Career Objectives

Current Status

I am currently in the process of completing my honours degree in Quantity Surveying, alongside pursuing a NEBOSH certificate in Construction Health & Safety. Engaging in webinars as part of module credits has been instrumental in expanding my knowledge and skills. On a personal scale, I feel I am halfway towards achieving my short-term career objective.

Balancing full-time studies with part-time work provides me with insights into both academic and professional environments, preparing me for my transition into the workforce. This dual experience not only foster my professional development but also teaches me important personal skills like financial skills such as budgeting with a salary. While I do not currently have a professional mentor, I am actively exploring the possibility of working with a career coach to provide guidance in the near future.

Navigating family responsibilities and prioritizing my mental health are crucial factors influencing my career decisions. A recent significant personal experience has reshaped my family dynamics, underscoring the importance of these considerations in shaping my career decisions.

Experience

Throughout my university journey, I've gained profound insights into myself and how I navigate various challenges. I've encountered difficult situations that have taught me the importance of seeking guidance when needed; I've learned that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Currently, I'm grappling with time management, a struggle that led me to recall how working in communal spaces like the library boosted my motivation by seeing others' diligence. I've realized that my procrastination runs deeper, prompting me to seek advice from a lecturer who recommended exploring options such as career coaching. While I've observed peers thrive in group settings for mutual accountability, I have yet to explore this avenue personally.

One of the most valuable lessons from my university experience is that with determination and hard work, I can achieve any goal. I remind myself daily not to compare my journey with others', understanding that our circumstances differ and comparison undermines personal growth and joy. This mindset continues to motivate me as I strive towards my aspirations.

Strengths

I consider myself goal-driven, enthusiastic, and quick to adapt to diverse environments. Adaptability allows me to acclimate rapidly to new work environments, understanding how different firms operate efficiently. My commitment to achieving goals positively influences my performance, benefiting any company I work for. Moreover, my enthusiasm and eagerness to learn enable me to continuously glean insights from others, fostering ongoing professional development.

Resources

When considering resources within my network to support my transition from student to professional, it is not as extensive as I would prefer. Currently, I rely on Mr. Jacques Tredoux, the estimator who supervised my practical work experience during the final year of my undergraduate studies. Mr. Tredoux not only oversaw my work but also recommended that I pursue a NEBOSH course to gain insights into industry operations abroad. I frequently seek his guidance on long-term career goals, and his advice has proven invaluable in my professional development.

Within the university's alumni network, I maintain a connection with Ms. Eva Mthi, with whom I collaborated as a tutor in the Accounting Department. Our friendship began when she encouraged me to join the department based on her recognition of my potential during her tenure as my tutor for accounting modules. Ms. Mthi remains a trusted resource for personal inquiries related to course-related aspects. For matters concerning finances and work-life balance, I often turn to her for advice.

To sustain me through this transition, I draw inspiration from mentors like Nothando Moloi and Carol Dhlamini through their YouTube channels. Both are Quantity Surveyors who share content on the construction profession and lifestyle aspects. Their insights demonstrate the feasibility of achieving work-life balance and navigating entry-level challenges in the field, offering encouragement and practical advice for aspiring professionals like myself.

Exploring Your Options

A traditional approach that I have yet to fully explore to achieve my goals is to make my job applications more intentional. This involves researching firms that align with my long-term career aspirations and tailoring my applications to reflect their values, thereby enhancing my prospects of securing a position that meets my professional needs. In addition to continually enhancing my professional skills and visibility, I plan to increase my networking efforts and leverage LinkedIn to connect with industry professionals more effectively.

Recently, my experience as a tutor and Supplemental Instruction (SI) leader in the Accounting Department has sparked my interest in academia. Despite initial challenges, such as managing larger groups during on-campus SI sessions, this role has stimulated significant personal and professional growth. If the opportunity arises, I am enthusiastic about pursuing a career as an Associate Lecturer.

Ideally, operating at my fullest potential would involve relocating internationally to pursue a Quantity Surveying role, allowing me to explore different perspectives and life experiences. To advance my career further under ideal circumstances, I would invest in training for leading software and technologies, commit to a dream company aligned with my goals, attain qualifications such as project management certification and MRICS, and dedicate resources to gaining expertise in sustainability concepts.

These strategies reflect my proactive approach to achieving my long-term career objectives, combining traditional methods with innovative approaches to maximize opportunities and professional growth.

Planning My Next Steps

As I approach the completion of my degree, I've come to realize that I have the opportunity to find my path, explore different avenues, and start anew if needed by equipping myself wisely for entry into the industry. Setting clear timelines for my goals and maintaining focus on one objective at a time significantly enhances the likelihood of achieving them. To progress towards my career aspirations, I am prioritizing improving my time management skills to overcome procrastination and effectively complete tasks crucial to achieving short-term objectives. Intentionally expanding my professional network through networking initiatives is also essential.

The initial concrete step towards realizing my goals is committing to engage a career coach for guidance. A career coach can assist in refining my goals and devising a strategy that ensures I achieve them without feeling overwhelmed. I plan to initiate this process towards the end of August 2024, following thorough research into experienced career coaches within the industry. My therapist and parents are currently instrumental in monitoring my well-being and progress, and they will be informed once I identify a potential career coach.

Furthermore, I rely on the support and encouragement of friends and family to sustain my motivation. Keeping them informed about my plans and progress ensures their continued reassurance and motivation. Effective communication with all relevant parties will occur promptly once a suitable career coach is identified.

My Top Firms

1. AESG

AESG is an international consultancy, engineering, and advisory firm dedicated to promoting sustainability across the built environment and beyond. Their offices are located globally, including in South Africa, where they offer specialized services in sustainable design, engineering, fire and life safety, and strategic advisory. What sets AESG apart is their robust leadership team and extensive expertise in delivering bespoke, high-performance solutions that address complex technical challenges in building, urban planning, and infrastructure sectors. They distinguish themselves through their commitment to innovation, collaboration, and achieving net-zero carbon emission targets, supported by their accolades as industry leaders in sustainable consultancy and engineering.

AESG has a range of specialist departments which will expose me to a progressive, lively and collaborative environment. The firm is also committed to investing in the development of their employees and landing a postion with them will put me in a position to achieve my career goals as I'll be working on some of the world’s leading developments that will definetly give me great exposure.

2. AECOM

AECOM is a global firm specializing in infrastructure and professional services, with a significant presence in South Africa. Their offices are located to serve various sectors. What attracts me to AECOM is their comprehensive approach to sustainability and societal impact, and promoting diversity within their workforce and leadership. They distinguish themselves further through their extensive global expertise and commitment to delivering sustainable legacies, making them trusted advisors and leaders in the industry.

Working for AECOM will expand my skill set and knowledge in terms of sustainability and definitely allow for me to explore various avenues to the profession, thus also taking me a step closer to achieving my goals within a firm that values inclusivity.

3. INVICTA DEVELOPMENTS

Invicta Developments is a prominent property development company based in South Africa, specializing in both residential and commercial projects. Their offices are strategically located in Pretoria, allowing them to penetrate high-demand markets and dominate certain areas in terms of developments. What sets Invicta Developments apart is their commitment to innovative design, with strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. They distinguish themselves by delivering projects that blend aesthetic appeal with functionality, catering to diverse client needs in the competitive property development sector.

I am interested in working for Invicta Developments because it will allow me to travel home more often. I did my job shadowing for Quantities 1 with the firm, and I am confident that being employed at Invicta will provide me exposure to various aspects of the profession. Their projects are not always large-scale, which will enable me to refine my skills and discover my niche quicker.