Company: OSCO Construction Group, Strescon Ltd

Position: project manager

Employed: one year

Where did you go to school? What program did you attend?
UNB Saint John and Fredericton, engineering program.

What drew you to your current field?
My father is an electrical engineer. I excelled in technical subjects and enjoyed taking anything mechanical apart. Knowing the degree would allow access to a broad range of careers made it an obvious choice.

How did you find your current position?
Growing up in the Maritimes I had always been aware of OSCO Construction Group's work. Knowing that, and wanting to be a part of it, I actively sought employment with the OSCO Construction Group upon graduation.

What are your responsibilities?
Project managers with Strescon Limited see projects through from start to finish. When we begin a project I am involved with the in-house design and detailing, the manufacturing of precast or pre-stressed components at our plant, as well as the erection of the components through contractors and builders. I delegate, coordinate and organize using a diverse set of skills in order to complete projects on time and within budget.

What is the most challenging aspect of your position?
An important aspect of my job is collaborating with the contractors, architects, and owners. Coordinating with and through people from such a diverse range of backgrounds requires a high level of people management skills. Also, everyone's requirements are critical, so learning to balance the needs of many while staying focused on the larger task at hand is challenging.

What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Our work is usually large and visually impressive and when it all comes together it is very rewarding. Making the last connection and seeing the last piece of a project fitting into place gives us all a great sense of accomplishment.

What skills have you learned through your work experience?
Within my first month I had started a Cement Association of Canada course on concrete principles and practice. I had little training in civil engineering, but 13 months into my career with Strescon Limited I have a stronger grasp of the field. I came in with limited experience reading precast drawings; today I would consider myself competent. This spring I will be taking my first module towards becoming a certified project management professional, all through the support of Strescon Limited.

What do you think it takes to be successful in this career?
Attention to detail, on-the-spot prioritizing of competing demands for time and resources with little room for indecision, and being able to work within constraints without limiting the quality of your work.

Is there one accomplishment you are particularly proud of?
We are rewriting the job description for project manager at Strescon Limited, by implementing new and innovative processes and documenting and standardizing our proven successes. I give credit to our management team who has given me and the other project managers the ownership, accountability, and ability to do this.

What are your future career aspirations?
There are countless opportunities within my company so I have never limited myself to a single 'dream' or ideal position. I am looking forward to obtaining my professional engineer designation in the short-term. Otherwise, I will know that whatever I want to do, I can do here.

What advice do you have for students looking to land their first job?
Don't compromise. Find a job that uses the skills you've acquired and will challenge you to broaden your range of skills as you grow. jp
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