Clara

Meet Joshua, a 2nd Year Quantity Surveying Student at Sheffield Hallam University. 

Joshua (Josh) Berry won the CICES Robin Jones Award last year, and was presented with the award at our annual dinner by past president Alison Watson MBE (left) and current president Alex Pearsall.

Name: Joshua Berry

Course Title: Quantity Surveying Student at Sheffield Hallam University

Years in the Industry: 2 years

One thing to describe your future profession: A big step up from what I am used to

Best career advice: The bad moments at work teach you the most

1.        Can you briefly outline your career journey so far?

For 4 years, I worked for the NHS as a multi skilled patient services assistant, alongside my studies. This includes the 2 years at college and the 18 months I have been at Sheffield Hallam University. I later left due to it not matching my university timetable however since then I have made the step up into management where I currently work as a facilities supervisor at the HSBC office in Sheffield.

2.        What first inspired you to pursue a career in quantity surveying?

My family is heavily involved with property and real estate; however, I wanted to do something different to what they did. I studied business management and finance at Sheffield college and the skills I learnt there matched the role of a quantity surveyor than a traditional real estate surveyor.

I have been fortunate enough to have several role models in my life. My father is a real estate surveyor and I think he always wanted me to become a surveyor. He has always been there for me when I have needed advice or someone to talk to when I am struggling. Additionally, Tony Cheetham, a mentor who initially recommended quantity surveying at Sheffield Hallam to me. I wouldn’t be in the position I am now without him.

3.        What achievements are you most proud of?

My biggest achievement so far has been winning the Robin Jones award for ‘Overcoming Challenges’. Before starting Sheffield Hallam, I went to Manchester Metropolitan university where I was for 4 months before leaving due to poor mental health. After coming back and rebuilding my life back again in Sheffield, I started going to university again. I applied for the award and won which made all of the tough period I went through in Manchester feel worth it.

4.        What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your course so far?

The biggest challenges I believe that I have faced in trying to balance work, education and having time for yourself, I found it really challenging initially but slowly I have gotten used to it.

5.        What are your future career goals or aspirations?

I want to climb the food chain in the Quantity Surveying industry. I am quite an ambitious person and I believe I can achieve this goal if I put my mind to it.

6.        What advice would you give to others considering a pursuing quantity surveying?

I believe quantity surveying requires some resilience. Whether its studying at university or doing an apprenticeship, there are going to be times where you get massively frustrated and its best to not give up!

7.     What do you value about being a member of CICES?

Student Membership at CICES has been extremely beneficial to somebody that is looking to work in construction, because of the membership I was able to win the Robin Jones award, meet some of the biggest employers in the country and get support for launching the built environment society at Sheffield Hallam University. I would recommend becoming a student member to those aspiring to work in construction due to the opportunities it has given me

 

One myth about construction you’d love to bust:

It’s a challenging industry to get into

 

Find out more about CICES student membership by clicking here.