A Student Success Story: How a Career in the Built Environment Can Take You Across the World
Exploring Global Opportunities Through Quantity Surveying
Key Takeaways:
- Global Career Pathways: The built environment offers diverse opportunities that span continents.
- Professional Development: Pursuing chartership and specialized training significantly enhances career prospects.
- Specialization Matters: Focusing on niches like MEP cost management can lead to advanced roles and expertise.
Introduction
The journey of Oiman Yu serves as an inspiring testament to the boundless opportunities within the built environment sector. From humble beginnings in Hong Kong to establishing a prominent career across the globe, Oiman's story highlights how passion, education, and strategic career moves can culminate in international success. This comprehensive narrative delves into the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped her professional trajectory.
Discovering Quantity Surveying: A Serendipitous Encounter
How a Chance Conversation Sparked a Global Career
Eight years ago, while embarking on a working holiday in Australia, Oiman Yu found herself thousands of kilometers away from her home in Hong Kong. It was here that a casual conversation with a fellow Hong Konger—a seasoned Quantity Surveyor—introduced her to the field of quantity surveying. Prior to this encounter, Oiman had limited knowledge of the construction industry, associating it mainly with architecture and engineering rather than as a standalone professional career.
“I had no idea what surveying was,” Oiman recalls. “I didn’t really have any knowledge about this industry, aside from architecture and engineering. Construction is often not recognized as a ‘professional’ career in Hong Kong.” This initial lack of awareness did not deter her curiosity; instead, it ignited a desire to explore an unfamiliar yet promising career path.
Transitioning from Economics to the Built Environment
Navigating Career Shifts Without Prior Industry Experience
Despite holding a degree in economics, Oiman struggled to secure a role within her field of study. The competitive job market led her to take on various roles in sales, merchandising, and training—positions that offered stability but did not fulfill her professional aspirations. Recognizing that these roles were not aligning with her long-term career goals, she sought a more impactful and intellectually stimulating path.
The introduction to quantity surveying provided a compelling alternative. Oiman discovered that quantity surveying was in high demand in Hong Kong, with numerous short-term courses available to equip individuals with the necessary skills and knowledge. “Quantity surveying is in high demand in Hong Kong, so they’re keen to train people for the profession, regardless of their background. There are plenty of short-term courses that can give you basic knowledge and guarantee you a job in the industry,” she explains.
Building a Strong Foundation: The Appeal of Quantity Surveying
Why Quantity Surveying Offered the Perfect Fit
Initially, Oiman did not find quantity surveying immediately appealing. However, as she delved deeper into the field, she began to appreciate its logical structure and the tangible outcomes it facilitated. “Compared to economics, it’s much more logical—you see buildings physically take shape, which I find fascinating,” she states. This hands-on aspect of witnessing the incremental progress of construction projects provided her with a sense of accomplishment and a clear link between her work and the final product.
Moreover, the diversity within quantity surveying—from cost management to project planning—offered her a versatile career path with multiple avenues for specialization and growth. This flexibility was a significant factor in her decision to pursue quantity surveying as a long-term career.
Pursuing Excellence: The Journey to Chartership
How Professional Development Accelerated Her Career
After gaining initial experience in the industry, Oiman sought to further her professional development by pursuing chartership—an esteemed qualification that signifies expertise and dedication in the field of quantity surveying. She identified the University College of Estate Management (UCEM) as the ideal institution for her studies, primarily due to their reputable distance learning model. This approach allowed her to balance her professional responsibilities with her academic pursuits seamlessly.
“There’s definitely a lot of skepticism about online and distance learning in Hong Kong, but for me, it made things so much more flexible and manageable,” Oiman explains. The support offered by UCEM, including translation services and dedicated assistance for international students, further solidified her decision. Throughout her studies, Oiman utilized UCEM’s resources to clarify complex concepts and navigate the challenges of remote learning, ultimately leading to her successful attainment of the Chartered Quantity Surveyor credential.
Relocating to the UK: Embracing International Opportunities
Balancing Study and Career While Moving Countries
Halfway through her studies, Oiman made the bold decision to relocate to the United Kingdom. This move was motivated by a generous visa program and her personal affinity for Tottenham Hotspur FC. Transitioning to a new country while continuing her education was undoubtedly challenging. “Moving to the UK while I studied was crazy,” she admits. “There wasn’t a lot of time to think about where I was living or what job I took. Luckily, I was fortunate to get an offer quickly.”
Her timely employment with a consultancy in London played a pivotal role in maintaining her academic momentum. The supportive environment at her new workplace allowed her to integrate her work experience with her studies, facilitating a smooth continuation of her professional and educational journeys. This strategic move not only expanded her international exposure but also reinforced her commitment to advancing within the built environment sector.
Specializing in MEP Cost Management
The Benefits of Focusing on Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Systems
Upon completing her studies and obtaining her chartership, Oiman assumed the role of Senior MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing) Cost Manager at Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) in the UK. Specializing in MEP cost management allowed her to hone her expertise in a niche area of quantity surveying, dealing with the intricate systems that form the backbone of modern construction projects.
“MEP has a much more specific focus than general quantity surveying,” Oiman explains. “While my studies didn’t cover this specialization, they’ve been very useful for my role. They built up a very good foundation of knowledge for things like law, measurements, and contracts.” This specialized focus has enabled her to manage complex projects ranging from high-rise buildings to data centers and heritage sites, underscoring the versatility and critical importance of MEP systems in construction.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Diversity
Overcoming Stereotypes and Promoting Industry Diversity
Oiman's journey has also involved challenging prevalent misconceptions about careers in the built environment. In Hong Kong, construction is often not seen as a prestigious professional field compared to architecture or engineering. However, through her success and advocacy, Oiman is actively working to change this perception.
“Working in construction isn’t just a ‘dirty’ job the way so many people see it. There are so many opportunities to choose from. You’re not just restricted to one type of building—you can work on commercial buildings, residential projects, hospitals… there’s so much variety,” she asserts. Her testimony emphasizes that careers in the built environment are multifaceted, intellectually rewarding, and essential to societal development.
Future Aspirations and Global Ambitions
Planning the Next Steps in an International Career
Looking ahead, Oiman is determined to continue her professional growth within the built environment sector. Her immediate goal is to further specialize in MEP cost management, potentially taking on more complex and high-profile projects. Long-term aspirations include ascending to a Director role, where she can influence strategic decisions and lead large-scale initiatives.
Moreover, Oiman remains open to expanding her international experience beyond the UK. She envisions the possibility of working in the United States, where she can gain insights into different construction methodologies and contribute to diverse projects. This global perspective is not only beneficial for her personal development but also enhances her value as a seasoned professional in the built environment industry.
Conclusion
Oiman Yu’s career trajectory exemplifies the transformative potential of the built environment sector for aspiring professionals. From overcoming initial uncertainties and making strategic educational choices to embracing international opportunities and specializing in niche areas, her story underscores the importance of adaptability, continuous learning, and proactive career management. For students and young professionals contemplating a career in the built environment, Oiman’s journey offers valuable insights and serves as a powerful source of inspiration.
References
Last updated January 24, 2025