Architect / Project Manager
Name: Angela Collings
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Art, Graphics (Technical Drawing), Drama, English, Advanced Maths, Japanese
Favourite: Art - because I could follow my own rules.
Further study: TAFE
where and what: I went to TAFE straight out of school (Southbank Institute of TAFE), then onto University (QUT)
"A career is a marathon - if you don't like what you are doing, no amount of money is going to make it better."
the inside scoop…
What does an Architect/Project Manager actually do? I work on large building project for education institutions - I lead the Architectural teams on these large projects, generally multiple projects & teams at the same time. I interface with the clients and stakeholders and manage the project teams day-to-day.
What does a day in your life at work look like? I'll start with a typical Monday. First thing, I recap on the previous week. Then look at the week ahead, and start planning critical task list for my projects/team. I also look ahead in the Programs for each project, and compile an agenda for the Project Teams Meetings that will happen Monday morning. Before the first Project Team meeting starts - I make a coffee (very important). I catch-up with each of my teams - we go through the Hit-List for the week, and the look ahead. And have every team member share what they hope to achieve that week (personal or professional). Client meetings - normally come about from Tuesday onwards. As with Site meetings. Mondays are generally kept for internal meetings.
What's the best part of your job? The people - working with different people, learning from others, mentoring / coaching others.
What made you realise construction could be for you? While I was at TAFE studying Diploma of Building Design & Technology. I wasn't sure what I wanted to do out of school, but I enjoyed Art and Graphics, so I attended the TAFE course to see what it was about.
What's something that surprised you about working in construction? The multitude of career pathways available. I started in Architecture (technically I still am an Architect), but the diverse roles within Architecture itself are surprising.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Think about what you like doing, and/or something that you're good at, and go from there. A career is a marathon - if you don't like what you are doing, no amount of money is going to make it better.
Who has inspired you in your career? The people I work with - those I've worked with in the past (early career) and those I work with now.
Angela is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school.
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