How one little word fast‑tracked my building services graduate engineering career

5 graduate career tips I wish I'd known earlier – starting with the power of saying yes.

Hi, I'm Adnan – an Associate Mechanical Building Services Engineer at AtkinsRéalis. I've always been passionate about delivering high-performing buildings built to last. Over the years, I've worked across almost every sector, from education and aviation to defence and public services. I now lead our Building Services projects at Heathrow. I've learned that saying yes to new challenges – even the unexpected ones – has shaped my career in ways I never imagined. In this blog, I'm sharing a few things that have helped me grow and some advice I'd give anyone just starting out.

Tip 1: Say yes – it could be your breakthrough in building services engineering

For me, embracing opportunities by saying yes has been a big part of my personal and professional growth. It's amazing how often that one yes can open doors to new experiences and unexpected achievements.

Take my current role at Heathrow, for example. It came about through a recommendation from a senior colleague, who thought I'd be a good fit for MEP lead on the Asset Management & Compliance Framework Bid. At first, I wasn't totally convinced. But after a conversation, I took the chance – and it's turned out to be one of the most rewarding decisions in my career so far.

It was the same early on. I was offered a secondment that didn't feel like something I wanted to do at the time. I gave it six months and ended up staying 18 months on the same project, working on-site and gaining invaluable experience. Looking back, I'm glad I said yes.

Tip 2: Plan your path on a mechanical engineering graduate scheme – and enjoy the journey

I'm someone who's very driven – I like to get from A to B. But I've had to remind myself that it's not just about the destination.

Be authentic in everything you do and put your whole heart into it. There's no point in copying someone else's development goals just because they sound good. Take time to reflect: What are your strengths? Where are the gaps? What excites you about the work ahead? Map this against your organization's strategy and share your goals with colleagues.

Career planning isn't about getting everything perfect – it's about being honest with yourself and open to what's possible.

Tip 3: Build your network – it's key to finding the right graduate engineering role

So many great opportunities have come my way through informal conversations or people I've connected with through work. Networking isn't just about events or LinkedIn – it's about being open, asking questions, and sharing what you care about. You never know who might see your potential or offer a new way of thinking. Stay curious and use those connections to keep learning. They'll help you see things from different angles and spot opportunities you might not have considered.

Tip 4: See chartership as a launchpad in your graduate building services engineer career

A few years ago, I felt I couldn't progress without being chartered. At the time, I was already doing a role that matched the level, so it felt like a box to tick. But now, I can really see and feel its value. The process builds your experience in a structured way. It gives you solid foundations and signals to the industry that you've put in the work to earn that next career step. It's recognized worldwide – and I now actively encourage early careers professionals to pursue it.

Tip 5: Whatever your path is, stay open to the unexpected

Some of the best moments in my career have come from opportunities I nearly turned down. Be honest about your goals, surround yourself with people who'll back you, and say yes – even if you're not 100% sure where it'll lead. That's often where the real growth happens.

Start a rewarding career shaping sustainable places and spaces as an AtkinsRéalis building services graduate.