How I became a PQS!
I
have no idea why I decided to become a civil engineer when I was three. My early decision started taking shape after high school when I was accepted into the engineering faculty and after four years of intense study I graduated with my engineering degree and started working as a Civil Engineer. I found it difficult being a woman in the construction industry; however, I was really enjoying working on site and dealing with all those ‘tough guys.’ Through the following 20 years of continuing education and my experience in the construction industry, I gained many stories in my pocket. However, I want to tell you about the second phase of my life: How I became a PQS! At the 20th year of my career, one step away from being a partner in the company where I had worked for 14 years, I decided to follow my heart. I left everything behind and moved from Turkey to Canada, to get married and make Canada my new home. Since I was in love, the decision was made easy and I disregarded the fact that I did not speak English. My first focus was to learn the language and after that to find employment. I can tell you that being a housewife is way harder than working at a construction site. Learning English was also much more challenging than I thought. Is it not wonderfully weird how differently we pronounce and write tough, though, thought, taught? Access EmploymentEngineering Connection Program has helped me to understand professional life here. However, their focus is geared towards Professional Engineering in which most immigrant engineers are interested. This may be likely as they are not aware of different or related professions that exist here in Canada. For example, where I come from there is no profession such as a PQS. Engineers typically do that job! At that point, my advantage was being open to new ideas and being positive to different points of view. It is always good to think outside of the box. Using every opportunity for networking I started meeting different people from the construction industry and tried to figure out how things work here and who is who. I also started preparing myself with mock interviews, customizing my resume and writing cover letters for different job applications. I kept applying to jobs just to practice that dreaded phone interview, which I have never done in my life. It is like working out to stay sharp. I was feeling the same way when I graduated from university 20 years ago. Young, exited, and motivated. I have recently heard, “Luck is when preparation meets opportunity,” as Oprah Winfrey says. So true! I was lucky enough to meet Tanju Celen, partner at A.W. Hooker, who mentored me about the industry. His insight enabled me to understand that my previous experience perfectly matched what a PQS does. First step on real job search was done. Next steps on my mind – learn the system, find a job, and get the professional designation. To learn how quantity surveyors work, I decided to volunteer with a QS company and
asked Tanju for some guidance and help in finding potential firms to approach. He was surprised with my decision. A few days later, A.W. Hooker invited me for an interview and welcomed me to the company as a part of their equation: The People + The Detail + The Strategy = The Difference. I was hired permanently at the end of two months in December 2013, applied for membership with CIQS immediately after, and followed the route they suggested to pursue my PQS status. A goal I proudly achieved in August 2015. And my new journey has begun as a Professional Quantity Surveyor.
About the author Elvan Eryoner, PQS is a Quantity Surveyor at A.W.Hooker Associates Ltd. She has a bachelor degree in Civil Engineering from Turkey. She specializes in the architectural, structural and civil disciplines. Her project experience covers all the major sectors of construction including commercial, institutional and industrial buildings. She is a strong supporter of girls’ education and an avid scuba diver.
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Spring 2018 | www.ciqs.org | CONSTRUCTION ECONOMIST | 23
