Construction Cadet
Name: Ankita Gupta
Career stage: Early career - less than 5 years' experience
Working: On site, Office
High School Subjects: Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Informatics Practice, English
Favourite: English was my favourite subject. It provided me with the space to connect with myself and was the perfect break from my bulky science subjects.
Further study: University
where and what: I pursued an undergrad in Architecture from Navrachana Unviversity,with my focus on urban design and studying the connection of culture and built environment. Then after a year of practicing, I pursued a double Masters in Construction Project Management and Property & Development from UNSW.
"Growing up I was always fascinated by tall buildings and how the built environment played an important role in one's life."
the inside scoop…
What does a Construction Cadet actually do? I rotate across projects for 4 months at a time and learn one larger skill under construction. So far I have done Site Management, Design Management and now I am rotating as a Contracts Administrator.
What does a day in your life at work look like? I walk into the office at 8:30am, greet my co-workers, then go to my desk and log-in. I go through my tasks for the day which involves some administrative work like uploading files, completing forms etc, then work on construction management plans and procurement works for the project. Take an hour's break and complete my task reviews. I do have an occasional meeting throughout the day but otherwise most of my tasks are independent.
What's the best part of your job? I love the learning outcomes that the role offers. I get to learn about the different roles in construction in a hands-on manner by getting involved with the project team and under mentorships.
What made you realise construction could be for you? Growing up I was always fascinated by tall buildings and how the built environment played an important role in one's life. This curiosity was further developed by my aunt, one of the 4 female civil engineers involved in the construction of on one of India's most significant dams. Later in my early teenage years, I had the pleasure of meeting one of the coolest urban designer and professor (who would then become my first mentor) and was blown away by the active contribution her work made to the society. The very small built injections she worked with, targeted social fabric transformations and those interactions helped me make the decision to pursue architecture.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? I would tell her that every day at work would feel like a new day. With construction being dynamic, the tasks or problems you work on every day is also dynamic. This just means you never get bored, and you rarely do the same thing over.
What's the best thing about working in construction? unlike most professions, what you work on- on paper, actually gets built! Seeing the lines you draw get built in reality and get used by people is the best thing about this work.unlike most professions, what you work on, on paper, actually gets built! Seeing the lines you draw get built in reality and get used by people is the best thing about this work.
What's something that surprised you about working in construction? I was apprehensive about opting to work in construction because of how I always heard it was a male dominated industry and was afraid I wouldn't be heard or given the same platform. But that's not necessarily the case always. Most people around you will let you thrive and in the occasional 'not' you will have people stand-up with you and make sure you are heard.
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