Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager
Name: Kat Kaurila
Career stage: Senior - 10+ years' experience
Working: On Site
High School Subjects: English, Modern History, Ancient History, Drama, Maths
Favourite: History - I loved researching, writing and crafting an argument!
Further study: University
where and what: First UQ for Journalism but I switched part way to QUT Bachelor of Business (Public Relations Major)
"You don’t need to do maths and science to have a career in construction. It’s all about the skills of teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking."
the inside scoop…
What does a Communications and Stakeholder Engagement Manager actually do? We tell the stories about the project - how it’s built, why - and connect with the public - residents, businesses, motorists etc who are impacted by the construction works.
What does a day in your life at work look like? Pre start on site, planning meetings with engineering teams, phone calls and meetings with residents, drafting collateral, occasionally media events with politicians.
What's the best part of your job? Being a part of large multi disciplinary teams and seeing massive roads, bridges and highways get built knowing I was part of it.
What made you realise construction could be for you? While I was at uni I loved working in PR but I wanted to be in an industry that I knew nothing about to challenge me - so I figured health or infrastructure. I started my career working at the State Government Transport and Main Roads Department.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? You don’t need to do maths and science to have a career in construction. It’s all about the skills of teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking.
What's the best thing about working in construction? Working with great people - I’ve met some of my best friends in the industry. It’s very welcoming and fun to meet so many people from diverse backgrounds, careers and roles who work together to achieve an outcome.
Tell us about your journey starting a family whilst working in construction. Not easy (IVF) but I was really supported through the whole process. The industry is changing and becoming a lot more flexible to meet the needs of people and families.
Kat is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school
If you'd like to enquire more, please email hello@tomorrowswomeninconstruction.com.au with the subject: "Kat Kaurila engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.
