At Tim Kelly Group, we are committed to supporting the next generation of construction professionals. Each year, we welcome students across a range of disciplines to gain hands-on experience with our team.

This summer, we were joined by Leanne Rowlette, a Quantity Surveying student heading into her second year. Growing up with a farming background in the West of Ireland, from a young age Leanne knew she wanted to pursue a career in the construction industry. Here, Leanne shares her experience of working with us.

What was the most valuable thing you learned during your time with us?

The most valuable thing I learned during my time with Tim Kelly Group was how the principles I’m learning in college apply in a real-world setting, especially in relation to Mechanical and Electrical. I also got to see how budgeting live jobs works. We study a lot about budgeting in college, but this showed me how I can link it to live projects.

Which tasks or projects did you enjoy the most, and why?

I particularly enjoyed working on the weekly exchequer updates for the projects. They gave me a clearer picture of how project costs are tracked and managed in real time. It was interesting to see how labour, materials, and subcontractor costs were broken down and monitored.

Were there any parts of the role you found challenging? How did you approach them?

Since I have only completed my first year so far, there were some aspects still unfamiliar to me. I began to take notes on what was unfamiliar and figure out how each aspect works in the parts I was stuck on. This will help me when I go back to college. Over time I have become more confident and I have also started to pick things up a lot quicker. This will really benefit me in college and the future.

Did your experience here align with what you expected before starting?

Yes, I expected to be involved in some measurement and cost-related tasks, but I didn’t realise how much exposure I’d get to the day-to-day operations of a live project. I have gained a much clearer picture of what the role involves and how important teamwork and communication are.

Were there moments where you felt your perspective brought something different to the team?

Yes, I think coming in as a first-year QS student gave a fresh perspective. I was always curious and asked questions that sometimes sparked discussions or prompted the team to explain things in a different way.

How did you find working as part of the team?

Working as part of a team here was a positive experience for me. Everyone was approachable and willing to help me learn. I learned how a Quantity Surveyor fits into the wider project team and works alongside roles like the Project Managers, Safety Officer, and Foremen, which is so important for work to be carried out on sites, especially to stay within budget. I noticed how each person has their own responsibilities but are all still working together for the same end goal. Working here has shown me how important teamwork is when it comes to tight deadlines. Being part of a supportive team has made it more enjoyable and has me feeling positive about my future in Quantity Surveying.

Did you feel supported, and were you able to contribute your ideas?

Yes, I definitely felt supported here. I was also able to seek guidance whenever I needed it. If I was unsure, I was always shown how to do it until I was clear about the task. The guidance helped me to gain confidence and learn quicker.

Has this placement influenced how you see your career path in QS or construction?

It most definitely has. Working hands-on in a real industry environment has given me a valuable insight into Quantity Surveying. The learning experience has gone beyond what I have learned in lectures. I gained a clearer understanding of how a QS contributes to each stage of a project. I really enjoyed working within the Mechanical and Electrical Quantity Surveying sector. This experience has shown me that I chose the right future for myself as I truly enjoyed my time here.

What areas of QS work do you want to explore further in your studies or future roles?

I am interested in gaining more experience within the QS industry and getting to explore the ins and outs of it. I would love to deepen my understanding of projects from before they start right to the end. After I have finished my QS degree, I would love to proceed onto an MSc in Project Management for my final year of studies.

If you were advising another student, especially someone considering a career in a male-dominated field, what would you tell them?

If I were advising another student, especially someone considering a career in a male-dominated field like Quantity Surveying, I’d say go for it! If it’s something you want to do, you should never let gender stereotypes define your future. I never even thought twice about this degree, as I suppose I was brought up around farming too, which would also be considered a male-dominated field. You should always stay confident because I am sure there will be times where you may feel outnumbered and underestimated in a male-dominated career. You should ensure you get hands-on experience early. This summer gave me an insight into the industry and helped me link my learning to the real QS world.