What makes early careers at AtkinsRéalis different? Peter’s story reveals it.

Starting a career in engineering can feel overwhelming, but what if your first role allowed you to learn from experienced professionals, gain real world exposure, and build confidence from day one? For Peter Puk, a Civil Engineering graduate from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, this became reality when he joined AtkinsRéalis.

Peter’s journey shows how early career growth is shaped not just by technical work, but by supportive teams, leadership visibility, and a culture where learning and collaboration fuel everyday success.

Building strong foundations through support and early responsibility

Peter joined AtkinsRéalis in June 2024 as a Graduate Engineer in the Geotechnical Team. With a solid academic background and passions for running and reading, he arrived eager to put theory into practice. From day one, he found himself surrounded by colleagues willing to guide, share knowledge, and involve him in real work.

Instead of spending months observing from the sidelines, Peter quickly gained exposure to multidisciplinary teamwork, seeing firsthand how complex engineering decisions come together. This early trust helped him build confidence and develop practical skills that laid the groundwork for his ongoing growth.

Growing through a culture of collaboration and open communication

One of the things that stood out most to Peter was the working culture itself. He describes it as collaborative and respectful, a place where teams work closely across regions, where communication flows easily, and where junior engineers feel comfortable asking questions.

Regular cross region discussions keep everyone aligned, but it’s the day today interactions that made the biggest difference for Peter. Whether learning from senior engineers or sharing ideas with peers, he always felt included and supported. This culture not only accelerated his learning, but helped him feel part of a community from the very beginning.

Developing through leadership access, networking, and recognition

A defining chapter in Peter’s early career was his participation in the Early Career Program. Through workshops, team-building activities, and networking opportunities, he connected with other young professionals and gained greater insight into the business. A standout moment during the program was the chance to meet Asia CEO Wing Law over lunch, a rare opportunity for junior colleagues to share their perspectives directly with senior leadership. For Peter, being heard at such an early stage reinforced that the company values fresh ideas and new voices.

This sense of appreciation was further strengthened by the WOW recognition program, where colleagues celebrate each other’s achievements. These small but meaningful gestures helped make the workplace motivating and energizing, reinforcing a culture where good work never goes unnoticed.

Learning, growing, and thriving in a supportive environment

As Peter’s experience expanded, so did his confidence. Working closely with senior engineers exposed him to practical problem solving and design skills that many graduates wait years to learn. His advice to new joiners is simple: “If you’re willing to learn, you’ll gain experience across many areas.”

Alongside strong professional support, Peter also experienced a work environment that prioritized balance. Flexible hours and work from home options allow employees to manage personal responsibilities without sacrificing performance. Watching his supervisor adjust work timing to care for family highlighted how leadership practices positively shape the team’s wellbeing and productivity.

A journey just beginning

Peter’s story is a reminder that impactful careers don’t always begin with small, incremental steps. Sometimes, they start with meaningful projects, supportive teams, and opportunities to grow from the very first day.

Whether you’re a graduate ready to begin your career or a professional looking for a meaningful next step, AtkinsRéalis offers pathways to build expertise, expand your network, and help shape the cities and communities of tomorrow.

Explore our Graduate Engineer opportunities at AtkinsRéalis and discover where your ambition could take you.