insights How can new graduates make an impact in civil engineering?

The Covid-19 pandemic disrupted studies for many students around the world and may even have prevented a year working in industry, which many civil engineers use to gain experience. However, by continuing to show a passion and dedication for the civil engineering discipline, and by demonstrating you can be innovative, sustainable, and inclusive, you can make an impact.

At AtkinsRéalis , and within our brands Atkins, Faithful+Gould, and Acuity, we value our graduates. From learning on the job to working closely with some of our biggest clients, graduate civil engineers play a big role in the success of our business. By joining us, you’ll contribute to shaping, building, maintaining not only high-profile projects but societies; providing a better and more sustainable future for generations to come. Here’s how you can make an impact as a graduate civil engineer:

Use what you’ve learned in your degree

To gain a role as a graduate civil engineer, you will need to have completed a degree in a relevant subject. This may include civil engineering, structural engineering, geotechnical engineering, or transport engineering. When you finish studying the theoretical aspects of the discipline, you will have a comprehensive understanding of how things work, combined with a fresh, new perspective on how to apply civil engineering in practice.

In the wider construction industry, there is often a hesitance of change, a sense of ‘this is how we’ve always done it’, which is not necessarily productive. Graduate civil engineers can therefore make a big impact by using what they have learned in their degree to inspire experienced professionals to incorporate new and more efficient ways of working that ultimately save time, money, and the environment.

Be innovative

Graduates in any discipline are encouraged to exhibit an enquiring mind and a proactive approach to tasks. However, to truly make an impact and stand out from peers in civil engineering, graduates can introduce new ideas and innovations in project planning sessions. Throughout an experienced civil engineer’s career, professionals will show enthusiasm to drive efficiencies and improve the way we work. Displaying this in the early stages of your career is a great way of making an impact in civil engineering.

With the emergence of new technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data, the opportunities are endless for innovation. Digital technology is re-shaping engineering, paving the way for predictive analysis and new ways of collaborating and innovating. This means that engineering will likely become even more complex and innovative in the future, and graduate civil engineers will need to be more versatile, adaptable, and continually seek opportunities to overcome issues that arise regarding infrastructure, transport, and the communities we live in.

Think sustainably

Civil engineers play a critical role in shaping society; designing, building, and maintaining essential infrastructure that we use to go about our daily lives. With the expected population growth, and the requirement to eliminate carbon emissions to prevent further climate damage, civil engineers have a unique and exciting opportunity to build a greener future for generations to come.

Following the outcomes of the COP26 conference for the construction industry, we have a responsibility to ensure that we are delivering projects sustainably. Graduates who are new to the industry have an opportunity to introduce new sustainable ways of working that they may have encountered during their studies. This might be in the form of eliminating carbon emissions where possible and using renewable or recycled resources.

Be inclusive

The wider construction industry is on a journey to becoming more inclusive, but there is still a distance to go. Unique viewpoints and experiences of a diverse workforce provide more value to clients and in turn society. By working together as teams, showing true inclusivity, and accepting colleagues as their true selves, graduates can make an impact on the future of civil engineering. By raising awareness and promoting inclusiveness in working relationships and cultivating an environment where everyone can thrive and reach their full potential, we can all encourage more diversity and inclusion in civil engineering.

At AtkinsRéalis , we want everyone to feel included and we are proud of our diverse and dedicated workforce; our unique perspectives make our employees our greatest asset. Our employees speak around 70 languages, represent some 130 nationalities and work from offices on six continents. Our diversity is a key strength in helping us to understand and meet client needs worldwide.

Drive your civil engineering career forward at AtkinsRéalis

At AtkinsRéalis , we aim to inspire young people by shaping the future. We’re one of the most respected design, engineering, and project management companies worldwide, and have the breadth and depth of expertise to respond to the most technically challenging and time-critical projects.

We’re on the lookout for the brightest young minds to help us engineer net zero. Are you looking for your next step? We may have an opportunity for you. Whether you’re fresh out of school, college, or graduating from university, join us to make a difference. Find out more about the building blocks of a civil engineering career, or browse our available civil engineering jobs around the world today.