Embracing change can open doors to new and extraordinary opportunities.
Our Project Coordinator, Ivy, has been an Alchemist for a number of years now and her career journey within the business is a true testament to the growth and development that can be achieved when you choose to step out of your comfort zone.
As we continue to support and encourage more women to enter the construction industry, it has been important for us to look at non-traditional ways of inspiring and nurturing women who show an interest in the field – to find incredible women working in different sectors that have all the attributes and transferable skills necessary for construction. Women who may not have traditionally thought about opportunities within construction.
This was true of Ivy in our Minor Works Team. Growing up in a family of builders, Ivy worked in a number of different industries within many countries around the world. When she started with us, in an administrative capacity, we could see instantly she had the organisation and skills required to run teams. She has been killing it in our Minor Works Team as a Project Coordinator. We love watching her grow and prosper within the role and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her and her team!
What has surprised you most about a career in construction?
What surprised me most is how fast-paced the environment can be, yet so rewarding at the same time. It’s great to see what we can achieve when we all work together.
The amount of people willing to help you grow, as well as share their knowledge and experience, has definitely helped me grow over the last two years. No one is out for themselves.
“Just go for it! There are so many transferable skills such as financial, time-management, organisation, and attention to detail.”
Was a career in construction something you had considered prior to joining Alchemy?
Definitely not. To be honest, I didn’t know many of the roles involved and what’s required to bring a project to life!
I’ve always had an interest in construction, growing up with my family in the concreting industry, I knew a lot about it and I’m a DIY type of person – helping my dad in the backyard, painting, woodwork in school etc.
I love the knowledge I’m gaining everyday from all the people around me who have been in the industry for such a long time.
What advice would you give to women who may work in other sectors, but would like the opportunity to try construction and think they may have transferable skills?
Just go for it! There are so many transferable skills such as financial, time-management, organisation, and attention to detail. You may need to start from the bottom again, however, it’s amazing how quickly you can grow if you apply yourself.
It feels like yesterday that I started in the Admin team, and now I’m given the opportunity to run my own projects.
Oh, and don’t be intimidated – confidence is key in this industry, you need to back yourself.
Tell us a bit about the Minor Works team and your projects?
I love the diversity of our projects, from Civil to Cladding, Fit-Outs and Sports Pavilions. We’re not afraid to say yes to a project and as a team we know the importance of pre-planning. We sit down weekly and discuss all our projects and what’s required to achieve the best delivery possible. We all help one another, no matter how busy we are – I think that’s the most important thing. We’re honest with our clients and I believe they see this, the feedback is something to be proud of.
“Our team has such a great dynamic, we’re all so different and bring our own individual skills required to deliver a project successfully. Success happens when you all stick to your word, as well as asking for help when you need it.”
You’ve got a great rhythm in the team – it’s been almost like a brand-new start-up within Alchemy, what’s been the recipe for success so far?
Our team has such a great dynamic, we’re all so different and bring our own individual skills required to deliver a project successfully. Success happens when you all stick to your word, as well as asking for help when you need it.
Plus, we like to have fun, we’re always arranging social activities– this keeps us constantly engaged and gives us balance.
Dream construction job – what would you love to build or work on?
I’d love to work on a new high-tech architecture building, a modern skyscraper or with a tunnel boring machine – I’d love to see that in action (I watch videos on YouTube). But if I could, I’d go back in time and work on the Sydney Opera House!
What is your building of impact?
From a young age and before I entered the industry, I was always interested in volunteering to build a school/hospital, and the like, in a third world country or for a community in need. This is something I still hope to achieve one day, even in my personal time.