What's your job about?
Turner & Townsend is a leading global consultancy organisation focusing on delivering projects within several industry sectors across numerous disciplines including cost management, advisory, project and programme management.
My role falls within the Project Management space delivering projects in the property and real-estate sector. As a Project Manager, my responsibilities entail generic tasks ranging from project control, budget monitoring and risk management to assessing contractor claims and monitoring programmes of work. Although a large portion of what we do is to facilitate the project life cycle and ensure all phases of the project is delivered efficiently, by eliminating the potential for issues to develop and cost implications is a critical part of my time.
Each project is unique with very specific requirements, therefore as a project manager, the role may occasionally be difficult to define. When students ask what project managers do, they generally have heard of the title although are not aware of the roles and responsibilities. In addition to all the generic cited, the best way I feel to describe our line of work is to think of us as problem solvers. Project Managers are essentially a discipline focused on mitigating risks and facilitating project delivery within the desired requirements of the project brief.
What's your background?
I grew up in a small town in North Queensland, spending every spare moment on the beach with friends and family. I remember moving to Melbourne and feeling so overwhelmed by the city rush of peak hour traffic, the trams and the large array of construction sites; domineered with tall cranes, machinery and people. I always found myself drawn to building sites, eagerly watching construction on sites develop from an empty void into large significant buildings.
Upon completing my secondary schooling, I decided to pursue my studies in architecture, to be part of the technical documentation process of creating a set of guidelines detailing the spaces to build. During my architectural studies, I worked in architectural drafting to expose myself to the workforce. I also enrolled into construction subjects and found I really enjoyed the practicality of the topics. Upon completing my architectural studies and working in architectural drafting, I felt more intrigued with the construction phase of the building process and moved onto working with a boutique construction company, where I spent my time largely in the construction phase of the project lifecycle. I decided to support my career move and continue with post graduate studies in Construction Management, specialising in Project Management and my next step in moving to client side project management, at Turner & Townsend.
I have always been very driven and enjoy meeting likeminded people. Identifying a supportive mentor was my initial and key step in shaping my journey thus far. My mentors shared their experiences and assisted me to understand and develop my strengths and build my network. My current position is significantly based on establishing strong networks and I can say I am here today as a result of the networks I’ve developed attending University career nights and industry networking events.
Could someone with a different background do your job?
Definitely! I believe everyone can achieve anything they set their mind to and feel that those from different backgrounds bring a new skill, a fresh approach and view to our line of work and therefore grow the diversity of our knowledge base. However, there are a few key skills which typically an individual should possess as a Project Manager, including, to be solution-driven and work towards mitigating and resolving any issues that may arise, be able to work in a team environment and an excellent communicator.
What's the coolest thing about your job?
The People! The Challenge! The Project!
Though our line of work can be challenging at times, the supportive team environment at Turner & Townsend facilitates high performing teams and project delivery. From project reporting, to assessing claims and reviewing documentation, to lunch time walks and afternoon ice-cream runs, the positive work culture and flexibility managing your time allows you to feel in control of your work.
If I had to choose one cool thing, the coolest thing about my job would be aiding the project team in delivering projects and seeing the project come to life!
What are the limitations of your job?
There are challenges to being a Project Manager. It is a fast paced industry, projects typically require quick-thinkers and speedy response times when issues arise. If you struggle to think on your feet and are indecisive, it may be very difficult to be efficient with your time, as you find yourself pondering on how you address issues. This takes longer and therefore occasionally require to work longer hours.
However, as you are exposed to different issues on a project, the solutions come naturally and less of a challenge, enabling you to be more efficient with your time.
3 pieces of advice for yourself when you were a student...