Julie Gilmour | Graduate Process Engineer
Although gender stereotypes are being challenged more and more, ‘practical’ fields are still seen as ‘jobs for men’.
Fortunately, women like Julie are smashing these misconceptions. Read how her engineering career is taking off at AtkinsRéalis.
Meet Julie
“I joined AtkinsRéalis with a Masters in Chemical Engineering. Since being here, I’ve worked for clients spanning the nuclear, defence and semiconductor industries.
At the moment I’m on secondment into the Strategy and Business Development team for Nuclear & Power. It’s been an amazing opportunity for me to learn and get involved with winning work in an extremely exciting sector!”
What have been your experiences and responsibilities since you started as a graduate?
"When I began my journey as a graduate, I quickly discovered a wealth of opportunities. This period has allowed me to acquire new skills and explore various facets of the industry.
I've taken the lead on overseeing temporary assignments at both a Nuclear Fuel Company and a versatile Engineering Solutions Provider.
Additionally, I've actively participated in tendering processes for new business and engaged in numerous stimulating internal and external initiatives.
Presently, I am part of the strategy and business development team, enhancing my comprehension of our consultancy's operations and supporting the company's directors.
While this role isn't centered on technical aspects, it promises to significantly deepen my understanding of the company's functioning, benefiting my future return to the process engineering team."
We understand that graduates are looking for a breadth of experience and varied responsibilities. The start of your career is a vital time in the trajectory of your professional life and at AtkinsRéalis you’ll have the utmost support in exploring these opportunities.
Do you see AtkinsRéalis’ values reflected in your day-to-day job?
“In my role as a Process Engineer stationed at the Warrington office, my primary responsibility is to design and oversee the safe and efficient operations of various plants.
Being resolute and assertive is crucial in this role, as a significant part of my work involves challenging clients to ensure the safety of designs.
The supportive atmosphere at Atkins has empowered me to confidently voice my opinions and seek clarifications on procedures when necessary.
Collaborating on multi-disciplinary projects with teams in different locations has been a fundamental aspect of my work as a Process Engineer.
Effective communication is key in such scenarios. A recent collaboration involved partnering with a British Semiconductor company, where my tasks encompassed crafting process specifications, conducting line sizing calculations, designing safety relief valves, and creating Piping & Instrumentation Diagrams.
Throughout the technical design process, safety considerations and seamless collaboration remained at the forefront of our decision-making and design choices.”
Our values are the essence of our identity - safety, integrity, collaboration, and innovation. They play a key part in the success of every project we undertake, enabling us to handle major developments and interact with various communities, businesses, governments and other stakeholders. And no matter where you are in the world, you’ll find all of our colleagues living and breathing these values.
An opportunity to work across the globe
"I have actively participated in tender processes since my early days at Atkins and embraced these opportunities to deliver impressive work for our clients.
These endeavors have not only allowed me to expand my skill set but also encouraged collaboration with professionals from diverse disciplines.
In bids for significant entities like an Oil Company, Nuclear Power Business, and Nuclear Regulator, I provided essential information and meticulously reviewed and refined the bids prior to submission.
In a recent bid for a Nuclear Fuel project, I even travelled to the site to gather crucial data during the scoping phase.
Additionally, I worked on a bid for an Energy Company in collaboration with our UAE business and colleagues in Canada, adjusting my work hours as needed to accommodate the international collaboration.
I’m currently collaborating with our offices in the US and Canada to develop a capability map. This will demonstrate the number of employees in different locations and can be used in bidding, resourcing and ultimately strategic planning for recruitment.
If you get speaking to someone in a different office, one thing quite often leads to another… “
One of the greatest benefits of working at AtkinsRéalis is we are an international organization which means an opportunity to work across the globe and on a huge variety of global projects. We have offices in over 50 countries across six continents so you can explore which country and job opportunities are right for you.
Fostering a Culture of Improvement and Support at AtkinsRéalis
“Working at Atkins, I deeply appreciate the culture that embraces continuous improvement. Every team member, regardless of their position, is encouraged to share their ideas and perspectives.
Recognizing the necessity for structured guidance during the early years of a graduate's tenure at Atkins, a colleague and I took the initiative to develop a comprehensive reference guide for personal development.
We meticulously crafted this graduate support manual by reviewing chartership, pay, promotion, and grade guidance.
The manual has been successfully implemented at our Warrington office and is now in the process of being adopted across the Nuclear & Power sector, with potential plans for dissemination throughout other sectors within the company.”
Making a difference through STEM initiatives
“My strongest passion lies in promoting STEM careers, particularly among girls who may not have considered it before.
I've actively engaged in this mission by representing our company at events, arranging school visits, and giving presentations.
This year, our efforts were validated when a school we collaborated with in Knutsford reported a substantial rise in girls opting for triple science classes.
It's incredibly gratifying to think that I may have played a role in inspiring these young women to pursue fulfilling engineering careers, much like my own.”
Grow and develop your career after graduation with AtkinsRéalis
With a vibrant and inclusive culture that values innovation and welcomes fresh perspectives, AtkinsRéalis provides a nurturing environment where young professionals can thrive.
Through meaningful projects, mentorship opportunities, and a commitment to personal and professional advancement, we encourage every individual to reach their full potential.
If you like the sound of Julie’s story, find out more about our Graduate opportunities.
