Inspiring Grads: Engineering 2

Tinotenda Jeketera

Job history

2016-Present Project Manager Rabie Property Group

2014-2015 Site Foreman Rawson Developers

2014 Sub Warden Department of Student Housing at UCT

Academic history

2015 BSc Honours in Construction management University of Cape Town

2012-2014 BSc in Construction studies University of Cape Town

Describe your job – what do you do?

I’m a construction project manager for a property developer. The role involves managing construction projects from inception to completion. I put together and manage teams that bring construction projects to life and I manage the project delivery process, including but not limited to financials, cost and time management. I am involved in the whole lifecycle of a project – from market research, land acquisition, professional appointments, design, costing and marketing, to construction and final handover to the excited clients, not forgetting the post-handover lifecycle of the projects. Handover to the end-user is always the best part, it's like realising a dream, something was never there two years ago, you built these teams to make it happen and people will use it for the next couple of decades.

How have your degrees helped you to get where you are?

My two degrees were so multifaceted, and had a range of courses that allowed me the chance to experience different disciplines which has proven important in project management. As a project manager you have to know everything: construction processes, negotiation, finance, professional communication, law and regulations. The degrees exposed me to a bit of everything and my experience is just amplifying that all-round knowledge.

What has been a highlight of your career so far?

Finding out the ease of applicability of my skills to other industries.

What advice would you give to graduates that want to follow in your footsteps?

Go out there and try to get practical experience while completing your degree. This will give valuable insight into career paths and afford free advice from experienced professionals.

What is the next thing you want to achieve or learn?

I would like to develop my skills and knowledge to stay in touch with how the industry is evolving due to market changes brought about by climate change and recently the pandemic.

How do you see your industry evolving in the near future?

The industry is going to adapt a lot to climate change in particular. The built environment shapes our life and what we do; the way buildings are designed and constructed is going to change dramatically and we will have to adapt quickly to these changes. There will be a big integration of energy-use consultants, sustainability consultants, sustainable materials and technology and there will be incentives that help promote use of a different type of building. Regulation has already started changing to suit this.

BOOK & COURSE recommendations

- The Green star accreditation is good because it comes with resources that are constantly being updated.

- Follow online architecture/ built environment magazines like Dezeen. These have resources and up-to-date information that keeps you updated and can lead you to emerging trends as they happen.