Measuring Up
From the lab to an earthworks site, taking opportunities has led to an exciting new career direction for Jessica Pak.
You have a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences, but now work for JFC as a Quantity Surveyor…what attracted you to construction?
When I began working for JFC as a PA I knew nothing about construction, but after a few months I started to get really interested in the industry. Someone mentioned becoming a Quantity Surveyor to me and I had no idea what it was. But then I found out a bit more about it, and it really piqued my interest. Now I have a qualification in quantity surveying and with the current boom, there’s no better time to be in construction.
What do you like most about working for JFC?
Definitely the people and the environment. Everyone here is really supportive and the culture is great, we have a lot of fun. JFC has really supported me to get my qualification, including assisting with study costs and enabling me to have time out to attend lectures and do study.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I really enjoy learning and as I am still relatively new to this, I learn new things every day about the construction industry and how things are built.
What are the main challenges?
Learning is both my greatest joy and my greatest challenge; it can be frustrating at times when there are gaps in your knowledge. There is so much to learn about how things are built, why they are constructed a certain way, the cost of certain materials and so on. Sometimes I have to stand back and remind myself that I am still new to this and that it’s okay to ask questions. Fortunately, everyone is really helpful and willing to share their knowledge.
These things always change, but what are your long-term career aspirations?
In the long term, I’m keen to move into project management.
What sort of projects have you been involved in?
I’ve been lucky enough to assist in a variety of projects in the past 18 months – a new subdivision development, hardscape works at Ormiston Junior College, an upgrade to Freyberg Place and the Ellen Melville Building.