-cream days, massage sessions, regional fun Friday events, and seasonal celebrations.

Emerging Professionals Network (EPN) group organizes engaging activities like dog shelter visits, dragon boat contests, Halloween games, and archery events. These experiences build connections beyond project work and create a genuine sense of community.

 

Ready to start your engineering journey?

My year at AtkinsRéalis has exceeded expectations in every way. The combination of meaningful projects, supportive colleagues, comprehensive professional development, and genuine work-life balance creates an environment where graduate engineers can thrive.

If you're considering your next career move or starting your engineering journey, explore the opportunities at AtkinsRéalis.

 

Related blogs

Image of Tony smiling at the camera

25 years in flood risk: Tony on building a career at the intersection of science and infrastructure

Discover Tony’s journey from graduate to Associate Director, read how he’s built a career protecting communities from flood risk.

Card link for 25 years in flood risk: Tony on building a career at the intersection of science and infrastructure

A decade of curiosity, connection, and finding my voice: Growing through people, passion, and possibility.

Ten years is more than a milestone, it’s a reflection of the people, experiences, and moments that shaped the journey. What began in Talent Acquisition evolved into something richer, driven by curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections.

Card link for A decade of curiosity, connection, and finding my voice: Growing through people, passion, and possibility.
Pratik in grey suit

Standards, strategy, and steady growth: A Journey of commitment, capability, and Chartership

From driving bold career moves to embracing fearless new beginnings, Tracey’s journey is anything but ordinary. Discover how she balances part‑time work with purpose, resilience, and growth.

Card link for Standards, strategy, and steady growth: A Journey of commitment, capability, and Chartership

Building strong foundations: Defne’s journey in structural engineering at AtkinsRéalis

I work at AtkinsRéalis as an Engineer-in-Training (EIT) in building structures, a field I am deeply passionate about. What I love about my job is that it combines technical rigor, interdisciplinary collaboration, and real-world impact. Every project is built on a simple but essential idea: without a solid structure, nothing stands.

Card link for Building strong foundations: Defne’s journey in structural engineering at AtkinsRéalis
Ayushi Gupta in Blue dress

From drainage engineering to shaping Heathrow expansion: Ayushi on growth, mentorship, and building multidisciplinary expertise 

At AtkinsRéalis, opportunities to grow often begin with saying yes to new challenges. For Ayushi, that journey led from drainage engineering to working on large-scale international infrastructure projects while building leadership, technical, and collaboration skills along the way.

Card link for From drainage engineering to shaping Heathrow expansion: Ayushi on growth, mentorship, and building multidisciplinary expertise 

A career where you can learn and belong: Jocelyn Teng’s story

Jocelyn Teng shares her early career journey in engineering, building confidence, finding her voice, and growing through support and connection at AtkinsRéalis.

Card link for A career where you can learn and belong: Jocelyn Teng’s story

Engineering the systems behind everyday life: Viola Lee’s story

Read how early career engineers contribute to resilient infrastructure, build connections, and grow through real-world experience at AtkinsRéalis.

Card link for Engineering the systems behind everyday life: Viola Lee’s story

Switching industries without starting over: Sophie Li’s story

Read how Sophie Li transitioned into a new industry without starting from scratch. A story of growth, trust, collaboration, and building impact at AtkinsRéalis.

Card link for Switching industries without starting over: Sophie Li’s story
A woman smiling at the camera

Setting the standards: Sarah on leading air quality, shaping policy, and opening doors for the next generation

Meet Sarah, a leader in air quality and read how she’s helping shape cleaner air and real-world change.

Card link for Setting the standards: Sarah on leading air quality, shaping policy, and opening doors for the next generation
Thumbnail for global careers video

Global careers

Where could your career take you? At AtkinsRéalis possibilities go far beyond the office. Explore how our global reach and international opportunities could see you live, work and grow in the places that inspire you most.

Card link for Global careers
Graduate application process for graduates

The graduate application process: your essential guide

Applying to our UK graduate programme? This video walks you through the full application journey, from applying to interview, and shares useful tips to help you do your best.

Card link for The graduate application process: your essential guide
Ethan smiling at the camera

My path in project management

Meet Ethan, a degree apprentice at AtkinsRéalis, as he explains how learning on the job alongside his degree helps him put theory into practice. From hands on experience to ongoing support, see how he’s developing his skills and shaping his future.

Card link for My path in project management

Related jobs

We are sorry there are no jobs that match your exact criteria. Try a new search term, or use the filters to continue browsing for available opportunities.

Group discussion in a talent community meeting

Talent Community

Would you like to know more? Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to stay connected and engaged with us at AtkinsRéalis.