Remi Morgan: Commercial Management Trainee
Remi Morgan joined Wates with a degree in Biochemistry after several years working in the leisure industry. He is now working for our Living Space business as a Commercial Management Trainee and studying an MSc in Quantity Surveying.
Remi explains what first attracted him to surveying and why it might be right for you…..
What attracted you to the Commercial Management Trainee Scheme at Wates?
I graduated from Uni not really knowing what I wanted to do, and after spending the first few years of my career in leisure management, I decided that I wanted to enter a profession that would challenge me and further my learning and professional skills. I was aware of a friend who was a surveyor and it seemed like he was enjoying a good quality of life with real developmental support and good long- term prospects.
Joining Wates made perfect sense as I wanted some fulfilment in my job and I liked the idea that I would be contributing something to society, i.e. through the built environment. It appeared that there were few limitations in the industry and you could progress as far as you wanted if you were willing to put in the work.
What have you most enjoyed about the trainee scheme so far?
Probably the training days and the team building events that we have been involved in. We have been on residential courses involving lots of activities, which have given me a good chance to get to know my trainee colleagues and network with different divisions of the company.
What have been some of the challenges?
I would probably say balancing work commitments, personal life and academic studies. Studying an MSc in Quantity Surveying whilst settling in to a new job and still trying to maintain a decent work/ home life balance. My first project with Wates has been a very challenging job and has faced many different issues. Making sure the project met the client hand-over deadline has been a big challenge.
What advice do you have for other graduates who might be considering a career in the construction industry?
It is not your typical 9-5 and you will be required to put a lot of effort in, however it is an industry with plenty of room to develop with good opportunities for progression. There are a large number of employees in the construction industry who are studying for further professional qualifications, and at Wates this is supported financially and with time off for study.
If you are like I was and are not sure what you want to do when you graduate, I would definitely recommend construction as there are a variety of disciplines within the industry that you can enter from surveying to design to site/project management. It is a good idea to speak to as many people in the industry as possible to gain a good understanding of what is involved, and a strong background knowledge can only help you when it comes to employment.