Aditi - Graduate Signalling Engineer

What was your favorite experience?

As a Signalling Grad, my favorite experience was my Telecoms placement. It's partly because I'm interested in this area and partly because my degree is in that field. It was exciting to relate everything I worked on with the theory I learned at university.

What are the best things about working at Atkins?

My values align with Atkins' values – Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, and Innovation – and it's why I love to work here. Never have I felt that I cannot speak up if I have some ideas or if I think something is wrong. I've always seen people enthusiastic about teaching me or even helping with basic things. It's the people-culture I value most here.

What's your best piece of advice for new graduates?

Be open to every opportunity. And there are so many – just pick the right one for yourself. And don't be afraid to fail or make mistakes because people are so helpful and supportive that you will always have that safety net with you, so make mistakes and learn.

Flexible Working Culture

The flexible working culture inside Atkins helps me manage anything that life throws at me, whether day-to-day priority or any emergency situation. I have the flexibility to start early and finish early. On days when I have other commitments, I can manage my time accordingly without compromising on my personal or professional life. It also allows me to take time out for my hobbies and activities that wouldn't have been possible otherwise. For example, I try to work from home on Wednesdays and Fridays to get time in the evening for my dance classes.

How have you grown since being at Atkins?

It's almost been one year with Atkins, and the variety of opportunities I've had to experience different job roles has helped me understand the railway signalling business. There is still plenty more to learn in the coming years, but the kind of support graduates are given helps immensely with overall growth.

Our graduate cohort became a part of the Engineering Directorate Roadshow and presented the idea of Future Signalling Projects, which not only helped us know about the digital technologies being used but also helped us boost our confidence to present in front of so many people. I believe these activities help us build our personality and network with many people working in the business.

As a part of the graduate scheme, we rotate around the team to learn about every aspect of signalling. And I still look forward to different placements in the coming months. As a fresher, I think the graduate scheme at Atkins is an excellent opportunity to learn and grow.