Let’s find your next opportunity​

{{ job.job_posting_title }}
{{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }} {{item.trim() }}
{{ job.job_posting_title }}

{{ job.is_cms_job ? (job.cities.split(';').length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) : (job.location_mappings.length > 1 ? 'Various locations' : job.location_mappings[0]) }}

saved
viewed

Learn from Venus Chan’s early career success at AtkinsRéalis and discover tips for professional growth, mentorship, and collaboration opportunities.

Breaking into a career in civil engineering can feel like navigating uncharted territory. However, Venus Chan, a Graduate Engineer at AtkinsRéalis in Hong Kong, offers an inspiring example of how an early career professional can thrive with the right training, mentorship, and opportunities. Having studied for over a decade in the UK and earning her Master's degree at Imperial College London, Venus returned to Hong Kong to chase her ambitions in civil engineering—and she hasn't looked back since.

Professional development tips for your early career journey

 

This article shines a spotlight on Venus' career, highlighting her achievements and offering insights into how aspiring engineers can advance their own professional journeys. Whether you're looking for early career tips or inspiration for professional development, Venus' story is a must-read.

Why training matters

Like many recent graduates, Venus faced the challenge of turning her academic knowledge into real-world expertise. She found the perfect launchpad for her career as part of AtkinsRéalis' HKIE Scheme A training program.

"AtkinsRéalis has been incredibly supportive of my professional growth," says Venus. The company's structured training, paired with hands-on experience, has allowed her to work on major infrastructure projects in Hong Kong, including the Hong Kong International Airport Three Runway System and the Joint Cavern Development at Anderson Road Quarry site.

These experiences have not only deepened Venus' technical knowledge but also provided her with invaluable skills in project management—an essential for any aspiring Chartered Engineer.

Mentorship and recognition

Mentorship is a crucial element of professional development, especially during the early career stage. Venus credits much of her success to the guidance and encouragement she has received from her leaders and colleagues at AtkinsRéalis. 

Their mentorship enabled her to achieve significant milestones, including being selected one of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE)President's Protégés. This prestigious program gave Venus the opportunity to represent Hong Kong during the HKIE Presidential Visit to the UK.

 

The chance to engage with professionals from institutions like the ICE (Institution of Civil Engineers), IMechE (Institution of Mechanical Engineers), and IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) was incredibly eye-opening, Venus reflects. During the visit, she exchanged ideas with engineers from around the world and was inspired by the achievements of her peers, including a fellow AtkinsRéalis colleague from the UK selected for the ICE President's Future Leader Scheme.

Recognition for her efforts didn't stop there. Venus also earned the HKIE Trainee of the Year 2nd Prize, which she describes as a reflection of both her dedication and the exceptional support provided by AtkinsRéalis.

The importance of global collaboration

One of the most rewarding aspects of working at AtkinsRéalis, Venus shares, is the sense of a global community. The company's emphasis on international collaboration has allowed her to connect with talented professionals worldwide, exchanging knowledge and best practices.

For early career professionals interested in engineering, this type of global exposure can be a game-changer. It not only broadens technical expertise but also enhances cultural understanding—two elements that are critical for shaping future industry leaders.

"It's inspiring to see how [AtkinsRéalis] fosters talent across different regions, creating a positive training environment for future engineers," Venus says.

Venus' advice for early career professionals

When asked what advice she would give to other recent graduates looking to launch their careers, Venus offers these insights:

Seek out structured training programs

"Programs like the HKIE Scheme A provide a clear path for professional development, helping you build both technical and soft skills," Venus explains.

 Find a supportive work environment

Choosing an employer that values, mentorship and growth is essential. The right environment can help you unlock your potential and achieve long-term career goals.

Stay open to collaboration

"Learning from others—whether they're local colleagues or global counterparts—makes a huge difference," Venus says. Collaboration not only strengthens your skill set but encourages innovative thinking.

Celebrate small wins

Recognize that growth doesn't happen overnight. Whether it's successfully completing a task or earning recognition for your work, take time to celebrate each milestone.

Your career in the making

Want to build your own path toward success? Start your own career story with AtkinsRéalis. Check out our Early Careers page to learn more about our graduate program.

Related blogs

Finding my place in the environment: a journey through people, places, and purpose

From anthropology to infrastructure, my journey hasn’t been traditional — but it’s been meaningful. Here’s how I found a role where people come first.

Card link for Finding my place in the environment: a journey through people, places, and purpose

Building Tomorrow's Roads: A Journey Through Civil Engineering Excellence

See how purpose-driven engineering transforms travel and strengthens the fabric of our communities.

Card link for Building Tomorrow's Roads: A Journey Through Civil Engineering Excellence

Why project managers are essential to Canada’s growing transportation and energy sectors

Today, demand for project management jobs in Canada is rising rapidly, driven by the scale and complexity of infrastructure and energy projects nationwide.

Card link for Why project managers are essential to Canada’s growing transportation and energy sectors
Engineering work office

Engineering jobs in Ontario that let you innovate, create, and impact

Ontario is one of Canada’s most exciting places to build a career in engineering, a province where bold infrastructure, clean energy transformation, and groundbreaking transit development are reshaping the way communities live, move, and thrive.

Card link for Engineering jobs in Ontario that let you innovate, create, and impact
Image of Ati looking at the camera

Building Tomorrow's Infrastructure: A Journey of Innovation and Impact in Transportation

Learn how Ati builds meaningful impact at AtkinsRéalis by shaping smarter, more connected transportation infrastructure.

Card link for Building Tomorrow's Infrastructure: A Journey of Innovation and Impact in Transportation
Headshot of Mary

Coming home: Why I returned to AtkinsRéalis - a story of culture, values, and growth

Discover how a strong culture and shared purpose make AtkinsRéalis a workplace where careers flourish.

Card link for Coming home: Why I returned to AtkinsRéalis - a story of culture, values, and growth

Building connections beyond roads and bridges

Explore how transportation connects communities and transforms everyday life—beyond roads and bridges.

Card link for Building connections beyond roads and bridges
a smiling winner from the 2025 HackaFuture event

Pushing boundaries: How our Hackathon champions innovation and equity

Discover how AtkinsRéalis HackaFuture set a new standard for innovation and candidate experience

Card link for Pushing boundaries: How our Hackathon champions innovation and equity
three AtkinsRéalis colleagues around a table, smiling and discussing

Civil engineering careers: 5 UK cities to watch in 2026 and beyond

Card link for Civil engineering careers: 5 UK cities to watch in 2026 and beyond
Man in a navy blazer and white shirt posing for a professional portrait.

Shaping the future of mobility: My career as a project manager

From aeronautics to a leading role on Québec’s REM project: How Réjean Perreault found purpose as a civil engineer and project manager at AtkinsRéalis.

Card link for Shaping the future of mobility: My career as a project manager
Headshot image of Josée

Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall

Discover Josée’s career journey from Scenic services manager to Director of Operations at the Maison symphonique de Montréal, where she ensures everything runs in perfect harmony.

Card link for Behind the scenes at the symphony: My career as a director of operations at Montréal’s leading concert hall
Accessibility that empowers: Giridhar’s story at AtkinsRéalis

Greatly and Brightly: Thriving as a woman in engineering

Irene Seo, P.Eng shares her woman in engineering career journey from an early role in civil engineering to a director role with global influence.

Card link for Greatly and Brightly: Thriving as a woman in engineering

Related jobs

We are sorry there are no jobs that match your exact criteria. Try a new search term, or use the filters to continue browsing for available opportunities.

a man smiling and flyovers in background

Talent Community

Would you like to know more? Not ready to apply? Join our talent community to stay connected and engaged with us at AtkinsRéalis.