Senior Planning Manager, Construction, UK
I did a degree in architectural engineering and started my career at a civil engineering company where I got five years’ experience of project engineering and managing. In 2014 I started a Masters in construction project management and in 2015 joined Mace as an assistant MEP planning manager before taking on a managerial position.
The role is challenging and I love that. Identifying and breaking down the complexity of MEP activities from project schematics and drawings, and sequencing the activities through pre-construction, construction and commissioning, is what makes the role so fulfilling. But what I really enjoy is being part of a team that works together to deliver incredibly visible and iconic projects. Working at Mace has given me opportunities to work on some incredible projects and I don't think I would have got that level of exposure anywhere else.
You need good communication skills in order to collect information from an entire project team, work through the issues and find solutions. Technically, you need to be able to identify the tasks involved in the project through schematics, design and 3d models, and have good planning software knowledge to develop the project programme.
Before committing to university, try to gain experience to make sure you have a passion for the industry. You can increase your knowledge later through long and short courses. When I joined Mace I was halfway through a Master's. Mace sponsored the second year, which I was really grateful for, and it's been great to put my learning into immediate practice as I've been working.
I have always had a passion for the construction industry but a career as an architect would have been more predictable given my degree in architectural engineering technology.