From intern to Director: Start your amazing career journey at AtkinsRéalis

I went from intern to Director. With real support and opportunities, imagine what you could do!

An organization of opportunities – that's how I describe AtkinsRéalis. I'm Maria, Director of Project Performance LATAM, where I began my career 18 years ago as an engineering intern.

Work with supportive teams who help you succeed

During my internship in the Coordination team, I made a deliberate effort to transition into a technical discipline, aiming to broaden my knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of projects. This reflection marked the beginning of my professional journey. I spent several months learning alongside inspiring colleagues in the Concrete team, and soon after, I joined them on the Barro Alto Project. For me, the hands-on experience at the Barro Alto Project was just the beginning.

Develop your career around your interests

I was soon invited to take on a new challenge: working in people and team management in collaboration with the head of Concrete. This moment was a pivotal milestone in my career, requiring not only technical expertise but also strategic skills in team and people management. It was through this experience that I began developing the leadership competencies that would eventually lead me to the position I hold today.

In 2015, I began directly supporting the Operations Directorate at AtkinsRéalis, where I excelled in project and proposal coordination. I was also responsible for managing team interactions, monitoring service deliveries, maintaining client relationships, and supporting the offices in Vitória, ES and Parauapebas, PA, among other responsibilities.

Progress your career through challenge and opportunity

In 2020, just before the pandemic, I took on the role of Project Performance Manager for Latin America. The pandemic undoubtedly had a profound impact on our relationships and brought a series of challenges to the organization. However, we quickly adapted to the new work reality, and looking back, we emerged stronger and more resilient.

Throughout my journey, I've tried to embrace each challenge with courage and grace. For me, facing new obstacles is essential for both professional and personal growth. They allow us to learn new skills, expand our knowledge, and broaden our worldview. They also push us out of our comfort zone, which is crucial for our development.

Overcoming challenges builds resilience and self-confidence, key traits for success. In short, new challenges are essential for growth – they enhance our skills and bring personal satisfaction.

You can grow into your best with AtkinsRéalis

At this stage in my career, I'm focused on a new challenge: the continuous pursuit of excellence. Excellence is not a destination but an ongoing process of improvement, both individually and collectively. It's about a commitment to quality in everything we do — from project execution to our interactions with teams and clients.

For me, striving for excellence means aligning knowledge, skills, and attitudes to achieve superior performance, setting high standards, and consistently exceeding expectations. This involves not only continuous process improvement but also the ability to inspire and engage those around me to give their best. Excellence is evident in every detail – in efficient management, clear communication, and collaborative work that fosters a strong company culture.

Ready to grow your career?

Start here and become the leader you want to be at AtkinsRéalis.

Start your early careers journey here in LATAM