International Women’s Day Profile – Karen Zhang

An interview with Karen Zhang. Karen is RMIT Alumni and works for a RMIT PCPM Employer of Choice.

Where are you working now? 

“Total Construction Pty Ltd (Queensland Branch)”

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

“In November 2021, I was promoted to Project Manager where I managed the Kennards Self Storage, Bells Creek Stage 2, $4.8M project and BlueCare Acacia Gardens Aged Care Facility, Toowoomba worth $14M.

I manage all aspects of a construction projects from start to delivery which entail contract, procurement, client communication, daily and monthly report, budget management and team leader on site or remote.”

What do you like best about your role?

“I am proud of the being the first female Project Manager at Total Construction Pty Ltd (TOTAL). I lead by example to set the expectation of a good work ethic and best practice in construction.

As strange as it may sounds, my accounting background has helped me enormously in contract administration, trade/subcontractor negotiation and budget management skills. Applying this skill has always fulfilled any gaps in the technical construction and helped me achieved all my project with great ROI, margin and budget management.”

What attracted you to your role? 

“I believe in continually educating myself, so I can learn new skills, develop innovations and build my career in the building construction industry. I have balanced this with family commitments and studying while working full time.

I hope to share my experience with other women who think they cannot juggle a career, education and family responsibilities within the building and construction industry”

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

“Business culture and work & life balance.

Currently, I am mentoring the cadets within the TOTAL Queensland office by exposing them to a real situation of working on and off site. This includes walking through a live construction site, explaining how it works, how it is done and importantly with a focus on health and safety, quality and environment. I provide an opportunity for cadets to grow and sharpen their skillset with a micro-project within a major project under my supervision.

I also engage in activities beyond my job responsibilities that contribute to helping and improving conditions of others on the job or in the wider community. I support TOTAL’s People and Culture by involving and driving a supporting working culture in the Queensland office and on site. This fosters relationships among a culturally and diverse team, increases well-being and provides a sense of belonging and recognition for each employee.

On a daily basis, I engage with other females in the business across the States, including Victoria and New South Wales and across the various departments. TOTAL currently has 16% women working across roles in construction, administration, business development, marketing, HR and contract administration. I am excited to be part of a company that is aiming for 25% female employment by 2025 and be a part of contributing to that change.”

Tell us about your career journey so far 

“It is never too late to change careers.

My career commenced in 2000, as a medical officer and registered nurse/midwife in China. I moved to Australia in 2010 and in 2013 started my long–term career in construction. My qualifications included the following:

• Master of Project Management
• Master of Business Administration and Management
• Postgraduate Diploma of Professional Accounting
• Certificate of Achievement on Prince2
• Master of Advertising.

In 2018, I joined Total Construction where I mentored junior team members, cadets and interns in a contractor administrator capacity and maintained an exemplary safety record and quality standards.”

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

“One of my major achievements was the BlueCare Tallyhaven Aged Care Facility, Tallebudgera. I managed the sub-contractor packages and coordinated all works on site, in collaboration with the Site Manager. This two stage project was our fourth with BlueCare and was constructed under budget and ahead of schedule, leading the client to be extremely satisfied and renew their trust in TOTAL for future projects.

In November 2021, I was promoted to Project Manager where I managed the Kennards Self Storage, Bells Creek Stage 2, $4.8M project and BlueCare Acacia Gardens Aged Care Facility, Toowoomba worth $14M.”

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

“It is never too late to change careers.

I would encourage all women in the construction to never diminish their wealth of knowledge and experience, even as foreign to the industry as they might be, they should always harvest as much as possible all potential which can provide great benefit and result across the board.”

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

“Initially, I worked in a female-dominated field as a nurse/midwife in China where I’ve helped deliver more than 5000 babies before transitioning into a completely different career in construction while studying, balancing a family and full-time work. My English was not 100% proficient but coming to Australia in 2010, I was able to overcome language barriers to study and obtain my in a Master’s Degree in Project Management and Accounting with AIPM accreditation as a Project Manager.

I have a strong desire to make a difference to people’s lives by encouraging women to pursue a career in construction. I am proof this can happen, especially for those women who are looking at a career change. I have been fortunate to have excellent mentors who have guided me and I intend to do the same. While the industry is not without its challenges, I check in regularly with my work colleagues and have family support and a positive mindset.

At Total Construction Pty Ltd (TOTAL), we have many young female cadets who are studying and working and I hope to be an inspiration to them, demonstrating you can overcome cultural, language and family challenges.
I am fortunate to work at TOTAL where we have 16% women employed and the Executive Management Team are aiming to increase this to 25% participation by 2023. I have been able to be promoted from a Contract Administrator to a Project Manager role managing Aged Care and Commercial projects.”

What did you enjoy best about your degree? 

“It was great and fulfilling.”

Is there anything else you would like to share?

“I hope my answers will inspire female and male students as I thrive to lead by example.”

You can connect with Karen on LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-zhang-53811639/

Thank you Karen for sharing your story!

You can share your story here: https://forms.office.com/r/D3yEG8YStt