What Owen discovered in his first year at AtkinsRéalis

Most people will never think about tunnel ventilation systems. They'll never stop to consider how smoke would move during an emergency, how people would safely evacuate, or how much engineering sits behind the infrastructure they use every day. And that's exactly the point. When these systems work properly, people hardly notice they're there.

For Owen, knowing that his work helps protect people, often without them ever realizing it, is one of the most rewarding parts of being an engineer.

After graduating from The University of Hong Kong with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, Owen joined AtkinsRéalis as a Graduate Engineer in the MEP team. Just one year into his career, he is already contributing to major infrastructure projects, specializing in tunnel ventilation and fire engineering.

"It's rewarding knowing that my work directly contributes to protecting lives and enhancing public safety," he says. For someone at the beginning of their career, it's a responsibility that has given real meaning to the work he does every day.

Engineering with a purpose

One of the biggest surprises for Owen has been seeing the direct link between engineering and people's everyday lives.

A key part of his role involves carrying out fire engineering assessments and simulations to understand how tunnels and underground spaces would perform during emergency scenarios. Working closely with different stakeholders, he helps ensure designs meet stringent safety requirements and provide safe environments for the communities that rely on them.

The work is highly technical, but its purpose is simple: Helping keep people safe. That sense of purpose has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his first year and has reinforced why he chose engineering as a career in the first place.

Learning beyond technical skills

Like many graduates, Owen joined the company expecting to develop his engineering knowledge. What he didn't expect was how much he would learn from the people around him.

Through initiatives such as GradConnect and the Asia Early Careers Program, he has had the opportunity to connect with colleagues from different disciplines, learn from experienced professionals, and build relationships across the business.

The experience has helped him develop confidence, communication skills, and a broader understanding of how successful projects are delivered.

For Owen, some of the most valuable lessons haven't come from technical manuals or engineering calculations. They've come from conversations, collaboration, and learning from people with different experiences and perspectives.

The dragon boat lesson

Outside project work, Owen serves as a Sports Representative for Asia Young Professionals (AYP). The role has allowed him to organize and participate in activities that bring colleagues together, including the Hong Kong Marathon and dragon boat competitions.

Of all those experiences, dragon boat racing taught him something he now applies to his work every day. Success doesn't come from one person paddling harder than everyone else. It comes from an entire team moving together in the same direction.

"When the whole team is synchronized, the boat moves faster, smoother, and more efficiently."

For Owen, the lesson applies just as much in engineering as it does in sport. The best outcomes are achieved when people trust one another, communicate openly, and work towards a shared goal.

Exploring the future of engineering

Another area that has shaped Owen's first year is innovation. As part of his project work, he has explored how AI and digital tools can support engineering analysis, streamline workflows, and improve efficiency.

By helping automate repetitive tasks and accelerate research, these technologies allow engineers to spend more time solving problems, developing ideas, and focusing on the work that creates value.

For Owen, it's an exciting reminder that engineering continues to evolve and that the profession he is entering today may look very different in the years ahead.

More than projects

While the projects have been a highlight, it's the people and culture that have left the biggest impression. Whether he's organizing office activities, participating in sports events, or collaborating with colleagues across different teams, Owen has found a workplace where relationships matter as much as results.

One memorable example was organizing a lunchtime PlayStation football tournament that brought colleagues together from across the office. What started as a simple activity quickly became an opportunity to connect, have fun, and strengthen relationships outside of day-to-day project work.

Those moments, small as they may seem, help create a culture where people genuinely enjoy working together.

More than an engineer

Looking back, Owen's first year has taught him that engineering is much more than technical drawings, calculations, and design reports. It's about solving real-world challenges, protecting communities, embracing new ideas, and working with people who help you grow.

Through meaningful project work, continuous learning opportunities, and his involvement in the Asia Young Professionals Network, he has discovered opportunities to develop not only as an engineer, but also as a teammate, leader, and communicator.

If you're looking for a career where you can work on meaningful projects and learn from experienced professionals, explore our current opportunities and discover where a career at AtkinsRéalis could take you.