Proud to build the workforce that matters
Emmanuel Onumah explains what it’s like working for world-leading design, engineering and project-management consultancy Atkins.
Emmanuel Onumah
Ground Engineering Team
Infrastructure UK&E
Emmanuel.Onumah@atkinsglobal.com
https://careers.snclavalin.com/atkins-early-careers
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’ve been at working at Atkins for 3.5 years in the Ground Engineering department within our Infrastructure business. I joined as a Graduate from Loughborough University, with a degree in Civil Engineering. After work I like to play a lot of sport, including playing 5-a-side football on a Sunday. As you can imagine during COVID this hasn’t been so easy to access, so I’ve been spending more time riding my bike, learning to play the guitar, and experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen.
"Working for Atkins, I find I'm motivated every day by talented and experienced people around me".
How did you elect for Atkins as your employer of choice?
I was attracted to Atkins due to their reputation as a leading Design and Engineering and Project Management Consultancy. After speaking to an Atkins employee at a careers fair during my final year at University, I got an insight into the large-scale projects I could work on, the potential challenges and Atkins culture. The ability to work on a variety of projects and the potential to progress my career was clear. Now working for Atkins, I find I’m motivated every day by talented and experienced people around me.
What advice would you give young people, especially from a BAME background, that are interested in design, engineering, and project management?
Be inquisitive, find out as much as you can about the industry – read about it, ask about it, and speak to people. My uncle was a Civil Engineer and one of my biggest inspirations for my career choice. He taught me about his career and potential paths into the industry and played a key part in my education choices leading to my career in Engineering. Careers fairs, work experience and internships also provide a great opportunity to learn about the types of projects available, and they could help define the right career path for you if you enjoy it. Additionally, getting involved in STEM events can help you to think differently, creatively and provide good examples of the kind of challenges we face in engineering.
Having a diverse workforce provides different perspectives on life which can be input into the design and delivery of projects.
What training does Atkins provide for graduates?
Joining the Graduate development programme (GDP) you get extensive training and development to help with your career progression, this is typically geared towards achieving a professional qualification. The GDP gives you access to training, events, and courses throughout the programme, including mentors to support you through qualifications. The ground engineering academy host multiple training and learning events during the year to aid development. Additionally, you can seek the right training for you.
How have you been able to have an impact and share your opinions working at Atkins?
Atkins has a range of staff networks to help share experiences, support staff, and influence the business. Recently I’ve been more involved in the Embrace Network (Atkins BAME network) working to understand the challenges employees from minority ethnicity groups face and influencing the business to achieve its ED&I aspirations. We have hosted multiple events all over the world in 2020, discussing Race and Discrimination in the workplace.
I supported an event on “What Progress looks like” taking a deep dive in relation to ethnic minorities in the workplace. The support, engagement and allyship from the leaders has been great and will be instrumental in ensuring we all work together towards achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. I believe more collaborative engagement across companies will help to elevate the engineering industry.
What is it you especially enjoy about your job?
My current role is a new challenge to me, working as a Geotechnical Auditor on the M6 Smart Motorway Scheme. I’m responsible for inspecting the construction of the earthworks, retaining walls and structure foundations. With Atkins there’s always something new to learn. I also enjoy my involvement as part of our Embrace network, making proactive changes towards our ED&I aspirations.
I’m excited to see how the challenges of 2020 will play a part in improving our sustainability, adapting to new ways of working, and embracing new innovations and technological advancements.
What would you say to anyone considering a career with Atkins?
I would say go for it! Atkins is one of the industry leaders in engineering, with an outstanding reputation. There are opportunities to work on a wide range of projects, offering different challenges. If you’re creative, driven and like a challenge Atkins is the place to be.
Atkins, a member of the SNC-Lavalin Group, is a leading global consultancy, with over 80 years’ design and engineering expertise. Driven to discovering new ways to answer the world’s biggest challenges, they help clients to bring their projects to life and make a real difference to people’s lives globally.
Atkins is searching for curious minds who ask questions and dare to do things differently. Graduates have the opportunity to be a part of a wide variety of projects that can leave a lasting legacy, from helping to provide drinkable water in third world countries to solving the energy problems of the future. As a leading international consultancy, Atkins offers graduates the chance to work with major global clients from BAE systems to High Speed 2. Graduates will find opportunities across a variety of areas from aerospace to energy, transport to technology.
With Atkins three-year Graduate Development Programme, graduates can be sure that they are in great company. Supported by line managers, senior leaders, the Learning & Development team, and the graduate community. They are part of a diverse environment where wellbeing and work-life balance is highly valued.
Atkins offers a graduate experience like no other, where graduates are surrounded by a wealth of design and engineering expertise.
For more information, please visit our Early Careers site: careers.snclavalin.com/atkins-early-careers
