Here at Make, we love nothing more than providing our employees with the support and tools they need to excel in their careers. For Dean Levesley, the journey from being a student at Sheffield Hallam University to becoming a valued member of our team has been one of growth, opportunity, and clear progression. Dean’s story at Make Consulting is a testament to our partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, where we provide their students and graduates with opportunities to further develop their skills in a fast-paced working environment. In this testimonial, Dean praises Make for providing a clear pathway to progression within the company. Through his hard work and dedication, Dean found a supportive community and endless opportunities for growth.
Q: What made you choose to work at Make?
I was notified of a job opportunity at Make Consulting through a fellow student and employee on the same Building Surveying Course at Sheffield Hallam University. This proved really helpful as I could ask questions and gain their honest opinion regarding the company, their values, and visions for the future. A deciding factor for me to apply for the position of Graduate Building Surveyor was the business’s commitment to the investment, support and focused growth of their employees and their drive to help them become future leaders.
During the interview, it was clear that the company had high visions for the future and that its values aligned with mine. As a result, I had no hesitation in accepting the job offer and started on the company’s journey, which upon reflection, has been a fast and fulfilling period of growth both for the business and me personally.
Q: Talk us through your journey with Make so far?
I commenced employment with Make Consulting in the summer of 2018 as a wide-eyed graduate with a desire to learn and absorb knowledge.
The role was wide-reaching, and I was fortunate to be recruited at a pinnacle time within the business. As a result, I was exposed to numerous projects at varying RIBA stages, which allowed me to develop knowledge of a project’s lifecycle from inception to completion at every step.
Building on my knowledge, the business supported me on my RICS APC journey, where I subsequently gained Chartership in June 2021 after many long days and nights in the study books. A great benefit of the processes at Make Consulting is the wide range of Chartered experience within the business and the envious 100% pass rate they have had since the company’s inception.
Following my Chartership, I have continued to grow and develop within the education team. I firmly have my sights set on leading and developing a core part of our well-established service provision to the education sector.
Q. What is the best thing about working at Make?
Their autonomy to lead and deliver projects for a wide range of clients.
Their investment in employees and the required level of support they provide enables everyone to develop in an encouraging environment. Make Consulting has a clear vision to promote within the business, creating opportunities for all employees to progress within their sectors.
Q. What do you like the most about your role?
I find a real sense of pride and achievement working within a team environment, especially when projects achieve practical completion and are handed over, presenting a totally transformed building that potentially improves a child’s learning environment. In addition, the client’s satisfaction and feedback are crucial to my professional development and further cement the necessity of client care and end-user experience.
Q. What have been your biggest achievements during your time so far with Make?
One of my proudest achievements was passing the Assessment of Professional Competence and being elected as a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors in June 2021.
I also enjoy giving back to the profession internally and externally to the business to help support APC Candidates on their journey to Chartership.
Q. How have Make Supported you with your progression so far?
The support from Make Consulting throughout has been enormous and has directly benefited my personal and professional development to grow in an encouraging environment.
Having a clear career progression plan with attainable goals within a reasonable timeframe helps to focus the mind on continuous professional progress.
Outside the personal progression realms, an area in which Make Consulting reached above and beyond was during the first Covid-19 lockdown and the announcement of the furlough scheme. Their decision to top up the furlough scheme to ensure our salaries remained at 100% was a welcomed initiative, as this level of support significantly reduced the uncertainty in those dark early days of the pandemic.
Q. Where do you see your future career taking you over the next 5-10 years?
My future at Make Consulting is growing from strength to strength, parallel to the business trajectory. My goal is to continue to help support the growth plan of the business but also locally to the education team, where I would like to lead a core service provision and earn a Directorship.
The opportunities at Make are outstanding. I am thrilled to be a part of the new chapter of growth and development of both the business and my colleagues.