Grace is a good example of an individual who joined Make as a Graduate, demonstrated a hunger to progress and has successfully grown with our business, paving the way for future generations of female building surveyors. Grace gives us an insight into her career choices so far, her journey with Make and her take on ‘Women in Construction Week‘.
Q: What made you choose to work at Make?
Upon completing my MSc in Building Surveying at Nottingham Trent University, I embarked on the search for a graduate position close to home. The prospect of joining a large company seemed daunting, leading me to explore opportunities with small to medium-sized firms. Discovering Make’s various job openings, I was drawn in by their company culture and the family atmosphere that was immediately evident during my interview. The fact that Make was in the early stages of growth and development appealed to me, and the approachability of the Directors solidified my decision to accept the job offer.
Q: Talk us through your journey with Make so far?
Joining Make in July 2019, I initially worked in the Blue Light and Commercial team. When the uncertainty of Covid-19 hit shortly after, Make placed me on the government-backed furlough scheme, ensuring I received full pay with the company contributing 20%. This support provided a sense of security during an unstable time, reinforced by transparent communication from the directors about job security. Upon returning to work after a few months, I transitioned into the Education Team. During my time in the Education team, I’ve grown and gained confidence in my role as a Building Surveyor, successfully growing client relationships and securing fee-earning work—a significant achievement. I am currently on the RICS APC pathway to become a Chartered Building Surveyor and I appreciate Make’s support in career progression and guidance through the APC process.
Experiencing the diverse services offered by Make within different sectors of the company and under the leadership of senior colleagues has been enlightening. While every day is different, my greatest satisfaction comes from the people I work with, building relationships with clients and directly impacting school environments by improving their buildings and Estates.
Q- What is it about the position/sector that made you select this career route?
With a longstanding interest in buildings, especially renovation and improvement, my initial path after finishing Sixth Form led me to pursue an undergraduate degree in Textiles Innovation and Design for Interiors. Though enjoyable, I sensed a lack of long-term career prospects and decided to explore other avenues. Working part-time at an Estate Agent during my final year of Uni exposed me to Building Surveying, and since then, I haven’t looked back. I feel fortunate to have found a career that I genuinely enjoy and want to progress in.
Q- It’s Women in Construction Week this week, what are your thoughts on working within a business operating within the Construction Industry?
I believe that working in the construction industry provides rewarding opportunities for women. Embracing diversity in traditionally male-dominated fields like construction is vital for encouraging innovation and progress. Women in Construction Week serves as a valuable platform to spotlight women’s contributions in the industry, promoting further inclusion. It’s an excellent initiative to celebrate achievements, challenge stereotypes, and inspire more women to pursue fulfilling careers in construction.