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Grads speak

Interested in working in construction but want to know if the industry is all it's cracked up to be? Well look no further than the graduate profiles below. We've chatted to enthusiastic young people just like you who've gone on to work for some of the biggest construction companies around. In their own words, they'll tell you how they got their big break and just what the view is like from the inside. These are inspirational stories that show what an incredible, rewarding career you could be embarking on.





I've always had an interest in environmental management. Having completed work experience at PB, I was fortunate to obtain a position as an Environmental Consultant when I finished. My role now focuses on environmental impact assessment and project management.



My first part time job was an eight week placement as an assistant in PB's Environment department, which included basic report checking, research and cataloguing of environmental documents. PB offered me the full time position of Environmental Consultant in their Newcastle office.



Be willing to take on all manner of tasks, no matter how menial, to get a greater overall understanding of issues. And, keep up to date with the latest legislative requirements - whether that's health and safety, construction methods or ecological constraints.



What I like the most about being an environmental consultant is the variety of work and broad range of considerations associated with each project.

In terms of dislikes, it's the lack of understanding about how important environment consultants are within construction projects. Other professionals in the sector often fail to realise the extent of this role throughout design and construction phases.



I think it will become increasingly important for construction professionals to consider all aspects of the design and construction phase - such as environment, sustainability, ever-tightening health and safety regulations, and long term land use potential.

You will need to gain a broad understanding of how these components can be integrated, resulting in a more challenging, yet possibly more rewarding profession.

To top

I spent a year working in a small scale domestic Architectural partnership, then between my degree and diploma courses I moved to a large international commercial practice. I wanted to gain experience of working within complex team structures on very large scale projects.

I was able to see the range of opportunities available within the industry, and get an idea about which aspects I was most suited to.



My first role was working in a small domestic practice concentrating on private houses and house extensions.



To succeed as an architect in the construction industry, it's important to be aware how different types of project require a focus on different skills. Knowing this, you can establish yourself in the profession that best suits your abilities and interests.



I like the fact that outsiders see the job of an Architect as glamorous and exciting; however I dislike the fact that in reality it isn't!



People in the construction industry will face a constant battle to continually update their skills. That, alongside ensuring that the industry can keep pace with increasingly stringent 'green' targets as well as keeping a keen eye on where their particular discipline adds most value to the project lifecycle.







I began my Part 1 work experience at Hunters in 2001, working on large scale social housing projects. By assisting project architects and senior technicians, I gained a wealth of design experience and technical knowledge.

Having completed Part 2 of my degree in 2003, I was offered a position at Hunters - with the aim of completing Part 3 in 2008. I'm currently running a job on site, and a mixed use development scheme which is enabling me to develop design skills and submit a planning application for the first time.



It's always useful to be up to date with Building Regulations, design requirements, the latest construction methods and materials available in the industry. I try to attend seminars on a regular basis and go to architectural exhibitions that interest me.



It can be frustrating to work with a strict brief and tight budget. I like the creativity involved in the design process, but I'm still learning to take into consideration other factors like the client brief, budget, contractual obligations and deadlines.



Architectural design has to be considerate of many more parameters now, other than just aesthetics like new regulations to make buildings more energy efficient and environmentally friendly. The future will see the growth of intelligent buildings' so it is our responsibility as construction professionals to be fully aware of these changes.