DE
A career in cost and project management
Author: Katharina Häckel Talent Acquisition Manager at Turner & Townsend
Last week I had the opportunity to interview my colleagues Maximilian Leber, Cost Manager and Korbinian Eckmann, working student in Project Management. In the following article you can read how the two of them found their way to Turner & Townsend, what their exciting day-to-day work as Cost Manager and Project Manager looks like and what valuable tips they have for you for a successful start as a junior and working student. Stay tuned!
How did you hear about Turner & Townsend and why did you apply?
Korbinian: "I first became aware of Turner & Townsend during my studies at a speed dating event organised by the LBI Sponsors' Association. After working for a small planning office as a student trainee for a long period of time, it was time for me to gain further experience in the consulting sector at an internationally renowned company. I then decided to apply as a working student in the Project Management department." Max: "I became aware of Turner & Townsend thanks to the IKOM Bau university trade fair in 2020. A fellow student at the time, who was working as a student trainee at Turner & Townsend, recommended that I stop by the trade fair stand and enquire about the company. The size of the company, its internationality and the size and high profile of the clients and projects that Turner & Townsend looks after were key arguments in favour of applying."
What were the first projects you worked on?
Korbinian: "My first project was a major project for an American property developer as part of the Werksviertel redevelopment in Munich, not far from our office. It is a very exciting and complex project and quickly taught me the importance of project management in construction projects of this size. I was also involved in an international project in Singapore." Max: "The first project I worked on was the extension of a 6-storey office and laboratory building in Munich for one of the largest technology companies in the world."
What does your day-to-day work in Cost Management and Project Management look like?
Korbinian: "As a working student in Project Management, you act as a link between the client and the planning and execution side. Accordingly, it is important to maintain a detailed, holistic overview of the project processes in order to be able to quickly recognize and resolve risks. This is achieved above all through an intensive and continuous exchange with both parties in the form of jours fixes. Carrying them out, as well as the preparation and follow-up, is an essential part of my day-to-day work at Turner & Townsend." Max: "As a Cost Manager, my day-to-day work revolves around the costs of the construction projects I oversee. In meetings with clients, architects, general contractors or other project participants, project information is exchanged and open issues are discussed. The exact tasks involved depend on the project phase. The most important areas of responsibility are, for example, cost estimates, tender reviews or supplementary audits."
What characterises Turner & Townsend as an employer for you?
Korbinian: "In addition to the variety of projects and opportunities for professional development, I particularly appreciate Turner & Townsend's strong corporate culture. The internationality and openness, but also the trust that was quickly placed in me as a working student in the project, integrated me into the entire team from my first day. I also love Turner & Townsend's inclusive approach, for example we can take part in a CSR day once a year and get involved in charitable projects." Max: "As an international company and one of the largest service providers in the field of project and cost management, Turner & Townsend is the first port of call for global players who need support in the realisation of construction projects. This allows us to work on complex and interesting projects for the world's most prestigious organisations, which is challenging and never boring. Nevertheless, Turner & Townsend is characterised by a friendly and collegial working atmosphere. A multicultural team promotes this, but regular team events also ensure a very good relationship between employees from all teams and positions."
Finally, I asked Max and Korbinian what advice they would give to future working students and juniors.
Korbinian: “My tip for future working students is to take on this challenge as a working student early on in their studies in order to gain initial experience for starting a job in practice. Above all, the exchange of experience with colleagues and project.”
Max: “The most important thing for young graduates or working students who are new to Turner & Townsend and the world of project management and cost management is initiative. If you question a lot as a working student or junior and get actively involved, you can learn a lot from experienced colleagues and thus gain valuable experience and continue to develop.”
