Ross Willey, Graduate Cost Consultant, London
Where did you study and what first attracted you to EC Harris?
Just before enrolling at Reading University, EC Harris offered to sponsor me via the Inspire Scholarship Scheme, run by Construction Skills. Working across sectors, with great people, on exciting projects during my summer placements really supported my academic development and is the reason why I decided to develop my professional career here.
What is your current role and what are its main responsibilities?
As a Graduate Cost Consultant, I’m principally responsible for supporting the project surveyors with the services and deliverables we develop for clients. I’ve also chaired meetings, issued information to clients and, more recently, provided support to new members of the team.
Tell us a bit about a project where you’ve learned a great deal.
Working with the asset owners of the St Pancras – Channel Tunnel High Speed Railway (HS1) enabled me to expand my knowledge into the operational management of an asset. My commercial awareness has improved greatly and being seconded to the client office has enabled me to work closely with the client on a daily basis.
Talk us through what you might do on a typical day
Every day will consist of different tasks which keeps things interesting. These include cost planning activities, measurement and estimating activities, price negotiations with contractors and client cost reporting. Working alongside people within my team, speaking with other design consultants on a project to produce a cost plan or agreeing a monthly valuation with a contractor after a site visit are just some of the other activities I might perform.
How has EC Harris supported your training and development?
Internal APC workshops held throughout the year have facilitated my development from a technical perspective. Attending a workshop on the NEC contract was extremely useful for me as a new graduate joining the transportation sector. Additionally, being tasked with the scary prospect of presenting a research project to members of the board was a great opportunity to develop my presentation skills and has given me greater self confidence.
What qualities do you need to be successful at EC Harris?
There are new opportunities and projects arising regularly and the most suitable project for your role may change. Flexibility and mobility are therefore important qualities to have. Good networking skills will enable you to gain an understanding of what different people do and who the best person to speak to is if you spot a problem or potential opportunity.
What’s surprised you most about working at EC Harris?
No matter what sector or service line people work in, they are all really friendly and easy to get on with.
What are the most important/noticeable aspects of its culture?
The organisational culture is about sharing knowledge and expertise across services and sectors. The matrix structure and the open office layout means there are no barriers to communication and you can quite easily speak to Partners and other teams in different sectors who will find time to support you.
Have you enjoyed any social activities at EC Harris?
Playing “Urban Golf” with the teams in the transportation sector was great fun and the “big quiz of the year” held in the office is also very entertaining.
Where do you see yourself in five years time?
In five years’ time, I’d like to be responsible for a number of projects and start to take on the role of a team leader, providing support to new graduates enrolling on the APC