What's your job about?
My daily works consists of setting up new tenders and handling tenders as the project goes on. I communicate with subcontractors frequently in regards to opportunities for Mainbrace. This assists our estimators complete a tender and price the job.
It helps to understand drawings and what drawings must go out to which specific subcontractors.
What's your background?
I grew up in Geelong, Victoria. I finished my secondary schooling at Belmont High School, from there I went onto Deakin University. During my studies I have been an assistant Estimator for several weeks which gave me a good understanding of construction.
I found an advertisement for the Undergraduate position at Mainbrace Constructions and applied and within a week I had an interview with the State Manager in the Melbourne office. I have now been with Mainbrace for a month.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Yes, I think there are many opportunities in the field of work and not necessarily needing a tertiary construction background. I have met people whom work in the industry who begun as tradesman or even come from a commerce background.
It is vital to have good organisational skills as the work load can be enormous at times. Also, in my experience good communication is also a big part of my job, whether it be between myself and subcontractors or between myself and the estimators in the office.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The thing that I love most about my job is when you are able to say ‘I helped work on that building’. I really enjoy setting up a new tender because they aren’t always the same thing, they are always different and looking at the different works on different buildings is very interesting. Of course work can be very tiring especially when you first start out, but when you are learning at work and realise that the field you have chosen to be in is what you want to work as, it’s great!
What are the limitations of your job?
There is a lot of responsibility in this job, when setting up a tender or sending out a tender you must ensure all drawings are given to the right subcontractors. If this doesn’t happen then subcontractors will not quote or won’t want to do the works due to the lack of information that was given to them - therefore, making it harder for us to win a tender.
Weekend work can happen but it really depends on the work load.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...
If I could give any advice it would be to organise your trimester, know when assignments are due or quizzes need to be completed. The workload is hard but you just need to organise yourself so you aren’t leaving things to the last minute. Also, if the effort is there then it will show on your grades. Lastly, never be afraid to ask further questions to your Lectures/Tutors if you are not understanding a certain week or an assignment, they are there to help you!