Job Kit: Construction Project Management

with STEM™ CAREERS JOB KIT

Construction Project management

Insights, information and experiences from careers in construction

Kirsteen James QUT Interior Design graduate and Design Institute of Australia Design Graduate of the Year

I not only want to make a difference in the world, but I especially want to change the impact that design of the built environment has on the most vulnerable. I hope to always design for a greater social change. QUT taught me that risk is worth taking if you have done your research and analysis correctly.

Make a positive impact

Study architecture and built environment

Design buildings, interiors and landscapes that make a positive impact on the environment, community health and wellbeing.

See your work come to life

Nine percent of the total value in goods and services that Australia produces each year — the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) — comes from the construction industry. That’s a value of about $360 billion* each year.

Engineering and construction are two of the highest employment areas in STEM. Construction is the third largest industry in Australia, makes up 9% of employment and is projected to grow another 7% by 2025.

In Queensland, the 2032 Summer Olympics are another big boost for the sector, with Engineers Australia predicting the Games to create 91,600 full-time jobs in that state alone!

You’ll always have a great career path open to you if you study architectural design, construction management — or why not combine the two in a dual degree? — and no two days will look alike!

Construction and project designers can work on projects big and small, in residential or city building, or infrastructure. You can work in technical roles, looking at the way information is presented and shared across different disciplines. Or, you can spend your time utilising design thinking (putting yourself in the user’s place) to understand how to better create and update the way we design and build.

There’s a wide range of areas to work in, and a huge demand for talent. You’ll focus on teamwork and communication skills, and also specifics, such as mechanical and electrical systems, cost estimation and scheduling. Not to mention using 3D building visualisation tools to understand how everything fits together.

There are so many paths you can follow. You could design and build smart buildings that can detect when we’re in residence and reduce excess energy by automating lighting and temperature control systems. Or, you could specialise in digitalisation and optimisation of processes, saving time and money by making people and tools work together more efficiently.

Construction and project designers also work to improve sustainability in the building industry, both in the design of buildings and the way that they are made. For example, offsite and prefabrication construction can save money and energy as building in bulk can improve the way we use tools and materials, and also improve the accuracy of the build.

I started my own path into construction and project design studying a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering in Iran focussing on sustainable design. I worked as an architect and as an energy efficiency engineer after doing a PhD. Then, I did postdoctoral research on construction and I’m now a lecturer in Virtual Design and Construction at QUT (Queensland University of Technology).

What I like about working in this industry is the way that the results are really tangible — you can see the results of your work and it’s a great feeling. It’s also easy to move around different fields within the sector. Each project has new things to offer and it’s never boring.

My advice is to follow your passion — you will spend most your life working and if you don’t love what you do you’ll regret it, so choose what you are passionate about.

Dr

Lecturer

Sara Omrani

in Virtual Design & Construction at QUT

dr sara omrani Lecturer in Virtual Design & Construction at QUT

Build your dream job

Construction originally wasn’t on Hayley’s radar, but when she found out she could study construction management at QUT, she jumped at the chance.

“I started working in commercial fitout during my first year of uni,” she says. “I love the fast pace of fitout, and thrive under pressure, so I knew this was the career path for me.”

Hayley says her degree had lots of practical subjects that were directly relevant to the work she was doing, such as estimating, contract administration and programming. Lecturers also had practical, real-world experience. “This was a fantastic combination that made what we were learning interesting and relevant,” she explains.

After working for two interior fitout companies, building her career from estimating to contract administration to project management, Hayley founded her own company, Belnic Constructions, with Nicole Detsimas, who she had met at QUT. Together they have designed and built dental clinics, research labs and even a veterinary hospital.

As a company director, Hayley wears many different hats – she manages the business finances and marketing, optimises systems and procedures, and generates new business opportunities.

“Day-to-day my focus is also on running live projects like coordinating trades, consultants and clients to ensure each project runs smoothly, preparing cost plans for new projects and just generally having fun doing what I love! “

Something important she’s learnt about being a woman in the construction industry? Don’t be modest about achievements, or what you want in terms of career progression and support.

Her advice for anyone considering this field is to definitely do it. “There are so many opportunities out there and an ever-growing support system once you get into the industry.” – Louise

Meers

I love the fast pace of fitout,.. I knew this was the career path for mE”

After switching from psychology to construction management, Hayley Bell started her own specialist commercial fitout company and hasn’t looked back

hayley bell Urban Developer

A day in the life of a… PROJECT MANAGER

Cameron started his career with two undergrad degrees at QUT – studying both civil engineering and technology. His pathway through TAFE Queensland initially with a civil engineering advanced diploma along with an agreement at the time with QUT, allowed the successful continuation of studies to eventually gain both engineering degrees

While such an epic study path isn’t a prerequisite for a career in construction, Cameron’s certainly paved a successful path, leading to his current role as Project Manager at Multiplex. His job involves leading a team to deliver construction projects that range from education and health facilities, to aquatic centres and data centres. “I work with designers, site managers, clients, consultants, and end-users to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards,” he says.

One project Cameron is particularly proud of was the successful construction of a top-notch government quarantine facility near Brisbane airport. More than 300 people were involved on the mammoth job, working together to overcome challenges including tough weather and ground conditions, and the added difficulty of COVID-19 restrictions.

On being a project manager, Cameron says, “It’s rewarding to play a small part in projects that will have long-lasting positive benefits for the communities in which they will be used.”– Gemma Chilton

Here’s what a day in Cameron’s job might look like: Early riser

Wake up and exercise – usually a run or some laps in the pool.

6.45am

My wife and I have a busy start getting our four kids out the door and on their way to school.

7.00am

On the drive, touch base with the project team to ensure everything is on track for the day.

8.00am

Attend a meeting tracking status on a current project with the client.

9.30am

Participate in a review to evaluate the overall progress of multiple projects.

11.30am

Site inspection of construction progress with the site manager.

2.30pm

Afternoon meeting with my team or stakeholders to discuss any issues and develop solutions.

4.00pm

Attend a workshop to ensure compliance with regulations and identify potential risks.

5.30pm

Finish work for the day and pick up my kids from after-school care.

8.30pm

Plan for the next day’s meetings and action any outstanding tasks.

Cameron Boyd Project Manager

Two degrees at QUT built a solid foundation for Cameron Boyd’s construction career

Advanced Diploma of Engineering (Civil), TAFE Qld

Bachelor of Technology (Civil), QUT

Bachelor of Engineering (Civil), QUT

Project Engineer, Lend Lease Design Manager, Watpac Ltd Senior Project Engineer, Laing O’Rourke Project Manager, Buildcorp Project Manager, Multiplex

Get the job!

Build your pathway into this amazing career area

SOCIAL STUFF

• Check out daily life on-site with @melbournechippychick

• Read about how to incorporate Indigenous perspectives in construction and design. bit.ly/indig-design

• Browse #OhNo #tradie #construction #bricktok or follow @buildingtok for satisfying and funny insights into everyday life on-site.

• Visit the Blue Collar Women subreddit for insights on construction and heavy engineering, from tradies to project managers.

• Why study architecture + built environment: https://www.qut.edu.au/study/architecture-and-builtenvironment/why-study-architecture-and-built-environment

Choose

Are a collaborator

Have good attention to detail

Are a good communicator

Love solving problems

Are a team leader/manager

what to watch

Abstract: The Art of Design

Eight of “the most creative designers” from various fields in the design world showcase their innovative work in this Netflix series. bit.ly/2YC7yh1

Extreme Engineering Machines Building

The Most Amazing Megastructures

Addictive YouTube mashup of the most extreme megastructures being made. bit.ly/3cETDz5

City Dreamers

A 2018 doco on the careers of four women in the field of architecture, urban planning and landscape architecture. bit.ly/2LcnzY0

Breaking the Mould

Electives checklist

Choosing high school electives? These subjects will help you get your head around construction and project design skills for your future.

✔ Maths ✔ Digital technologies

✔ Design technologies

✔ Industrial technology

✔ Art