Insights Here's why I couldn't stay away from AtkinsRéalis
Meet Luke Brown, Associate Director at AtkinsRéalis in the UK. He spent six years with us between 2015 and 2021 when he opted to experience life with an SME. He shares what brought him home to the Project & Programme Services team:
Starting my career at AtkinsRéalis.
I joined what was then Faithful+Gould in May 2015 as a Graduate Project Manager. I worked under some amazing mentors, putting my hand up for many opportunities to deliver exciting projects across sectors and procurement routes. I then worked on a key local authority account, mobilizing supply chains to help bolster our in-house offering.
"Agreeing fee percentages upfront for works and understanding the importance of pass-through revenue was something I particularly enjoyed."
—Luke Brown, Associate Director, AtkinsRéalis
Developing into a well-rounded professional
I was also heavily involved in the central government sector, again working with a first-class team from across the regions. It was superb to start expanding my network within the organization and meet like-minded people who I would have never come into contact with. It was a challenging account due to the work volume, but it helped develop me.
Leaving to explore the world of SMEs.
In early 2021, I ventured into establishing a Kent branch for a building surveying practice. This journey included everything from sourcing an office to recruiting a team. Balancing delivery, invoicing, and payments was pivotal to maintaining a positive cash flow. This sounds so obvious, but it is a perspective that can be lost in big corporations. This role, though challenging, offered insights into the nuanced dynamics of small business management. I loved my time there and am still very close to the business partners.
So why did I come ‘back’ to what is now AtkinsRéalis?
At AtkinsRéalis, we work on transformational projects. Making a difference for end users and communities is what I enjoy most about the role. It's easy to get so focused on the day-to-day tasks involved in delivery and not zoom out to see the real impact our work can have. So, when offered the opportunity to lead project management in the Tunbridge Wells office, I couldn't say no and decided to return to the organization. Everyone was so welcoming on my return that it reaffirmed my decision.
"Not everyone can say that their work makes such a tangible difference. And this should not be forgotten."
—Luke
Delivering better
My return also coincided with the start of AtkinsRéalis' largest graduate intake. In the last four months, we've already recruited two new starters who have joined at Assistant Project Manager level. And together, the Project & Programme Services team has submitted bids to deliver over £54m in construction works!
"AtkinsRéalis is such a diverse organization with so many opportunities, now more than ever. It really is an exciting place to be. If you want to get involved or have a passion for something, I encourage you to put yourself forward, and you will be supported."
—Luke
Do you believe the future can't wait? Join us, and let's boost your career while realizing the impossible. Explore live roles.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles
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
USAContent type
BlogsPublish date
05/01/2024
Summary
Hydraulic engineering is a branch of civil engineering that specializes in building hydraulic engineering designs—‘hydraulic’ stemming from the Ancient Greek word for water. Hydraulic power, the
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
Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/26/2024
Summary
By implementing reforms in the public sector and wider society, the KSA’s Vision 2030 has greatly improved government efficiency, bringing about new growth and investment opportunities. What is Visio
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional endeavours, finding a workplace that feels like your safe space is a rare gem. AtkinsRealis stands as a beacon in this regard, where talents not only
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
In the ever-evolving landscape of urban drainage modelling, AtkinsRéalis stands as the leaders with large highly skilled urban drainage modellers. Our focus on serving our clients around urban dra
Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/25/2024
Summary
Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the skill of managing constantly changing environments has become more and more important. New construction project management software offers innovativ
Preview
AustraliaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/24/2024
Summary
In a momentous shift, SNC-Lavalin has transitioned to AtkinsRéalis, marking a new era of innovation, collaboration, and excellence in engineering consultancy. With this rebrand comes a fresh persp
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
04/23/2024
Summary
As Mumbai continues to evolve and expand, the demand for sustainable infrastructure and cutting-edge technology has never been more pressing. At the forefront of this transformative journey is Atk
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