I joined Atkins a little over 2 years ago on their Systems Engineering graduate programme within their Aerospace, Defence, Security and Technology (ADS&T) sector, after having achieved a first class undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering from Swansea University.
Systems Engineering was a new concept to me but the holistic problem solving aspect and working closely with clients as part of a consultancy appealed to me. In the last 2 years I’ve progressed from Graduate Engineer to Junior Engineer and have worked across 3 different projects within the Defence Industry, within the land and maritime domains.
I’ve worked closely with the client, DE&S, on complex critical systems and been an integral part of delivery teams at vital project phases. My most recent project saw me seconded into and working independently embedded in a client team delivering a new capability for naval ships, which has stretched me outside of my comfort zone to learn new and more advanced skills both technically and professionally.
Internally in Atkins I’ve also been closely involved in a number of different roles including Volunteering Coordiantor in our Young Professional Forum and Apprenticeship Technical Coordinator, managing the technical aspects of the apprenticeships in the business.
Alongside all of this I’m also completing a part-time MSc at Loughborough University in Systems Engineering, an incredibly challenging but interesting endeavour that will provide me with a better technical understanding in my discipline and also achieve my aspirations to achieve chartership in the near future.