with STEM™ CAREERS JOB KIT
Construction Project management
Insights, information and experiences from careers in construction
A good project manager is someone who can communicate effectively, adapt to change and mitigate risks for their team in a dynamic work environment.
BHOSTEN SAVAGE
Construction management and Master of Project Management graduate
Make a positive impact
Study architecture and built environment
Learn how to design, plan and manage natural and built environments to improve sustainability and community health and wellbeing.
See your work come to life
When your job is in construction and project design, you see the results of your work, and you can always find a rewarding career
Construction is the fourth largest industry in Australia, making up 9% of the country’s employment. The 2032 Summer Olympics are a big boost for the sector, with Engineers Australia predicting the Games will create 91,600 full-time jobs in Queensland alone!
Project managers work on construction of residential and city buildings, and even in larger scale infrastructure. In this profession, you can work in technical roles, looking at all the ways that information is presented and shared across different disciplines. Or, you can spend your time utilising design thinking (putting yourself in the user’s place) to understand how to better create and update the way we design and build.
There’s a wide range of areas to work in, and a huge demand for talent. You’ll primarily focus on teamwork and communication skills, and also specifics, such as mechanical and electrical systems, cost estimation and scheduling. Not to mention using 3D building visualisation tools to understand how everything fits together.
There are so many paths you can follow. You could design and build smart buildings that can detect when we’re in residence and reduce excess energy by automating lighting and temperature control systems. Or, you could specialise in digitalisation and optimisation of processes, saving time and money by making people and tools work together more efficiently.
dr sara omrani senior Lecturer in Virtual Design & Construction at QUT
Construction and project designers also work to improve sustainability in the building industry, both in the design of buildings and the way that they are made. For example, offsite and prefabrication construction can save money and energy as building in bulk can improve the way we use tools and materials, and also improve the accuracy of the build.
I started my own path into construction and project design studying a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering in Iran focusing on sustainable design. I worked as an architect and as an energy efficiency engineer after doing a PhD. Then, I did postdoctoral research on construction and I’m now a senior lecturer in Virtual Design and Construction at QUT (Queensland University of Technology).
What I like about working in this industry is the way that the results are really tangible — you can see the results of your work and it’s a great feeling. It’s also easy to move around different fields within the sector. Each project has new things to offer and it’s never boring.
My advice is to follow your passion — you will spend most your life working and if you don’t love what you do you’ll regret it, so choose what you are passionate about.
Dr Sara Omrani Senior Lecturer in
Virtual Design & Construction at QUT
DRAW UP A PLAN
Scheduling
Making sure the
Design
Defining the form and content of design information and reporting to the client to seek approvals.
Site surveys
Supervising the marking out of construction and ensuring the boundaries, height and design match the approved plan.
Projects briefs
Preparing information, designs and specifications from the project brief.
Coordinating
Coordinating with planning bodies such as councils, ensuring health and safety concerns are met, coordinating quality control and undertaking reviews and site inspections.
In the bank
If you are budgeting what a job in construction and project design is paying, take a look at these numbers
[B]
Be flexible in your career path and able to switch from one speciality to another
[U]Undertake planning, design, project management and scheduling so you can set your own tasks and work independently
AI Builds: Smart & Green
AI tech is shaking up most areas – and for the construction industry it has been a major sustainability win. In an attempt to challenge overconsumption and address the sector’s traditional take-make-use-dispose model, QUT researchers have been exploring the possibilities of transitioning to a circular economy, where renewable energy sources are incorporated in the building process, materials are designed for reuse and waste is minimised. A reliance on AI-driven initiatives – think: machine learning and natural language processing – would assist in improving overall sustainability goals, greener supply chains and workforce productivity. Triple win!
[I]
Iterate on designs to come up with exciting new ways of solving problems such as creating more sustainable building practices and materials [L]Leave the office every day and have a different workplace each project
Study options at QUT
[D]Develop your skill sets and climb the salary ranks to get a great pay cheque and job security
skills spotlight
Construction and design go hand-in-hand but there are key differences that can help you refine your career options
SKILLS
Coordination
Cost planning
Project management
DESIGN
Urban and regional planner
Architect
Estimating
Preparing tenders
Quantity surveying
Site management
Scheduling and programming
Teamwork
Technical communications
Creativity
Problem solving
CONSTRUCTION
Construction manager
Construction project manager
Building
site manager
Construction engineer
Combine the Bachelor of EnvironmentBuilt (Honours) with a masterspecialiseddegree
QUT offers a vertical degree in Bachelor of Built Environment (Honours)/Master of Project AccelerateManagement. your study and position yourself for future leadership roles across the built environment and project management sectors.
Build your dream job
After switching from psychology to construction management, Hayley Bell started her own specialist commercial fitout company and hasn’t looked back
Construction originally wasn’t on Hayley’s radar, but when she found out she could study construction management at QUT, she jumped at the chance.
“I started working in commercial fitout during my first year of uni,” she says. “I love the fast pace of fitout, and thrive under pressure, so I knew this was the career path for me.”
Hayley says her degree had lots of practical subjects that were directly relevant to the work she was doing, such as estimating, contract administration and programming. Lecturers also had practical, real-world experience. “This was a fantastic combination that made what we were learning interesting and relevant,” she explains.
After working for two interior fitout companies, building her career from estimating to contract administration to project management, Hayley founded her own company, Belnic Constructions, with Nicole Detsimas, who she had met at QUT.
Together they have designed and built dental clinics, research labs and even a veterinary hospital.
As a company director, Hayley wears many different hats – she manages the business finances and marketing, optimises systems and procedures, and generates new business opportunities.
“Day-to-day my focus is also on running live projects like coordinating trades, consultants and clients to ensure each project runs smoothly, preparing cost plans for new projects and just generally having fun doing what I love! “
Something important she’s learnt about being a woman in the construction industry? Don’t be modest about achievements, or what you want in terms of career progression and support.
Her advice for anyone considering this field is to definitely do it. “There are so many opportunities out there and an ever-growing support system once you get into the industry.” – Louise Meers
I love the fast pace of fitout,.. I knew this was the career path for mE”
hayley bell Urban Developer
A day in the life of a… PROJECT MANAGER
Two degrees at QUT built a solid foundation for Cameron Boyd’s construction career
Cameron started his career with two undergrad degrees at QUT – studying both civil engineering and technology. His pathway through TAFE Queensland initially with a civil engineering advanced diploma along with an agreement at the time with QUT, allowed the successful continuation of studies to eventually gain both engineering degrees.
While such an epic study path isn’t a prerequisite for a career in construction, Cameron’s certainly paved a successful path, leading to his current role as Project Manager at Multiplex. His job involves leading a team to deliver construction projects that range from education and health facilities, to aquatic centres and data centres. “I work with designers, site managers, clients, consultants, and end-users to ensure that projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest standards,” he says.
On being a project manager, Cameron says, “It’s rewarding to play a small part in projects that will have long-lasting positive benefits for the communities in which they will be used.”– Gemma Chilton
Here’s what a day in Cameron’s job might look like:
Early riser
Wake up and exercise – usually a run or some laps in the pool.
6.45am
My wife and I have a busy start getting our four kids out the door and on their way to school.
7.00am
On the drive, touch base with the project team to ensure everything is on track for the day.
8.00am
Attend a meeting tracking status on a current project with the client.
9.30am
Participate in a review to evaluate the overall progress of multiple projects.
11.30am
Site inspection of construction progress with the site manager.
2.30pm
Afternoon meeting with my team or stakeholders to discuss any issues and develop solutions.
4.00pm
Attend a workshop to ensure compliance with regulations and identify potential risks.
5.30pm
Finish work for the day and pick up my kids from after-school care.
8.30pm
Plan for the next day’s meetings and action any outstanding tasks.
Cameron Boyd Project Manager
Get the job!
Build your pathway into this amazing career
SOCIAL STUFF
• Check out daily life on-site with @melbournechippychick
• Read about how to incorporate Indigenous perspectives in construction and design. bit.ly/indig-design
• Build your network and industry connections with our student run club, QUT Construct. Get involved with like-minded students, attend networking opportunities and social events with industry. Visit @qutconstruct to learn more.
• Why study architecture + built environment: www.qut.edu.au/why-study-abe
what to watch
Abstract: The Art of Design
Eight creative designers from various fields in the design world showcase their innovative work in this Netflix series. bit.ly/43DkAgD
A Minecraft Movie
Inspiring the next-gen of city builders and engineers, this movie will give you some block build-spiration.
Going Home With Tyler Cameron
In this emotional series, Tyler Cameron spins up his own construction business and renovates his late mother’s home. bit.ly/4jLqKRb
Breaking the Mould
A YouTube series on construction careers from NAWIC QLD. bit.ly/BtMould
Choose this career if you…
✔ Are a collaborator
✔ Have good attention to detail
✔ Are a good communicator
✔ Love solving problems
✔ Are a team leader
Electives checklist
Choosing high school electives?
These subjects will help you get your head around construction and project design skills for your future.
✔ Maths ✔ Digital technologies
✔ Design technologies
✔ Industrial technology
✔ Art