Quantity Surveyor
Name: Stephanie Tecli
Career stage: Mid-level - 5-10 years' experience
Working: Office
High School Subjects: Advanced English, Extension English, Modern History, Legal Studies, Extension History, SOR (Compulsory) , Mathematics
Favourite: Modern History and Extension History - interesting subject matter, strong focus on thesis writing and independent research
Further study: University
where and what: Construction Management and Property at UNSW
"During the HSC study period I watched endless episodes of Grand Designs and decided to pursue construction management."
the inside scoop…
What does a Quantity Surveyor actually do? We manage the cost of the project from the inception/concept phase where we determine the budget, through to design development where we manage costs all the way to construction where we assess on site works and variations in order to ensure the project is completed within the budget.
What does a day in your life at work look like? The best part about being a quantity surveyor is that no day is the same! All projects are at different stages, meaning some days I am in the office measuring a cost plan, some days we're in tender interviews and other days we're on site arguing variations and assessing progress claims. Quantity Surveying is the perfect balance of both office and site life.
What's the best part of your job? As previously stated, every day is different. You get to constantly work on so many projects at different stages across diverse sectors. I have worked on residential towers, hospitals, student accommodation, schools, all the way to redeveloping Cockatoo Island just to name a few. It's exciting being able to drive past one of your projects and get to point out that you worked on it (even if the role was small!). There is a good balance of site and office life, as well as a great work life balance in comparison to many other sectors of the construction industry.
What made you realise construction could be for you? I've always had an interest in property and construction coming from a family of tradies and project managers. During the HSC study period I watched endless episodes of Grand Designs and decided to pursue construction management.
Do you have any advice for young women picking a career? Pick something you find interesting and don't be deterred by stereotypes!
What would you tell your high school self about working in construction? Coming from an all girls school into a course where there were only 4 girls out of 150 boys, I would say be confident in your abilities and don't be afraid to speak up or ask questions. Everyone started from the bottom not knowing anything and even now after almost 8 years in construction I still have hundreds of questions and find myself learning something new everyday.
What's the best thing about working in construction? Great people, exciting projects, dynamic industry and the ability to say you've had an impact on the Sydney skyline in some way
Stephanie is open to engaging further via: Speaking at a high school, mentoring a student
If you'd like to enquire more, please email hello@tomorrowswomeninconstruction.com.au with the subject: "Stephanie Tecli engagement enquiry" and we'll pass your message on.