KEY POINTS:
Name: Leanne Henderson
Age: 31
Role: Project manager, engineering company, Beca International, Dubai
Working hours: 45 to 55 hours per week. Work hours are project dependent with Dubai role requiring extra travel.
Average pay: From $70,000 to over $120,000 for engineering degree and 10 years experience.
Qualifications and institution: Bachelor of Engineering (Civil Engineering) 1st Class Honours, University of Auckland.
Career prospects: The sky's the limit.
Describe what you do
I'm a project manager with Beca International in a recently established office in Dubai providing design management and in-country support. I've been here nine months.
Our current projects include a 60 storey tower hotel and a 17 storey office building with amenities such as serviced apartments, hotel rooms and shopping malls.
I work closely with consultants, designers and contractors to facilitate the process and ease the time burden on the client. It requires a lot of communication. My background in structural engineering is important because I know the requirements of building construction and the challenges faced.
What is different about building in Dubai compared to New Zealand?
In the Middle East they design buildings from the outside in, so their first decision is how it will look - and then how to make it work.
The buildings are absolutely outstanding, but more expensive, and you could perhaps question their practicality, like different office shapes on every floor. As a rule that doesn't happen in New Zealand.
A high proportion of New Zealand design is led from inside out; what the building needs to do, what space is needed to do it and then what the architect can do to make it outstanding.
Why did you choose this line of work?
I loved science and the concept of engineering at school. I wasn't artistic but was intrigued with how things stood up and fitted together.
What sort of background do you need for engineering project management?
There is no clear path. Project managers come from many backgrounds, often engineering but not always. There are courses that provide a fundamental understanding of construction for people without an engineering design background.
Your history?
After graduating in 1997, I worked as a structural engineer for Fraser Thomas, a medium size south Auckland engineering firm for six years. That all round experience and technical background was fantastic grounding. I went into project management at Beca's Auckland office three years ago. I spent two years there before coming to Dubai.
What skills or qualities do you need?
To be adaptable with good common sense. You need a clear understanding of the end product and the steps required to get there, so it is important to have spent time on site watching buildings go up.
You need to put good systems in place so everyone can do their job properly. You need to be able to follow and understand work plans and building designs.
You need good planning skills. Lots of project managers are into lists - I need a snapshot of my day, every day.
Good people skills are vital. It is expected that project managers may not know the answer but they know where to find the answer.
Best part of the job?
The challenge of making stuff work. I get blown away by the designs of some people; designs that are innovative beyond imagination. The people aspect also interests me.
Is it difficult being a female doing your job in the Middle East?
No, I'm treated like anyone else in the industry. I believe it important to be considerate of the culture and values of any country and I'm learning Arabic. I'm going to Tehran soon and need to find out whether I should wear a headscarf or an abaya. In Dubai I dress as I would in New Zealand.
Advice to someone wanting to do same thing?
Be excited about what you do and make the most of everything. Engage with people who will challenge you. Be adaptable. A five year plan that goes to plan would be disappointing, I think, because your perspective changes. If you'd asked me two years ago where I'd be now, I wouldn't have said Dubai.
Career potential in this job?
There are many global opportunities if you work for New Zealand companies such as Beca. We have someone on a short term contract in Dubai, who has worked at the Singapore office, then Auckland before Dubai. Travel opportunities and new work experiences are endless.
