The project manager explains her unusual route to construction, getting involved with the CIOB, being named Woman of the Year and staying focused through fitness.
You had a less-than-traditional route to construction? Tell us more
I have a huge passion for houses and development but studied business and media. I bought my first house at 19 and began doing it up myself. I was in love with the process. I began working for a local property maintenance and electrical firm, quickly progressing to contracts management, before taking the company over when the owner retired.
I was forced to give up the company when I had my first daughter as she was poorly and in hospital for almost two years. During that time I decided to go back to education, studying building surveying online to get the correct Level 4 qualifications, and applied to Nottingham Trent University. When my daughter returned home, and my son was born, I went to university full time, working evenings and weekends.
By my second year, I secured a job site managing, and began working full time around studying full time. It was a bit of a juggling act, but I made it work. I quickly progressed to project management. By the time I graduated, I was managing my first project solo – a £5m new-build warehouse.
”I had no idea about the careers available in construction at a young age. I hope to make it as readily accessible to every young person as any career.“
You’re involved with the CIOB’s work on EDI. Why?
I got involved with the CIOB in university, becoming the CIOB Novus representative talking about being female in our industry. The biggest plus of working with the CIOB is the huge, growing network to work with to improve the future of our industry. We need to ensure women and diverse/minority groups get the support and rights/opportunities they are entitled to, but it also is working to help the industry see that they bring skills, knowledge and alternative perspectives.
It is my aim also to share the huge number of career options to future generations. I had no idea about the careers available in construction at a young age. I hope to make it as readily accessible to every young person as a career in marketing or sales, or any career!
You were named Midlands Woman of the Year 2020 by Women in Property. Tell us about that
I was nominated by my university due to working in the industry and developing my own properties while studying full time while a single mum. I was able to express my plans for my career and how I would like to help the industry, which impressed the judges. That one opportunity gave me the confidence to talk about what I wanted out of my career and to approach new people. I didn’t enter with the aim to win, I entered with the aim to meet people, and I was extremely grateful and surprised that I won.
What would you say to any students considering a career in construction?
Do it, and aim high. Don’t ever be afraid to question things, explore roles, put yourself out there or network. Go to university open days or contact someone – social media in our industry is growing and that is so positive. It makes people accessible! Most of the people sharing their experiences want to bring more people into the industry and would go out of their way to answer questions or set up work experience/site visits.
How do you spend your spare time?
When I’m not doing up properties, I am a total gym addict. I work out five or six times a week, with a mix of boxing and weightlifting. I am confident that 2022 will see my boxing debut, and I am ultimately aiming to go pro! Having a hobby is essential for me to stay happy and focused.
