Tamsin joined Mace’s human resources team in September 2015 after working for a recruitment agency. After almost a year as part of the emerging talent team, she is now about to embark on an even bigger challenge as she makes the move away from people into project management. Tamsin will be starting the Mace Graduate Development Programme and can’t wait to get stuck in and learn a whole set of new skills.
How did your career lead you to Mace?
I graduated in French and Spanish but I didn’t want to be a teacher or a translator so fell into a job in recruitment just to tide me over. I realised quite quickly that cold call recruitment wasn’t for me so started to broaden my options. I started looking at jobs in human resources and this was when I found Mace. After my first interview I got a really good impression and I knew Mace was the next step for me.
What did your role at Mace involve?
My day-to-day role in the HR team was to help with the general admin, attraction, recruitment and inductions for Mace’s Graduate Development Programme. I was also involved in application screening, interviews and facilitating assessment centres.
What’s next?
Working at Mace has really opened my eyes up to the roles available within the construction industry. As I became more aware of the possibilities, I realised I wanted an even bigger challenge and a completely different career path. I spoke to my line manager about taking a more operational route into project management and he was really supportive. I also spoke to various graduates and project managers who enhanced my interest.
I’m now going to be starting Mace’s Graduate Development Programme myself in a project management role, working for our private sector consultancy team on a change management project. I'll also have the opportunity to work with the construction team to find better solutions to our clients’ challenges.
I’m incredibly excited to be starting the next stage of my career. I’ve always wanted to better myself and I know how much structure and opportunity there is, not just to help you develop your technical and personal skills.
What made you decide to go into project management?
Before Mace, I wasn't aware of the opportunities available in construction especially as there are a lot of stereotypes associated with the industry. Since joining Mace I’ve had the opportunity to meet and talk to lots of skilled professionals doing very different things within the industry. Through sharing their experiences and knowledge, there were a few aspects of project management in construction that interested me including the satisfaction you get from working on a project both in the way of seeing tangible results and working in a team to accomplish the same goal. I also like the aspect of problem solving involved in the role which I'm excited to tackle. For the first time I know what I want to do as a career and it's such a huge relief!
What advice would you give to someone looking to get into what you do?
When you figure out what you want to do, use your passion and follow it. Do research, seek advice, keep an open mind and try not to stereotype an industry, company or job role.
What drives you on?
Knowing that I’m good at something makes me more confident, and when I’m good at something I do even better than what’s expected. I love challenging myself and pushing myself out of my comfort zone to do better. Admit it when you make mistakes – the more you make the better you become because you can learn from them.
What are you passionate about outside of work?
I’m still passionate about languages – I go to networking events so I can practise and I’ve just started reading the Harry Potter books in French.
Take the first step in exploring a career with Mace here.