I’m Lindi, a first-year Property Fast Streamer. Here’s a little about me and my experience on the Fast Stream so far. Hope you enjoy it!😊

Before the Fast Stream:

I studied BSc Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management at Loughborough University. As part of my degree I also undertook a placement year working with a main contractor in London. I applied for the Fast Stream during my final year because I was eager to be involved in driving meaningful change and contributing to impactful projects.

Current Department/Job Title: 

I am currently working for the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) as an Assistant Project Manager for the DEFRA group property build team. Currently, I’m managing a project in Nottingham that involves consolidating teams from two separate offices into one location, while managing a refurbishment of the new office space.

Training and Qualifications:

I’m currently working on my APC to achieve MRICS and become a chartered surveyor through the project management pathway. I was given the option to study under other pathways such as commercial real estate and there was also an option to explore a role in Facilities Management (FM) route, but I chose to go with the project management RICS pathway because it was closely related to my degree and aligned with my future career aspirations.

Quick intro to a Day in the Life of the Role: 

As a project manager in construction, no two days are the same. Your role and responsibilities can vary greatly depending on the project’s stage or lifecycle but here’s a quick overview of what I do.

·       Support the senior project manager daily with various tasks such as preparing reports, tracking project milestones, and managing schedules. Provide updates on project progress, help address any issues that arise, and take on tasks as needed to ensure smooth project execution.

·       Organise and facilitate project board meetings, ensuring they are productive and focused. Actively engage with stakeholders, address their concerns, and ensure their feedback is integrated into project planning and execution.

·       Liaise with contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers, schedule and conduct meetings to review design specifications, programme requirements, and performance issues. Ensure that all parties understand their roles and responsibilities and address any discrepancies or challenges that arise.

·       Manage the project mailbox by sorting and prioritizing incoming emails, ensuring that all correspondence is addressed promptly.

·       Attend monthly progress meetings on-site with external stakeholders like contractors and consultants.

·       Prepare detailed commissions and work orders for contractors and suppliers, outlining the scope of work, expectations, and deadlines.

·       Share risk assessments with the project team and stakeholders and discuss mitigation strategies to address and minimise risks.

·       Raise purchase orders and ensure timely payments to suppliers and contractors.

·       Review design packs to ensure they meet project requirements and standards. Provide constructive feedback to designers and other stakeholders and share revised design documents with the project team to facilitate informed decision-making and approvals.

·       Continuously monitor and assess the project program to ensure that timelines and milestones are being met.

What I enjoy about my role: 

The best part of the role has been getting to know and work with a diverse group of contractors, consultants, and stakeholders. It’s shown me just how crucial good relationships and people skills are in this field. Plus, I love that every day brings something new—whether it’s a fresh challenge or learning something different—and seeing the project evolve is really rewarding.

Top Tip:

My top tip when applying for the Fast Stream is to really get to know the values and behaviours of the civil service—these are key to your everyday work. Look into their main initiatives and see what policies or projects they’re focusing on right now. This will help you show that you’re passionate about public service and eager to contribute to their mission. And remember, confidence is key! No matter your background, they’re looking for diverse personalities and perspectives.

This blog was originally published in the July edition of the Fast Stream Social Mobility Networks Interview Series.