Insights Transferable skills you didn't know you could use for a construction career
I graduated with a degree in Psychology from Cardiff University but wasn't clear on my next steps. So, I took a temporary job working for a Process Engineering Contractor in the Water Industry. I had a broad role managing their office and acting as an executive assistant. An opportunity came up with Welsh Water as a Communications representative, and I jumped at the chance.
Communications: engaging and managing people
The Communication role involved many responsibilities, including Community Engagement, Stakeholder Management and internal communications. During this time, I started my family and had the first of my two children, taking six months out before returning to work full time.
It was clear that I had a flair for communications and soon found myself taking a lead role within the team. I then started working directly for Welsh Water as the Internal Communications Manager. I enjoyed the job but missed the client interface, so I took the opportunity to move on.
Corporate affairs: connecting with stakeholders
I then joined Centrica as a Corporate Affairs Officer, responsible for Stakeholder Engagement and organizing political and stakeholder visits to critical assets. I quickly decided this role wasn't for me and left within the year moving back to work for the contractor.
Bids: Understanding budgets and proposals
I was then working as a Bid Manager, bidding for multiple framework opportunities with Water Companies across the UK. Sadly, the company went into administration. I reached out to my network, and a friend knew of a job going at AtkinsRéalis, so I applied. Despite a lack of direct experience as a Project Manager, I felt I had transferrable skills.
Valuable knowledge of markets
When I joined AtkinsRéalis, I was recruited as an Assistant Project Manager in the Water Market. I quickly progressed to the role of Project Manager and expanded my portfolio to include projects with a number of other water companies. I was ready to take on greater leadership responsibility, and a project came up in the Defence market working for BAE Systems. I now work across multiple markets and have a great network across the infrastructure business. I have been promoted to Associate Director and taken on significant line management responsibilities.
Just put your hand up for every opportunity that interests you.
Within AtkinsRéalis, I have found that being open to opportunities and stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to some fantastic roles. Today, I am the Practice Manager for a team of over 40 Project Managers and project controls staff, working out of three regional offices and leading the delivery of several exciting multi-disciplinary design projects. No two days are the same!
Join a practice where you'll be trusted with more responsibility faster and supported by everyone around you. Search live roles.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/15/2024
Summary
The challenge of global climate change is non-refutable. At AtkinsRéalis, we are enhancing and expanding our Power Transmission & Distribution Capability at the Global Technology Centre (GTC)
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/14/2024
Summary
In the spirit of this year's Mental Health Awareness Week, we're shining a light on the profound connection between movement and mental health. The theme, which emphasizes the positive impact of phys
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/14/2024
Summary
Hi, I'm Ryan Versteeg-Biln, Director of Asset Management, Operations & Maintenance at AtkinsRéalis in Vancouver, Canada. In my role, I draw on my own 13 years of experience in operations and m
by
Shailaja Mantha
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/08/2024
Summary
Hello, I'm Sweta, a Senior Landscape Architect based in Bengaluru, India, and I'm excited to share my journey with AtkinsRéalis. From the moment I joined, I embraced challenges head-on, quickl
Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/06/2024
Summary
In today's fast-paced, globalized world, the opportunity for graduates to gain hands-on international experience is invaluable. The Graduate Exchange Program at AtkinsRéalis stands as a testa
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/03/2024
Summary
Robotics, electrification, alternative power sources; not long ago, these phrases would have been little other than the stuff of a good futuristic plotline. Today, they are the forces that are d
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/02/2024
Summary
The structural engineering market is experiencing rapid changes, with Net Zero goals, advanced technology, and environmentally conscious building practices becoming the new bread and butter of t
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/01/2024
Summary
Exploring the behind-the-scenes of professional journeys within a company can offer a fascinating perspective on challenges, successes, and lessons learned. In this article, we had the privile
Preview
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/01/2024
Summary
Our career markets Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet consectetur. Diam bibendum erat sagittis nullam nec non. Sagittis tortor quam ultrices neque dignissim adipiscing faucibus. Nunc tortor fa
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/30/2024
Summary
In an ambitious and far-reaching declaration, Saudi Arabia has proudly announced 2024 as the 'Year of the Camel', a tribute to these timeless creatures that embody the heart of Arabian heritage
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/29/2024
Summary
As a hub of diversity and multiculturalism, the UAE boasts a thriving economy with rapidly growing infrastructure. Steering away from a reliance on oil and toward cutting-edge innovation, the UAE is
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/29/2024
Summary
Meet Tom from our D&AT (Design & Advanced Technology) team. He's an associate at AtkinsRéalis who has built an exciting career on diverse and career-defining projects, including work on the Lo
by
Shailaja Mantha
AtkinsRéalis
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more