Building what matters: How my civil engineering internship led to my first job

How a civil engineering internship filled with satisfying real-world projects turned into a first engineering job.

When I joined AtkinsRéalis for a civil engineering internship, I didn’t realize how much that experience would shape the start of my career. I also didn’t know the internship would pave the way to my first engineering job! I’m Timothé Gros-Louis, currently a Civil Engineer-in-Training (EIT) in the Urban Infrastructure team, and I can confidently say those early months at AtkinsRéalis provided me with the foundation and confidence I needed to develop into the engineer I aspire to be. It has also aligned with my values, contributing to a meaningful and enriching start to my career.

When a civil engineering internship leads to a full-time role

I started at AtkinsRéalis with a summer internship before my final year of university. That opportunity allowed me to work on real-world projects, understand the pace of the engineering industry, and start applying classroom knowledge in meaningful ways. I enjoyed the experience so much that I continued part-time during my last year of university.

By the time I graduated with my civil engineering degree, the transition to a full-time engineer-in-training (EIT) role at AtkinsRéalis felt natural. This step-by-step progression, from intern to part-timer to full-time civil engineering job, was incredibly valuable. It provided me with time to build confidence, strengthen technical skills, and stay connected to my team and our projects.

Early-career civil engineer: Field and office experience matter!

One of the things I love most about my job is the variety of settings and tasks it offers. On some days, I’m at my desk preparing design plans, quantity takeoffs, and technical specifications. On other days, I’m on-site, monitoring construction and ensuring that designs come to life as planned.

That mix of office and fieldwork experience keeps things exciting. It also helps me understand how our decisions on paper turn into real-world outcomes. There’s something powerful about knowing your work has a direct impact on public infrastructure and the communities it serves.

A project with personal significance: Supporting Indigenous infrastructure

One of the most meaningful experiences that shaped my early engineering career was involvement in site supervision for a residential development in the Obedjiwan community. As someone from an Indigenous background, it was incredibly rewarding to help improve infrastructure in a community with which I have a personal connection.

These kinds of projects resonate with me because they’re about building something meaningful. I especially value projects where I am involved from initial design all the way to completion, as they give me a complete view of the process and allow me to see the lasting impact our work has on the ground.

How internships prepare you for real-world engineering careers

One surprise I encountered when transitioning from university to the workforce was the vital importance of collaboration and communication in engineering. In school, projects are typically completed either solo or in small groups. In the real world, you’re part of a much larger and more dynamic team.

At AtkinsRéalis, the support I received during my engineering internship made this transition much easier. Although it’s a large company, the culture is welcoming and inclusive. I was entrusted with real responsibilities early on, which boosted my confidence and made me feel like a valued part of the team from the start.

Takeaways from my civil engineering internship experience

During my internship at Atkins Réalis, I applied the knowledge I had gained in school to real-world engineering challenges. I learned how to:

• Read and interpret engineering plans
• Understand the different phases of urban infrastructure projects
• Conduct site monitoring
• Navigate municipal standards and regulations

This hands-on work provided a clearer understanding of how civil engineering works in practice, and it concretely prepared me for my current EIT role.

My Advice for Civil Engineering Graduates: Be curious!

If you’re starting your civil engineering career, my advice is simple: Say yes to every learning opportunity. Be curious. Ask questions. At AtkinsRéalis, curiosity is not only welcomed—it’s encouraged.

Also, don’t be afraid to explore different paths. Whether you’re interested in urban design, field supervision, or infrastructure project management, there’s space to grow here. AtkinsRéalis gives you the flexibility and support to shape your career based on what inspires you most.

A place to start your engineering journey

If you’re looking for a company that values your growth, trusts you with meaningful projects, and supports you from day one of your civil engineering internship, consider starting your career at AtkinsRéalis.

Join us! Look at current civil engineering internships or job openings and apply today.