The Global Student Challenge

When I was still a student at Glasgow Caledonian University and working in ASDA it was hard to envision working in the construction industry. After submitting what seemed like countless job applications without the success of an interview, I began to put the application process to one side and focus my time purely on my final university exams and the Global Student Challenge (GSC) Finals of MERIT Construction Strategy Game hosted by the CIOB at their annual Members Forum and sponsored by Bluebeam. Reaching the finals was most definitely a goal for the team as it shows any employer you have that special edge from other graduate CVs, which would then hopefully put me in a more advantageous position when applying for graduate jobs.

The CIOB had arranged 5 days of events for their annual Members Forum, bringing together members of the CIOB and the greatest minds in the Construction Industry from around the world to discuss, debate, review and forward plan key subjects such as quality, innovation and awareness. GSC students were welcomed and actively encouraged to give their opinions during seminars. This gave us the opportunity to introduce ourselves and feel part of the Members Forum. The GSC made an interesting opening topic of conversation. This was especially helpful during the evening events which consisted of both formal and informal topics of conversation amongst all present.

Meeting CIOB members and GSC teams from around the world enabled a greater global vision of the Construction Industry and we all left Edinburgh with a wider network of connections. Besides university, this was the beginning of our professional networking. The events hosted by the CIOB helped build our networking confidence while demonstrating the clear benefits of being part of such a great institute like the CIOB. The opportunity to network amongst such a range of construction industry professionals from different cultures, backgrounds and sectors really opens a student’s mind to the endless possibilities to all within the construction industry.

The team had heard of many fantastic opportunities that had come from making it to the finals and, being a graduate with no job lined up, I couldn’t wait. I arrived in a sun struck Edinburgh with my kilt slung over my shoulder – I had no idea what lay ahead but I was ready for whatever challenge came my way. Never in my wildest dreams did I think when I got off the train that I would now be writing a blog for the CIOB. I was one of the lucky GSC finalists who was offered a once in a lifetime opportunity at the end of the week. Before the competition winners were even announced I was offered the opportunity of two months experience in the Middle East’s United Arab Emirates city of Dubai which then turned into full-time employment all because I had the opportunity to meet Ian Maund of Quantum Global Solutions who must have seen that talent within me to give me the chance.

Experience is very hard to obtain when you are a graduate and have no experience, however, engaging with the CIOB can really help with this. Even without the GSC, the many local networking events and seminars held by the CIOB give a great opportunity to build a network and present career opportunities. Interviewers know you are involved with the industry and dedicated to upholding the standards of the institute. I would recommend to graduates they take any opportunity open to them and not only be a member of the CIOB but actively get involved. After all, you get back from life what you put in and this is our future we are building: go to site visits, seminars and events, start talking to other professionals, sound interested, make impressions, ask for business cards and send follow up emails. Build that network and most importantly be part of an Institute that aims to improve the industry you will be working in to improve the built environment around the world.

You can sign up for the Global Student Challenge here!