Senior Project Manager
Name: Daisy Muljono
Career stage: Mid-level - 5-10 years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Chemistry, Biology, Extension 1 Maths, Advanced English, VET Accounting
Favourite: Chemistry and Biology were my favorite subjects, because I could directly relate what I was learning to the real world. I loved learning about materials, structures, understanding how living things interact with their environment, and solving real life problems.
Further study: University
where and what: At the end of high school, I chose to go to University to study Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering. After 2 years, I decided to combine my degree with Project Management.
"I realised “construction” was more than brick and mortar. It brings together people with different strengths and expertise to create or transform places where people live, learn, work and play."
the inside scoop…
What does a Project Manager actually do? No two days are the same. Depending on the project we are working on, we could be: planning works, negotiating with Authorities to get approvals for the project, identifying risks that could impact the project, tracking costs against the budget, updating the schedule based on actual progress, meeting with other experts to solve issues that arise, reporting, advising our clients on any decisions that are needed to keep the project moving, or on site inspecting the works.
What does a day in your life at work look like? A typical day as a Project Manager would entail a lot of comms, whether it be on the phone, via emails or in meetings. We could be out on site in the morning meeting with the builder, do a walk around identifying any issues. Then we would go back to the office and prepare actions arising out of the meeting, whether it be formalising instructions, approvals and writing meeting / inspection reports. On other days we could be spending more time strategising with our team on how best to handle a situation or having design coordination meetings, risk workshops and processing payments.
What's the best part of your job? Seeing your project come to life.
What made you realise construction could be for you? I never considered the construction industry as a career choice in high school, nor was it presented to me as an option. At the same time, the stigma around construction was that it was long hours, messy and dirty. I started my career as an Assistant Project Manager, where I realised “construction” was more than brick and mortar. It brings together people with different strengths and expertise to create or transform places where people live, learn, work and play.
What's the best thing about working in construction? It’s a dynamic line of work, requiring a lot of different skills from being able to read plans, decipher cost reports or negotiating conditions with Authorities or contracts with suppliers, problem solving and communication.
What are you excited about in terms of sustainability in construction? Integration of buildings with IT - smart buildings, connectivity. Sustainability-centred design.
What's the best thing about working in construction? It’s a dynamic line of work, requiring a lot of different skills from being able to read plans, decipher cost reports or negotiating conditions with Authorities or contracts with suppliers, problem solving and communication.
Daisy is open to engaging further via: Mentoring a student
If you'd like to enquire more, please fill out the form below with the subject name: "Daisy Muljono" and we'll pass your message on.