Internship Success - Navadeep

What's your placement about?

My employer does project management works for clients. Usually, work involves project documentation, development of applications and handling of construction documentation.

My role is to assist with the project and the project team, helping them to achieve their goals in time. I perform, make meeting minutes, create action plans, manage construction documents, prepare a scope of works, prepare tender packages, write contracts, and issue contracts. Most of the time I use Procore (Creative Vision’s project Management Tool), it is easy to use and is seamless. We work with an array of consultants, I coordinate with them to produce the desired outcome.

What's your background?

I grew up in India, I went to English medium schools. I studied for a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. While in my bachelor’s, I worked as a cadet to gain experience. During my last semester, I decided to study for a master’s. Straight away after my bachelor's, I got into Deakin University to do my master’s. My bachelor’s took 4 years and this was a crucial time for me. I have gained exposure, and general knowledge, read about economies and countries and learned about construction. Finally, I made a decision to settle in Australia. I wasted my 1-year post master’s due to Covid so I should actually have been a year ahead in my career. Now, I am in a position to settle and start my career in the construction industry.

Could someone with a different background do your placement?

Maybe yes, I am assisting the project team so this can also be done by someone who has different education like Business or Computer Science. But, because the projects are related to construction, someone with a construction background will ace it. For example, I can read, markup construction drawings, and understand building codes but someone with a different background will lag behind.

Management skills, computer knowledge, MS Office, communication and negotiation skills. Core skills required are reading and interpreting plans, contract management, estimation and knowledge of construction materials.

What's the coolest thing about your placement?

The thing I love most about this placement is my involvement, I get involved in all the tasks. The task I enjoy the most is Tendering & Contracts. The moment I see or relate everyday tasks in the internship that are similar to those tasks that co-workers do, I feel I am on the right career path.

What are the limitations of your placement?

Obviously, not all companies pay for internships. You have to support your living by working on weekends.

Depending on the internship/role, the decision-making and critical thinking are limited and it took me some time to figure out how to work in a new environment.

3 pieces of advice for your university self?

• Always have continuous professional development, and network with organisations.
• I learnt to save money, what’s saved is more important than what is earned.
• Always look ahead, self-manage and do priority things first.