From trainee to international exposure: Srujana's journey of growth

Careers rarely follow a straight path, and Srujana's story is a great example of how curiosity, persistence, and a willingness to embrace new opportunities can lead to unexpected growth. Since joining AtkinsRéalis in 2019 as a Trainee Designer, Srujana has built a career that has taken her from learning the fundamentals of BIM and CAD to contributing to UK highway drainage projects and even working overseas on secondment. 

Taking the first step 

Before joining AtkinsRéalis, Srujana worked as a CAD Engineer, supporting residential and commercial planning projects. The role helped her develop a strong foundation in civil engineering software and design tools, setting the stage for the next step in her career. That next step came during a walk‑in recruitment drive. I still remember seeing nearly a thousand people standing in the queue, recalls Srujana. It felt overwhelming, but exciting at the same time.

The opportunity resulted in her joining AtkinsRéalis as a Trainee Designer in the Water and Environment BIM team, beginning a journey that would shape her both professionally and personally.

Learning through every challenge 

After completing her initial training, Srujana quickly moved to live projects. Just as she was settling in, the pandemic transformed the way everyone worked. Like many professionals, she adapted to remote working, continuing to learn, collaborate, and grow virtually during a period of significant change.

Her first two and a half years were spent in the CAD BIM team, where she strengthened her technical expertise. But with a strong interest in core engineering, she decided to pursue a new challenge and made an internal move into the Engineering team.

Today, she is part of the Infrastructure Drainage team, working primarily on UK highway drainage projects. What I enjoy most is being able to combine both engineering knowledge and CAD skills in my day‑to‑day work, she says.

A milestone to remember  

Among the many highlights of Srujana's career, one experience stands above the rest: a six‑month secondment with Buckinghamshire Council in the UK. 

The opportunity provided valuable international exposure, allowing her to gain new perspectives, build relationships with clients, and broaden her understanding of project delivery. It was also a defining moment that reflected how far she had come since joining as a trainee.

Culture that encourages growth 

When asked to describe AtkinsRéalis, Srujana highlights its culture of learning, teamwork, and internal growth. Her own journey illustrates that perfectly, from trainee to engineering professional with international experience. 

The organisation's openness to new ideas, supportive managers, and opportunities to explore different career paths have helped her continue developing her skills while building confidence along the way.

Her advice to anyone starting their own journey? 
"Stay curious and keep learning. Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Growth takes time, but if you're willing to learn and improve, this is a great place to build your career." 

Looking ahead 

As infrastructure continues to evolve, Srujana is excited about the future and the role technology, digital tools, and sustainable solutions will play in shaping projects around the world. 

Looking back, she describes her journey as a rollercoaster of challenges, achievements, learning experiences, and personal growth, but one that has been entirely worth it. 

Join Us

At AtkinsRéalis, every career journey is unique. Whether you're taking your first step into the industry or looking for your next opportunity, you'll find the support, learning, and experiences needed to grow. Join us and discover where your own journey can take you.