Elizabeth Davidson

NAME ELIZABETH DAVIDSON
JOB Graduate building surveyor
EMPLOYER Rider Levett Bucknall UK Ltd
QUALIFICATIONS BSc building surveying, Reading University

I heard about my firm through a campus talk. I applied online and attended an assessment day where I completed psychometric tests and various challenges. After being offered a position I competed in the organisation’s ‘protégé of the year’ scheme. It was hard to juggle the application process with my final year exams and coursework. My advice when writing your applications is to identify your strengths and make sure you demonstrate them.

My role

I’m responsible for contract administration for a variety of projects in the public and private sectors. I’ve recently finished a six-month Ministry of Defence project that involved refurbishing an accommodation block. It’s a challenge to implement sustainable practices when budgets are tight but clients have been considering the issue more and more.

‘My advice when writing graduate job applications is to identify your strengths and demonstrate them.'

A day in the office might consist of writing reports about sites and producing specifications for jobs going out to tender. On site, I carry out different sorts of surveys – lately I’ve been doing energy performance certificates for warehouses. I’m usually on site two days a week, sometimes up to three or four days, depending on what’s happening. Working hours fluctuate depending on the work and where the sites are.

I’m also working towards my APC and I’m three quarters of the way through so need to devote more time to it. My firm also puts on regular training seminars offering updates on everything from asbestos to building regulations.

I like...

... the people I work with – I’m in a good team and meet interesting people on jobs, which keeps life fun.

The tough bit is...

... carrying out surveys in the rain!