Why did you decide to pursue a career in the construction industry?
My grandfather was a trained bricklayer, later a foreman, and he still likes to tell me a lot about that time. After a 6-week internship at PORR, my decision in favour of the construction industry was quickly made. I really like the division of labour between the office and the construction site that the job of site manager entails.
What does a typical working day as a site manager look like for you?
It really always varies, there is no such thing as a typical day. Sometimes it's a lot of office work with tenders, coordinating deadlines, checking plans or creating documentation. There are meetings to coordinate changes, deadlines and interfaces between the individual trades. Other times, I'm out on the construction site for most of the day. The aim there is to check the work carried out, determine the performance status and clarify any discrepancies directly.
You have already completed your dual bachelor's degree in civil engineering at PORR. Why have you now also decided to do the dual Master's programme at PORR?
PORR already supported me during my bachelor's degree programme and helped me to successfully complete it and gain a lot of experience in various construction projects. All of the site managers, engineers, foremen and subcontractor employees were always there to help and advise me. There was therefore mutual trust that a joint Master's programme would work just as well. I'm looking forward to continuing my collaboration with PORR.
How did your dual bachelor's degree programme in civil engineering go?
The programme was divided into six semesters, each consisting of a theoretical phase and a practical phase in the company. The theory phase always lasted 12 weeks and took place at the Berlin School of Economics and Law in Lichtenberg. The course content was mainly maths, mechanics, statics, building materials science and building physics. The higher semesters built on this and included lectures such as steel, reinforced concrete, timber and masonry construction. The rest of the semester was filled with different numbers of practical weeks in the company - in my case always on different construction sites throughout Berlin. So there was no typical semester rhythm and no semester holidays.
What is your Master's programme like?
There is no standardised weekly schedule for the Master's degree. I'm currently working 32 hours and studying part-time. This means online lectures after work as well as self-study tasks and a lot of work that has to be done independently. The degree programme is supplemented by face-to-face events, which usually take place at the weekend in Nuremberg at the University of Applied Management. After one and a half years, I will complete the programme with my Master's thesis.
What have been your highlights so far?
I was very pleased that PORR made it possible for me to do the Master's programme as a further training measure. The constantly varied work always offers new highlights. I would also like to highlight training courses on topics such as Lean management and the well-organised events such as Christmas parties, topping-out ceremonies and the company outing to Fleesensee with all employees.
What do you enjoy most about your job/studies?
I find switching between the office and the construction site particularly enriching. No two working days are the same. I can also be satisfied at the end of the day because I know what I've achieved. For this reason alone, I always looked forward to the practical phases of my bachelor's degree programme.
What do you like about working at PORR?
I think it's great how I was involved right from the start of my studies and was given my first tasks. This taught me to take responsibility early on. I always had the feeling that I was already fully accepted as a dual student and that I was a helpful support to the team. I was able to get to know many employees and work processes early on, which has now made my work on the Master's programme easier.
What benefits or disadvantages do you see in a dual study programme compared to a traditional degree?
Through the dual study programme, I was confronted from day one with the professional activity that awaits me after graduation. You quickly realise whether the job suits you. You are also financially independent right from the start thanks to a regular salary. Of course, the double burden of studying and working also entails a tighter schedule, but this can be managed with the right organisation and attitude and definitely pays off in the end.
What requirements should people have for your work or for a dual study programme in general?
A technical understanding and good maths skills are definitely an advantage for the course. On the construction site, you should be able to work in a team and be solution-orientated.
What do you do to switch off after a long day?
I go to the gym two or three times a week or go cycling. I often cook dinner with my boyfriend and we end the day in a cosy atmosphere. A visit to the cinema or an evening with friends is also a great way to round off a challenging day.
Many thanks Isabel.
