My route into construction … Foysol Islam, assistant design manager at Willmott Dixon

How long have you been working and what is your current job?

My role is assistant design manager, and I joined Willmott Dixon just three months ago. I was previously at Wates for three years.

What were your first career ambitions? (Would your 16-year-old former self be surprised at what you’re doing now?) 

My first career ambition was to be a pilot, but my 16-year-old self would not be surprised at my current job as design was always something I liked.

When did you first start thinking about a career in construction and why? 

When I was in secondary school. I always had an interest in design and wanted to pursue a career in architecture. However, after some work experience while ay university, I had a change of mind to join the contractor side of things.

Who or what helped you get where you are today? 

To gain work experience and get first-hand insight into the industry, I booked a project visit through Open Doors. It was fascinating to see the site and meet the team, and I used the opportunity to ask for some work experience, which they arranged. This led to me finding a job with that construction company, which led to me being where I am now – at Willmott Dixon. 

Did your choice of subjects/qualifications in education help or hinder you getting a job in the sector?

I have a degree in architecture design and technology, which I think helped me to get a job in this sector.

Have you had to overcome any other barriers to get where you are today? 

Interviews were difficult to start with as there were multiple stages to get through and some strong competition. But, once I got used to them, it was fine. It was the work experience which I secured through Open Doors that changed my luck.

What do you know now about the industry that you wish you knew when you were at school? 

I did not know much about the industry when I was at school. It would have been a good idea if people from the industry had come in and done presentations about what they do and what the construction industry is like. That outreach in the future would help to show the industry as a place in which to enjoy some rewarding careers. 

What surprised you about the industry as a new starter? 

How flexible everything is and the tremendous ability of so many people to achieve amazing things within tight deadlines.  

What are the best and hardest bits of your job? 

The best bits are seeing something you helped to design turn into a nice building, which gives you a sense of self-satisfaction. I wouldn’t say it’s particularly hard but the more routine part about the job is documentation and tracking everything, which is something that AI will likely help with in the future. 

For someone coming through the school system now, what advice do you have about choosing a construction-related career? 

I would advise choosing an apprenticeship degree in your chosen field as you get a degree and experience at the same time – and get paid for it too. For those unsure if construction is for them, or who are interested in exploring the range of roles available, I would recommend that they speak to their school’s careers leader about arranging group visits to Open Doors events. These provide great opportunities to find out more about everything that goes on behind the scenes within the industry.

What one thing would you change to make finding a career in the built environment sector easier? 

Advertise roles and what they involve more, as I think not everyone knows about them. Most people will only know about being a project manager or an architect, but there are so many other roles which provide a rewarding career, many of them not based on site. Selling the full range of disciplines is essential to showing what a fantastic and diverse place construction is to enjoy a fulfilling career.