insights Product design engineering to project management: Graduate jobs at AtkinsRéalis

Hi, I'm Jasmine, a Graduate Project Manager in the Project & Programme Services team at AtkinsRéalis. I graduated from Loughborough University in 2023 with an Integrated Masters in Product Design Engineering (MEng), which included a placement year. I started here at AtkinsRéalis in September 2023.

From product design engineering to project management in construction

My degree covered a broad range of topics that link mechanical and manufacturing engineering fundamentals with product design principles, such as ergonomics, technology, and material sciences. While my field isn't directly related to the construction industry, the project approach—from the initial brief and feasibility stages to delivering a final product that meets client and customer needs—is similar to how projects are managed in construction.

Why I chose consultancy and project management after graduating

When looking for jobs after graduation, I knew I wanted to go into consultancy, especially in the engineering sector, focusing on areas like healthcare, sports, industrial machinery, and consumer goods engineering. I also wanted to become a manager at some point, but in my head, that would happen at least five years after graduation. I never expected to be in that role as a graduate!

Taking my leadership skills from university to AtkinsRéalis

I picked project management because I was Chair of the Loughborough Table Tennis Club for two years at uni. I thoroughly enjoyed leading a committee with diverse roles to improve and maintain the club. As for AtkinsRéalis? I found it provided a range of graduate roles across the country and showed the support they offer for all early careers staff from the start. Looking into Project & Programme Services, I saw that the service line covered a range of projects and worked with many different types of clients—this aligned with my interest in being involved in many different projects, not just one!

How AtkinsRéalis supports my part-time Master's in Construction Engineering

As I do not have an undergraduate university degree directly related to Construction/Civil Engineering, AtkinsRéalis has supported me to undertake a part-time Master's in Construction Engineering. This has allowed me to start learning the fundamentals that will transfer to the skills needed in my graduate role.

Leading my first project: Decommissioning an office building

I have already been able to lead a project with the support of a senior project manager. The project is to decommission an office building right down to its shell and core so that it will be ready for sale. I have been immersed in projects from the start of my graduate scheme. At the beginning I assisted my team in taking notes but later on in the project, I had the responsibility to lead the meeting.

Why AtkinsRéalis is perfect for early career professionals in project management:

AtkinsRéalis is a multi-disciplinary company, and there will be management roles in all our disciplines. It's worth checking out our Early Careers' site to see which of our teams you feel most excited about!

Or, view these graduate project management jobs.