What surprised Derek most about his first months at AtkinsRéalis

When Derek joined AtkinsRéalis as a Senior Cybersecurity Consultant, he expected to spend time learning new systems, meeting colleagues, and getting familiar with the business.

What he didn't expect was how quickly he would be contributing to live projects, working with international partners, and expanding his expertise in specialist areas of cybersecurity.

Alongside the technical learning, he discovered something equally important: a supportive culture that made it easy to settle in, build connections, and start making an impact from day one.

A welcome that set the tone

Starting a new role can be daunting, but for Derek, the transition felt remarkably smooth. From his first day, he was welcomed by colleagues who made him feel part of the team straight away. Combined with well-organised induction sessions from HR and IT, he quickly had the information, tools, and support needed to hit the ground running.

What stood out most wasn't any single moment, but the overall atmosphere. The friendly and inclusive working environment made a strong first impression, and as Derek settled in, that initial feeling only grew stronger. It became clear that collaboration and support weren't just something people talked about, they were part of the everyday experience.

Learning beyond the technical

One of the biggest highlights of Derek's experience so far has been the opportunity to deepen his knowledge of cybersecurity for Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and Operational Technology (OT).

Working on projects in the railway sector allowed him to apply that knowledge in practice, contributing to cybersecurity governance, risk, and compliance activities while learning more about the industry's challenges and requirements.

But what fascinated him most was seeing how cybersecurity fits into something much bigger. Rather than being treated as a standalone discipline, cybersecurity is integrated into the wider system assurance lifecycle, helping support the delivery of safe, secure, and resilient railway systems.

That broader perspective has added a new dimension to his work and strengthened his understanding of how cybersecurity contributes to complex infrastructure projects.

An opportunity to step up

One experience in particular stands out from Derek's first few months. As part of a project involving vulnerability assessment and penetration testing services, he worked closely with overseas partner firms to coordinate planning, preparation, and delivery activities.

Much of the work took place remotely, making communication and collaboration critical to success. Derek helped coordinate plans and method statements across multiple stakeholders before travelling to meet clients and support the on-site activities in person.

The project challenged him in new ways, from managing remote collaboration to navigating a client-facing environment.

The result was a successful delivery that met the client's expectations while giving Derek valuable experience working across international teams.

More importantly, it reinforced his confidence and showed how quickly new joiners are trusted with meaningful responsibilities.

A culture that supports growth and balance

While the work itself has been rewarding, Derek has also appreciated the culture around it.

One aspect that has made a tangible difference is the team's flexible working arrangements. The ability to work from home helps reduce commuting time and allows him to spend more quality time with his wife and family.

For Derek, it's an example of how AtkinsRéalis supports both professional development and employee wellbeing.

It's also a reflection of a culture where people are trusted to do their best work while maintaining a healthy balance between their personal and professional lives.

Looking ahead

Reflecting on his experience so far, Derek describes it as both rewarding and encouraging.

He has expanded his technical expertise, worked on client-facing projects, collaborated with international partners, and gained valuable insight into how cybersecurity supports major infrastructure programmes. Along the way, he has also found a culture where people are willing to share knowledge, support one another, and help colleagues succeed.

His advice to anyone considering a new role is simple: stay open-minded, engage with the people around you, and embrace every opportunity to learn.

With the support, opportunities, and experiences available, Derek believes there is plenty of room to grow and build a meaningful career.

If you're looking for a place where you can develop your expertise, work on impactful projects, and be part of a collaborative team, explore our current opportunities and discover where a career at AtkinsRéalis could take you.