Cost Consultant Assistant Review

My day-to-day role does vary. Currently I am on one project and based on-site. My role involves assessing/valuating compensation events, carrying out measures, tracking compensation event progress, supporting the cost team wherever possible as well as the Mace site team. I also attend meetings wherever possible with contractors, client and designers.

Since I have started at Mace, I have learnt and developed a lot of skills. However, currently skill development seems slow. I have developed both technical/job specific skills as well as core skills. Technical skills includes cost plans, BIM measures, M and E measures and Excel. Core skills include communication and problem solving.

I am somewhat enjoying the programme, although I can find myself fairly bored. I do enjoy being under pressure and working in those environments, however I seem to not be finding that and therefore seem to struggle finding enjoyment in the programme.

The programme is well organised and structured thanks to the emerging talent/apprentice team at Mace. The programme is for 5 years. While working throughout the week, we have one day release for university and then once the programme is done we should have a degree and five years experience and be looking at sitting our RICS APC soon after.

The support at Mace is fairly good. I do have a really supportive line manager, who is very helpful to learn from. However, I am not on any projects with them.

We get the one day release for the university term. When we have an exam, we are only allowed one study day which has to be before the exam. Apart from the strict culture on study leave, colleagues, managers etc are happy to help and offer advice and ways to improve on assignments etc.

The qualification I am currently working towards is a Quantity Surveying Degree. The qualification is extremely useful for my role. Of course in the practical world, a few things are completely different. However, the qualification gives a great foundation/basis on how to successfully carry out roles/responsibilities as a quantity surveyor.

There are multiple extra curricular activities to be involved with. Mace put on loads of volunteering, groups, team working days, networking and sport activities all in house. In addition to that, there is additional professional networking or learning/CPD events put together by other companies, but mainly chartering bodies such as the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors and the Chartered Institute of Building.

No

Currently at the moment no. Mace was a great place, but because of certain members leaving and taking others with them, it has pushed our region slightly down in our sector. In addition to that, we needed to recruit fast as people were leaving to ensure all current and future projects could be managed, however, this has lead to a few bad eggs getting into the company.

Make sure you have done research on the company, so you are aware of our goals, values and previous projects we have completed and ones we are currently working on - for projects try and pick ones that you like, rather then just picking the biggest ones we have completed. Be confident and take your time with everything. Be yourself!