International Women’s Day Profile – Jacqui Midgley

Interview with Jacqui Midgley, RMIT Alumni and part of the Employer of Choice Program.

Where are you working now? 

“I work in the design management team for Hacer Group, a tier 2 commercial builder.”

What is your role and what activities does your role entail on a daily basis?

“My role is Senior Design Manager and Tenancy Coordinator.
Every day is different. I am involved in both live and potential projects. Some days I work on tenders, reviewing the design to understand the risk and opportunity alongside the construction and estimating team. Other days I am managing live projects, managing the consultant team to ensure the design complies, is build-able, coordinated and in line with our tendered allowance. Once we win the work I am also heavily involved in getting the project site ready, finalising the contract, organising building permits and closing out town planning pre-commencement conditions.”

What do you like best about your role?

“I love how every project has unique challenges and that no project can be delivered by one individual. It requires a strong, solution orientated, collaborative team.”

What attracted you to your role? 

“Truthfully I fell into the role. I had studied Property Development at RMIT and thought it would be informative to understand the construction side of the industry, ie understand how a project came together. Its funny how you end up where you are meant to be. I now know I wouldn’t have been well suited to the development side of the industry. I would say the role does attract a range of backgrounds from architects, project coordinators, engineers and project management. Anyone with these skillsets is well placed to work in design management.”

What is most important to you when looking for a job?

“I feel it is important to understand whether there is opportunity to grow and a likelihood that you will be challenged in the workplace you are considering. Professional and personal development is fundamental in achieving satisfaction in the workplace.”

Tell us about your career journey so far 

“I joined the industry 10 years, seeking industry work experience to complete my Bachelor of Property Development and Valuations at RMIT. In seeking that work experience, I was given a contact at Hacer Group and I’ve never looked back. Hacer Group have continued to provide me with the opportunity to develop with the industry, within the Design Management and Tenancy Coordination space. I have input in the tendering of work as well as on site experience. Primarily working in the retail and commercial sector. Having been part of many successful project deliveries on site the one I am perhaps most proud of is the acclaimed Burwood Brickworks Shopping Centre achieving 7 petal Living Building Challenge.”

Tell us about the challenges and triumphs you have faces as a female in a male-dominated industry

“I have been fortunate to have been surrounded by supportive male role models who have encouraged and helped me. I haven’t found it a challenge with my experience on site or in the office.”

If you could say one thing to young females looking to enter the industry – what would it be? 

“Whilst it is a male dominated industry we are seeing a noticeable amount of women joining the industry every year. Don’t be put off by the term ‘male dominated’, most industries are, its just about finding the right people / team to work with and having the right attitude (also confidence doesn’t hurt).
Also I believe site experience is the best way to learn, gain respect and build strong relationships with clients, consultants and contractors that carry you through the industry.”

Why should students in school consider your industry as a further study and career option? 

“The construction industry is the 5th largest economic output industry in Australia and as such offers a variety of career pathways. Within the industry there are opportunity to move between different roles/sectors. The industry offers roles in law, accounting, design, project management, contract administration, project management, bid management, safety, sustainability, consulting etc just to name a few. There is something for everyone.”

What did you enjoy best about your degree?

“Learning to work and collaborate with people under time pressures. The most realistic element of the real world workplace.”

Is there anything else you would like to share?

“Working in the construction industry is exciting and provides you with the opportunity to improve the built landscape of Melbourne or even the world – the opportunities are limitless and the sections within it are growing.”

You can connect with Jacqui on LinkedIn here: http://www.linkedin.com/in/jacqui-midgley-b5164453

Thank you Jacqui for sharing your story!