Written by Nambuwa Akafumba, Graduate Project Manager
Finding My Place in the Industry
Although I am not an engineer, my journey into the industry was quite simple. Like most 16 to 18-year-olds, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted my career to be, so I made a conscious decision to study broad subjects that would give me options later in life.
At university, I chose Construction Management because I knew I wanted to be part of the construction industry. However, I was still unsure in what capacity. It wasn’t until I spent time on-site during practicals and trips that I preferred a more office-based role. That’s what led me to project management at BWB, where I’ve found my career path.
Supporting Collaboration and Clear Communication
In my role, I’ve supported the utility department, even though I wasn’t officially part of the team, simply because I had the capacity to help. This extra collaboration meant more work could be completed on time and often ahead of schedule.
I also supported the Air Quality and Acoustic team while the principal consultant was on leave. This experience showed me how much information can get lost in translation, as everyone processes information differently.
When my colleague returned from annual leave, I worked with the whole team to review and share the knowledge gathered. Checking in at the projects’ start, middle, and end proved a fantastic way to ensure clarity and understanding for everyone involved.
My Proudest Achievement: Persevering Through Tough Times
My greatest achievement is completing my degree while battling depression. There were many times when I wanted to give up. Still, I pushed through and graduated, which made the accomplishment even more meaningful.
In the same year I graduated, I also secured my first industry job. But I recognise I didn’t do it alone. My incredible support system played a huge role — my tutor who encouraged me to return to my studies when I dropped out, my family who reassured me they would be proud as long as I tried my hardest, and Russell Smith and Tom Lane, and my manager Kyle Howard, from BWB who saw my potential and offered me my graduate role in project management.
Facing Imposter Syndrome as a Woman in Construction
With only about 15% of women working in construction and engineering, fitting in and proving yourself can be incredibly challenging. I was prepared to be a minority because I’ve often found myself in that position throughout my life. However, one of the biggest personal challenges I face is imposter syndrome.
Sometimes, I feel as though I don’t deserve to be here — that if I make a mistake, the veil will be lifted, and everything will be taken away. It’s a difficult mindset to overcome, but I constantly remind myself that I deserve to be here just as much as anyone else. We have all worked hard to reach where we are, and ultimately, our work speaks for itself.
Advice to My Younger Self and Future Women in the Industry
The main advice I would give is: stop comparing yourself to others. The only person you need to compare yourself to is your past self. As long as you’re improving, doing better than yesterday, and preparing for a better future, you are exactly where you should be.
Another important piece of advice is to stop being afraid of failure. Failure is necessary for growth — if you don’t fail, you don’t learn, and if you don’t learn, you stay stagnant. Allow yourself space to fail, so you can improve and grow stronger.