Project Coordinator
Name: Prishny Sunnasy
Career stage: Early career - less than 5 years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Mathematics, Business, French literature, Accounting
Favourite: I love the aspect of this subject. I’ve learnt a lot about management and decision making.
Further study: University
where and what: Western Sydney University. Course: Bachelor of construction management honours
“You already know deep down what you’re meant to be doing. Make the right choice NOW not later.”
the inside scoop…
What does a Project Coordinator actually do? I help project managers to manage their projects. It can be overwhelming when they have to manage multiple projects at the same time so I give them a hand for now and am learning how to manage projects professionally. You learn a lot about different aspects of the industry and meet so many people … from architects to engineers to site managers and even tenants. It is mostly a teamwork type of job where you will always have to work with many people and this makes it exiting and lively.
What does a day in your life at work look like? I am mainly based in the office and from time to time I go on site to see the progress of our projects. It’s exiting to see the evolution of each project. I make programs which mainly look at the timeframe that projects will take. I have to deal with subcontractors and manage numerous documents that are required for a project to happen… it can be council permits or traffic management plans as well as WHSEQ documents( work health and safety, environment and quality). It is important to be organised so that you are on track with everything that is going on.
What's the best part of your job? You learn so much every single day. The next step in my career would be to become a project manager eventually but right now I’m learning the main aspects of construction so that when I get my own projects, I can nail them! I love the fact that I work with so many people making it always adventurous and a good experience.
What made you realise construction could be for you? It is an ever growing industry and there is so much to learn from. I can say that it is a challenging industry for a girl to work in due to the fact that it is a male-dominated industry but it motivates me to prove anyone who think that women cannot work in such environments wrong.
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? You got this ! Nothing is impossible in life if you work hard enough to achieve it. Being a young woman in the construction industry can be advantageous and you need to use it to your advantage. Show them how good you are and how capable you can help the industry as a young woman.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? At the end of the day, you have to pick something that you love. Never follow the crowd ! Follow your gut… what you love… your passion. It can be anything - psychology, cookery, teaching , music, construction. You are the master of your journey. Make the choice for you and not for anyone else. You already know deep down what you’re meant to be doing. Make the right choice NOW not later.
Tell us about balancing work with your other interests, or family. You will realise that at some point in your career, you will feel like you don’t have any social life which is a very important thing which contributes to your mental health. It is important to not only work but have fun as well. Spare time to meet friends and family. Do not let your world revolve around work only. It can get very lonely if you don’t manage your life properly.
Prishny is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school, Mentoring a student.
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