APM South Wales and West of England Network's showcase at the University of West England

On the 27th of November, emerging project professional and South West of England and Wales Association of Project Management (APM) network member Marielle Salom spoke at the University of West England to students studying engineering and project management.  

The event kicked off with Robin Carter-Evans providing an introduction on APM, the profile of the project progression and the work of the Regional Networks. The floor was then handed over to Marielle to share her career story, starting off with exploring what a project manager actually goes through and the typical tasks that project managers undertake. Marielle then showcased her journey from Australia to the UK, including her passion for sport and prior work experience to her current job.  

Showing the progression from university to her first engineering job to her current role was important to demonstrate the ‘slow burn’ of establishing yourself in the project profession and when working internationally. Marielle provided insight into the UK GHD Project Management Office, including the split between North of England, South of England and the operations / project controls team, as well as the range of services GHD provides through the PMO including contract management, project and programme management. Going back a step, Marielle spoke about her starting with GHD in Melbourne, Australia as a project management intern and her expectations versus the reality of working at an engineering consultancy.  

Marielle’s top tips include: 

1. Getting involved and putting yourself out there. 
2. Go out to a project site whenever you can to see projects being brought to life. 
3. Networking is key, and as important (if not more) as working hard. 
4. Explore the business you want with as much as you can. 

Marielle wishes somebody told her: 

1. Make as many mistakes as you can earlier than later in your career. 
2. Enthusiasm and energy are just as important as technical knowledge. 
3. Asking questions is the best way to learn. 

Marielle provided an overview of the projects she has worked on and shared an ‘international project spotlight’ on the Kāinga Ora Retrofit Public Housing Programme that she had the opportunity to work on in New Zealand. Key lessons learnt included being agile and adaptable particularly during a time of the pandemic, sharing knowledge across borders and learning how to support a team remotely.  

Concluding the event, a panel consisting Jipin Jomon (Senior Project Manager, BAE Systems)", Gary Mainwaring (Cyber Project Manager, Airbus) and Marielle Salom (Project Manager, GHD) answered a variety of questions from the university students, including sharing of experiences working internationally, insight into the project management industry and networking tips.  

If you’re interested in learning more what projects GHD is working on, below are some articles that touch on the UK’s first new reservoir in 30 years and their ongoing collaboration with Galliford Try on the Storm Spill Reduction Programme; both projects Marielle has had the opportunity to work on or lead from GHD’s side.  

GHD details ‘meticulously planned and executed’ civils at Havant Thicket reservoir 

Galliford Try commended at this year’s ICE EMMAs | Galliford Try 

 

You may also be interested in:

• Join the network today 
• Project management training and qualifications
• APM South Wales and West of England Network: Essentials of a good PMO