Senior Project Manager, Construction, UK
I’ve been working in the construction industry since I graduated from the University of Hertfordshire. I got an introduction to the world of construction during my final year, when I had a placement with Chapmanbdsp as a mechanical engineering intern. I was part of a team designing and constructing large iconic projects, such as Battersea Power Station and a new educational centre for LSE. I loved the hands-on approach and getting to witness my work evolve. Due to construction being a male-dominated industry, I only applied for consultancy-based jobs at first and was surprised to learn that there was the option to be an MEP Manager - that’s when I landed my job at Mace.
I’m most proud of everyone within my project team, who worked so well throughout Covid-19. As a team, we supported each other through many challenges and this is how we still managed to deliver to the highest quality - ensuring that we’re greeted by a happy client at the end!
A huge part of working within the construction industry is about forming relationships. It’s important to have self-drive, confidence, and adaptability - qualities that are key to doing the job well. If you don’t have the determination to achieve a high-quality project or the confidence to push the sub-contractors, you won’t achieve your goals.
The pandemic helped me realise my love of gardening - I even took it further by enrolling on an RHS course in Horticulture. I’m pleased to say that my green fingers have benefited the project sites that I’ve been working on, and I’ve also introduced house plants to improve people’s wellbeing.
Unsurprisingly, with my interest in gardening, I could see myself owning a garden centre. But maybe this can be a retirement plan in the future!