My job involves monitoring the work and costs of a project from its beginning to its final completion. I work with the commercial teams responsible for each assignment liaising with our subcontractors throughout the lifetime of a project.
My original training was in hospitality - I worked at several five-star hotels as front of house and behind the scenes in marketing before taking the decision to forge a new career in the construction industry. Although at first glance this seems like a very different path to take, many of the key skills I need now were developed there. Good communication skills and the ability to remain calm when those around me are stressed are essential, also the ability to be flexible and adaptable as inevitably project requirements change along the way.
I love being directly involved in a project from its inception right through to completion; it gives me a great deal of satisfaction to see something being created, often out of nothing. My role allows me to see how all the parts of a construction project fit together to be successful. Longcross is a very supportive place to work and I like the fact that they recognize that ambition and hard work are just as important as experience. In many companies I would not be able to get the on-the-job experience I am currently receiving. I am studying part-time for a post graduate qualification in Quantity Surveying and would eventually like to become a senior cost manager perhaps working with a major client across a number of simultaneous projects.
I am looking forward to getting involved with some of the many Longcross fundraising activities in the future. I’m up for almost anything but I’m afraid of heights so please don’t even ASK me about doing the Three Peaks Challenge! I enjoy reading, music, going to the theatre and running – I’ve completed a couple of marathons and am determined to get back into it once my studies are over!