In 2019 Quantum Global Solutions welcomed new graduate Daniel Craig. to the Quantum Family after he graduated from #Glasgow Caledonian University. Over the past year he secured a position at Quantum as a Contractual/Commercial Engineer… boarded a plane for the Middle East… started working on construction mega-projects and… lived through a global pandemic!
As his first anniversary at Quantum approached, we thought we’d check in with our newest graduate to reflect on his first year.
What is one word you would use to describe the last year?
‘Real’ – In the context of work experience and my journey to Dubai, I can think of many words. But ‘real’ is that feeling and experience that I felt when I was invited over here. ‘Real’ is the independent journey I have made, leaving my family and friends to witness what life is like in another country and grow as a person. ‘Real’ is the career that I am building and the impressions I make on others. Life is real and I take it as it comes.
What is your academic background?
I graduated from Glasgow Caledonian University. with a degree in Construction Management in July 2019. I was involved in the Global Student Challenge. in 2018 and 2019 with three other team mates. Just before graduation we had achieved a place in the finals against five other teams from across the globe. The competition was hosted by the CIOB, of which I am a member of the NOVUS. committee, and over the course of a week multiple networking events were held flexibly between each round of the competition. We all had the opportunity to network with industry leaders and I believe that with the help of the competition and the networking opportunities, I found an employer who was willing to take me on!
What was the best piece of advice you were given during the past year?
‘Think Simple Stupid’ – Definitely a saying that has stuck with me. Similar to the Intelligent 10-year-old test, this saying is for those of us writing reports and the likes. The report must make sense, a story must be portrayed that is well understood and structured. When you get lost in the complexities of a construction claim, report, email or conversation, taking yourself out the box and looking down at the overall situation to describe simply what is, or has happened, is a skill despite how simple it may sound.
What advice would you give to new graduates starting their careers?
A few things:
- Listen and add value where you can:
Besides being sharp and keen, listen carefully. This is a time where we do not have as much experience as our colleagues. If you are like me and have no industry experience prior to employment, then you will be doing a lot of listening. Being part of a conversation where you do not understand the context can be common at first but soon you will pick up on terminologies and these are what you should ask about. - Be social:
Opportunities are everywhere, and the people you meet during your career form a very important network. You will hear of people and meet new people all the time and there is always somebody who knows somebody. So be aware of people’s knowledge and skills because there is something you can learn from everyone – be it politically, intellectually or socially. Being social also involves networking through CPD events and committees which is vital for recognition, training and ultimately business. #
In the past year we have seen and experienced the Black Lives Matter protests, global political tensions, Australian bushfires, global economic struggles (to name a few) and of course the viral Covid19 pandemic. We have experienced a turn of events that has forced everyone to adapt to certain limitations. As forward thinkers we need to seek ways to adapt to this ‘new normal’ and continue to move forward despite being pushed back.
Have you learnt any cultural lessons while working and living abroad?
Dubai is thriving with different cultures and I have met people from all over the world. One thing I have come to respect more is being well cultured – knowing the background of different cultures and countries, their characteristics and ways and means of life. Not to think generally but take it into account with respect. The UK, I would say, is multi-cultural but over here it is immersive.
What advice could you give to students facing challenges due to the pandemic?
I understand that students who have just graduated will be more concerned as employers have been letting people go as opposed to hiring new starts. It will take time for global economies to get back on their feet after a such dip in the market. However, graduates should use this time to set their goals: researching the field that they are thinking of pursuing and having an article or two to reference in an interview situation, come the time. There are plenty of webinars out there concerning the ‘Aftermath of Covid19’ on Linkedin and professional organisational websites such as the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), MEED Mashreq Industry Insight, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and BIMPLUS. Online courses are also good methods to keep intellectually occupied for a few hours a day and can help develop essential skills. Apart from that, simply develop your professional profile on Linkedin, prepare a striking CV and keep on with the job applications.
After graduation comes a larger dose of reality and to progress in the industry, you need to earn your stripes.
Read more about my post-graduate journey https://www.ciob.org/blog/global-student-challenge.
About Quantum Global Solutions
As a trusted partner to global construction contractors and developers, Quantum is one of the world’s leading independent construction claims and dispute avoidance consultancies.
With our solution-based philosophy we bring clarity, insight and professional experience to difficult construction disputes facilitating open discussions to reach an amicable resolution for both parties on contractual and commercial matters, dispute resolution, dispute avoidance, forensic planning and litigation support.
Our expert consultants specialise in mediation, arbitration and adjudication providing expert reports, expert opinion and testimony in matters of Quantum, Delay, Construction Management and Technical Review at cross examination under ICC rules at international arbitration.
In addition, our unique differentiators include our partnership with construction delay and disruption technology specialists, Construction Dynamics and Quantum Digital, our inhouse claims movies creative specialists bringing visual clarity to the most complicated construction problems.
Quantum is also strongly committed to sharing our industry knowledge and experience with our clients and through the Quantum Lecture Series provides online, team and one-to-one training to promote a non-adversarial approach to construction projects.
With over 200 consultants, Quantum works across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the USA, Australasia and Asia where it also works it partnership with Plus 3 and CCR.
Quantum is regulated by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and is an award-winning member of the communities we live and work through our CSR programme, Q-munity.