Cost Planner
Name: Claudia Muller
Career stage: Early career - less than 5 years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Advanced Maths, Advanced English, PE, French, Religion
Favourite: French and Maths, each of these subjects opened a part of my brain that I loved using. Although I found maths challenging I kind of loved that aspect; I always knew I would find a way that I understood the problem. It didn’t always have to be the exact same way another student learnt but a way that I understood. I still find this applicable to many learning and problem solving situations now
Further study: University
where and what: UTS Bachelor of Construction Project Management and Bachelor of Arts in International Studies
"Thinking how much I now understand about how construction works, and how I do my job is actually pretty insane!"
the inside scoop…
What does a Cost Planner actually do? Working in the new business sector to “win the work”. When we are approached to put an offer in for a job, as a cost planner we delve into the documents and try to understand everything involved from a cost perspective, as best we can, with the input of the external subcontractors and consultants. We also analyse the risk and opportunity in the job, and submit, in line with the contract, our financial offer for the project - how much we think it will cost to build. This is a simplified description and the role can encompass a wide variety of activities depending on the job and team.
What does a day in your life at work look like? I’m based in the Head office. When working on a tender, my day might start with a team meeting, checking in on status of the tender and team activities. I would then be rating up the Bill of Quanities, doing checks on the measures, and speaking to subcontractors regarding their pricing, asking them questions and ensuring they have priced the right scope. Again understanding the risk and opportunity, where is it and how are we managing it. I try to go to the gym of an evening to end the day, with a work colleague if I’m lucky!
What's the best part of your job? The stuff I know now! Thinking how much I now understand about how construction works, and how I do my job is actually pretty insane!
What made you realise construction could be for you? My dad worked in construction as a Quantity Surveyor. This opened my mind up to the potential that I could study construction too. I went to the open day and thought "yep I can do that!"
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Trust yourself. No one knows you better than you know yourself. You can do anything.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? You know way more than you think you do. When self doubt creeps in, remember, not always are the loudest people or the quickest to respond the smartest people in the room. Those who question, reflect and consider are often the smarter people in the room :)
Tell us about balancing work with your other interests, or family. I have felt supported in maintaining this balance and keeping boundaries in place. For example we have "flee by 3" days, we have a well-being allowance and well-being days. We are encouraged to look after our mental and physical well-being and I’m not afraid to leave work on time and go to the gym or head home if I know I can call it a day!
Claudia is open to engaging further via: Mentoring a student.
If you'd like to enquire more, please email hello@tomorrowswomeninconstruction.com.au with the subject: "Claudia Muller engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.
