Then and now: How studying at Scott's prepared me for my project management career

I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Scott Sutherland School of Architecture & Built Environment and feel that it has had a huge impact on both my personal and professional life.

Studying at RGU allowed me the opportunity to personally grow and push me out of my comfort zone in many different ways. During my BSc (Hons) and MSc courses, group working was key to creating a successful project which allowed me to work closely with a range of students who I’d not met before. This meant working with a range of different personalities and learning to work to people’s strengths, which is part of my everyday life as a project manager.

The modules covered within these courses prepared me for professional life by teaching real world knowledge which was easily transferable into my job straight from university.

RGU also offers a wide range of social society’s which was a great way to meet people in a new city and learn a new hobby or skill. Throughout my time at RGU I was involved in the ski and photography societies, which I still have a keen interest in today.

Fast forward to present day, I am a senior project manager at AECOM where my projects have ranged from private high-end mixed-use and residential developments to RAF airfields.

After leaving RGU, I was able to obtain a place on the AECOM graduate development programme within their London office. The knowledge and skills that I learnt at RGU gave me a huge advantage in progressing my career at AECOM, as the modules covered within my BSc and MSc degrees aligned to the real-world practices.

My MSs course was also accredited by RICS, CIOB and CABE which not only demonstrates the high standard of teaching provided at the university but also allowed me to achieve my Chartered Member status with the RICS; a massive achievement in my career.