Insights How I transitioned from stay-at-home mum to graduate engineer
When it comes to unexplored paths, careers in engineering might not always be suggested to women. However, one woman's determination and passion for maths, physics, and engineering led her on an incredible journey. Join us as we explore Katie Blair's inspiring transition from stay-at-home mum to graduate rail engineer at AtkinsRéalis.
Finding my path to engineering
I always loved maths, physics and engineering at school, but I had no idea where studying these could take me. Careers like "engineer" and "scientist" were simply not suggested to me (which I imagine is down to my gender).
Unexpected Turns and New Beginnings
It turned out not to matter because I found out I was pregnant and couldn't attend college. I had my baby, met my partner, and we completed our family with another baby. Once the kids were both at school, I was ready to get a job.
Embracing opportunity
By this time, multiple campaigns were in the news to get more women and girls involved in engineering. It gave me the confidence I needed to enroll in an Access to Engineering course, leading to studying an integrated Master's degree in Applied Physics (MPhys) at Aston University.
Overcoming fears and building confidence
I was worried I might feel out of place, but my industrial placement with AtkinsRéalis in the Electrification and Plant (E&P) team in 2019 was a massive boost to my confidence. Nobody cared that I was a woman or that my previous work experience consisted of "mum." They just wanted me to be enthusiastic and ready to learn. That's it.
Joining the EMC team
After my experience with the E&P team, I joined the Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC) team as a graduate engineer in September 2021. The work is consistently challenging, but the team is supportive, providing opportunities to work on complex projects like HS2, whilst balancing work and family life.
Embracing ED&I culture
ED&I culture at AtkinsRéalis is strong. Groups like Empower (women's network) and Equilibrium (LGBTQIA+) directly relate to issues that affect me. I've also attended events as an ally with the Embrace (racial equality) network and the Neurodiversity network.
Continuous learning and supportive colleagues
I was worried about leaving academia because I love learning, but extensive learning opportunities as a graduate engineer at AtkinsRéalis have made me feel like anything is possible. My colleagues are amazing, and they've made me feel accepted. I’m not "a woman in engineering." I’m an Engineer.
My ambition is to help the electrical systems practice evolve and adapt to advances in digital technology and AI. So, AtkinsRéalis is enabling me to complete my Masters in Computer Science by combining a digital apprenticeship from The University of Bath with my existing role. I'm so excited about this opportunity. It's an absolute dream come true!
Looking back, I feel immense gratitude for the opportunities, support, and growth I've experienced at AtkinsRéalis. The journey has been enriching and empowering, from academic pursuits to personal growth, filled with challenges, learning, and acceptance.
Inspired by Katie's story? Explore job opportunities at AtkinsRéalis. You'll be in great company!
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
![A picture of Caleb smiling](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/b8cfa300-c5eb-4bbf-b89c-bcb8e71f3a11/2023.17000.2547/img/wsOSNaaJL0Rp2gjcrJj8EQ/75/Caleb1.png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/25/2024
Summary
Hello, future game-changers! My name is Caleb, and I'm a graduate consultant at AtkinsRéalis. If you've been thinking about applying for a graduate scheme job and may be wondering what it's li
![A laptop screen with some virtual images popping out of the screen and some hands typing on the keyboard.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/b8cfa300-c5eb-4bbf-b89c-bcb8e71f3a11/2023.17000.2547/img/5jK4SsYhrkvZ6AjcrFxAHw/75/shutterstock_1838638240-min.jpg)
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/25/2024
Summary
With over 800,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students leaving university every year in the UK alone, it’s easy to see why the market for graduate schemes is a competitive one. With how compe
![electrical engineer testing out wires.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/b8cfa300-c5eb-4bbf-b89c-bcb8e71f3a11/2023.17000.2547/img/solvEdTNxU2wsAjcokU9Iw/75/shutterstock_2283484365.jpg)
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
07/12/2024
Summary
Amidst the rising call for energy-efficient solutions and the transformative force of artificial intelligence (AI), electrical engineers spark the circuit of innovation. With a deep-rooted passion f
![Silhouettes of graduates standing in a meadow with their back to the camera.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/b8cfa300-c5eb-4bbf-b89c-bcb8e71f3a11/2023.17000.2547/img/M8DRTRRjw0cYzgjcj5Y9oQ/75/shutterstock_2453145031.jpg)
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
06/18/2024
Summary
Let’s be honest - it can be hard deciding on what to do after university. If you’re in the process of thinking about your next steps, you might end up thinking ‘Is it worth doing a graduate sche
![Photo of Lewis smiling.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/b8cfa300-c5eb-4bbf-b89c-bcb8e71f3a11/2023.17000.2547/img/-KuSdCgHSE56PwjcjHyWsw/75/thumbnail_LGBT%2B+blog.png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
06/17/2024
Summary
My name is Lewis. I'm a social scientist at AtkinsRéalis in the UK. For Pride 2024, as we focus on #ProtectOurPride, I'm proud to be part of the organization's commitment to inclusivity and re
![A Picture of Danny smiling.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/b8cfa300-c5eb-4bbf-b89c-bcb8e71f3a11/2023.17000.2547/img/5ICqHWx9skphnQjciX6xmg/75/image+(2)+(1).png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
06/13/2024
Summary
Hi, my name is Danny. I'm a project manager in the Complex Infrastructure programme, project, and portfolio management (P3M) team. I've been with AtkinsRéalis since August 2022 and am working
![A Picture of Matt smiling.](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/b8cfa300-c5eb-4bbf-b89c-bcb8e71f3a11/2023.17000.2547/img/o33YGZv88kFhWgjciX6xmg/75/matt.png)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
06/13/2024
Summary
Hello, my name is Matt. I joined AtkinsRéalis to become a management consultant. Now, I'm a first-year management consultant apprentice studying project management at Northumbria Unive
![out of focus office with a group of people sat around a desk](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/b8cfa300-c5eb-4bbf-b89c-bcb8e71f3a11/2023.17000.2547/img/RzvhccatBkCUawjcffdcAw/75/How+does+a+placement+year+work%3F.jpg)
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/30/2024
Summary
What does a 12-month placement mean? And, more importantly, is it the right move for you? It all comes down to what you’re looking for. Placements offer a golden opportunity to step away from the
![boy in blue shirt and glasses standing with arms crossed](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/b8cfa300-c5eb-4bbf-b89c-bcb8e71f3a11/2023.17000.2547/img/_s28qxHv301v_QjXBTo-7A/75/tnross+r.jpg)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/22/2024
Summary
Looking to boost your degree with a placement? Or just can’t wait to start a fantastic career? AtkinsRéalis is here to support your ambitions through unrivaled industry exposure, balanced with t
![three young professionals sat around a laptop discussing](https://attraxcdnprod1-freshed3dgayb7c3.z01.azurefd.net/1481103/b8cfa300-c5eb-4bbf-b89c-bcb8e71f3a11/2023.17000.2547/img/9EMsspnA_UOXJQjcd-qCHQ/75/4+things+to+look+for+in+a+civil+engineering+placement+.jpg)
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/21/2024
Summary
Thinking about civil engineering placements? It’s a good idea to know what you’re looking for. That way, when offered a placement, you’ll know you can answer with a wholehearted ‘yes’. Did you k
Integrity
We do the right thing, no matter what, and are accountable for our actions.