Meet Pavan - AUT Construction Management Graduate

We meet Pavan, AUT Master of Construction Management Graduate who shares his journey from international student to working on some of Auckland’s largest construction projects as Project Coordinator with Fletcher Reinforcing.

What do you study? Why did you choose to study this?

After completing my undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering, I discovered I was good at the technical part of the business and was pulled towards the management part. Therefore, I decided to study my Masters in Construction Management at AUT.

What is your current role?

My current role is Project Coordinator with Fletcher Reinforcing.

Could you share with us how did you get this role? What did the recruitment process involve?

I had some overseas experience in the construction field but when I arrived in New Zealand I was able to look at this area completely fresh.

I started with general construction labour with Allied Work Force (AWF) while I was doing my Masters (and that’s where the point of curvature started happening) and  I learnt the practicality of the New Zealand (NZ) construction industry.

From my Masters I was taught to become a project manager whilst I was working as a labourer. I never said no to labouring jobs and worked hard. I worked with more than 25 NZ construction companies as a general casual labourer and got to experience their compliance of work and process.

After completing my Masters, my LinkedIn profile helped me get the attention of NZ construction companies. I started getting calls and messages via LinkedIn, I was chosen to start at Fletcher Reinforcing as a QA-Team Leader but after my review, I got promoted to a Project Coordinator for one of Auckland’s iconic structures.

What are some of the projects you are working on at the moment?

New Zealand Convention Centre (NZICC) and the Hobson Street Hotel (HSH).

What has the last 12 months been like for you since leaving university?

University has taught me so much on how to face challenges, how to survive, how to be happy, how to overcome difficulties and how to utilise your strengths

What are key tips do you have for new graduates starting out in their careers?

Hard work is the way to do it. Getting New Zealand work experience is vital to get into construction industry. It doesn’t matter where you start, it matters how you find a way to stand out.

What are you enjoying most about your current role?

More challenges, getting more opportunities to learn about new things. Working with some of the greatest construction site managers in NZ is what I dreamt of.

Could you share what you tips you learnt about applying for jobs?

Make your CV unique. Try to polish you LinkedIn profile. Apply for jobs which are suitable for you. Never lose hope for what you are looking for.

Where would you like your career to take you?

I would like to see myself as a Project Manager in 3-4 years of time and be someone who is desirable for a company and to do justice to the role.