How do you get into construction management? UTS Bachelor of Construction Management student shares

How do you find a construction cadetship?

Kiana initially applied for a cadetship with Icon through a general expression of interest. Later, a representative from ICON visited UTS through the Campus Connect program and spoke to students about different pathways into construction and what a career in the industry can look like beyond the classroom. 
 
“That encouraged me to reapply, in case there was another opportunity,” Kiana says.  
 
Her lecturer also recommended the cadetship as a starting pathway and acted as a reference during the application process. After reapplying and completing the application and interview process, Kiana was offered a cadetship with Icon. 
 
Her experience shows that there can be multiple ways to find opportunities, from direct applications and industry programs to connections made through university. 

How does studying Construction Project Management prepare you for a cadetship? 

“My studies at UTS have given me a strong foundation in the technical and practical side of construction,” she says. 
 
“Learning from academics with industry experience has also been valuable, as they bring practical examples and different perspectives into the classroom.” she says. 
 
For Kiana, this connection has continued into her day-to-day work at Icon. 

What are employers looking for in a construction cadet? 

While university results and previous experience can be important, Kiana says they aren't the only things that can make someone a strong candidate. 
 
“Construction is a very people-focused industry,” she says. Construction professionals work with different teams, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers and clients, making communication and teamwork important parts of the job. 
 
“I found that my past work experience in sport, hospitality and retail helped me develop an ability to read people, communicate with different personalities and adapt the way I approach people,” she says. 
 
These are skills she was able to draw on during the interview process and continues to use in her day-to-day work. Kiana believes strong interpersonal and communication skills, along with the ability to work well with others, are valuable qualities for anyone starting out in the industry. 

What is it like to work in construction project management as a cadet? 

Once you secure a cadetship, the experience can vary depending on the company, project and stage of construction. 
 
Kiana is currently working on the Bridge ECI project with Icon, where she supports project coordination across design, procurement and project delivery. Her work includes attending project meetings and design workshops, working with consultants and subcontractors, preparing tender packages, reviewing drawings, marking up documents in Bluebeam, organising samples and coordinating supplier pricing. 
 
She also assists with value engineering opportunities and other activities involved in preparing the project for delivery. 
 
Day-to-day her work changes depending on the project stage and her current rotation. A day can include project meetings, design workshops and coordination sessions, followed by tasks such as reviewing drawings, preparing tender documentation, coordinating samples or following up with suppliers. 
 
The variety has given her exposure to the different people and processes involved in bringing a construction project together. 

Kiana's advice for future Construction Project Management students 

For students considering a Bachelor of Construction Project Management, Kiana recommends being proactive, exploring opportunities and making the most of the practical experience available throughout the degree. 
 
Her own journey, from studying Product Design to finding her place in Construction Project Management and securing a cadetship with Icon, has shown her the value of taking initiative and being open to new opportunities. 
 
“Be genuine, show initiative and don’t be afraid to apply,” she says. 
 
For Kiana, studying Construction Project Management has been about more than learning the technical side of construction. Through her studies and cadetship, she has been able to build industry connections, apply what she learns in the classroom and gain a clearer understanding of the career she wants to pursue. 
 
If you're interested in how buildings and infrastructure come together, the degree offers an opportunity to develop practical skills while exploring the different career pathways available across the construction industry explore a Bachelor of Construction Project Management at UTS.