Thomas Bennett

After spending his summer working for a contractor, Tom knew that the construction industry was for him and went on to study quantity surveying at university. During his degree, Tom joined Mace for a placement year in 2013 and rejoined in 2015 as a graduate trainee working in commercial management.

What led you to Mace?

After my first year at university I went back to work for the same contractor as the previous summer and worked alongside a quantity surveyor. It really improved my understanding of the role and put into practice everything that I'd learnt at university. I then heard about Mace’s undergraduate programme so applied for an industrial placement, and after leaving university I rushed back to join the graduate scheme.

How did you benefit from the Mace Graduate Development Programme?

I learnt and worked at the same time. The graduate programme was well structured and enabled me to learn about commercial management and improve my understanding of the construction industry that I wouldn’t have normally come across in my day-to-day role. Mace is also fantastic at supporting you towards your chartership.

What do you do in your day-to-day role?

My role includes carrying out trade contractor valuations and raising payment certificates. I am also tendering numerous fit out packages and managing the change control procedure on a very exciting project in London.

What do you enjoy most about your current role at Mace?

Being part of the initial tendering procedure for a package and then working with the trades on site. I get to actually see the benefits of our solutions to clients' needs come together.

What skills do you need to be good at your job?

Communication skills. You need to be able to communicate not only to your team but also with the consultants and trade contractors. You also need to be organised and be able to work to deadlines. Enjoying numbers and problem solving certainly doesn’t hurt either!

What advice would you give someone applying for the graduate scheme at Mace?

Gain as much work experience as possible, whether that be in your preferred role or a slightly different role. The exposure I got to all the different positions has really helped me to progress my career.