Mary Ikoro
International student, Current student
- Subject area
- Architecture, Building and Civil Engineering
I have had an interest in project management since completing my Mechanical Engineering undergraduate degree and starting my job at a construction consultancy firm in Lagos, Nigeria as a Project Engineer. I wanted to find a master’s programme that enhanced my knowledge of project management in the construction industry more specifically, and to learn more about Building Information Modelling (BIM) due to the increasing need for innovative designs and solutions. Construction Project Management MSc at Loughborough ticked all these boxes while also being ranked as a top 10 university in the UK.
Preparing for a future career
I aim to become a Chartered Project Manager, which this degree from Loughborough will help me with as it is triple-accredited by a variety of professional institutions, including the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), and the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM).
Moreover, the modules on this programme have provided me with various career-enhancing opportunities. For example, I have been able to work towards gaining additional qualifications, such as the Building Research Establishment's Environmental Assessment Method (BREEAM) certification, upon completing several assessments as part of the programme’s Sustainability in the Built Environment module.
The University also hosts huge Careers Fairs for current students to meet and interact with companies in their desired sectors, allowing us to build relationships with these companies, ask pressing questions, and learn from their first-hand experience.
Excellent teaching quality
The lecturers on the programme are amazing, knowledgeable, approachable, and professional. They are willing to pass on any knowledge that would enhance our career prospects. The teaching style at Loughborough allows students to ask questions during lectures while learning about the staff’s experiences regarding various construction techniques, processes and project management principles.
The modules on this programme are broad, allowing us to learn about different project management areas of construction, but they are also interconnected. This means that the knowledge gained from one module can help with understanding a different module, which gives a great sense of accomplishment. Some modules are coursework-assessed, which are usually done in groups, enhancing our teamwork skills and allowing us to interact with our fellow students. Lecture theatres are also incredibly spacious and encouraging for interactive learning and teamwork.
Making an impact
I am currently working on my research dissertation on a crucial topic in the construction industry – change. My project investigates the slow nature of the construction industry and its resistance to change. It particularly looks at whether the resistance to change comes from the senior, managerial or intermediate/entry-level. My dissertation supervisor, Professor Graham Sander, has been incredibly helpful throughout this journey. This project has broadened my knowledge of the construction industry across the world and encouraged me to make a difference.
Advice for prospective students
I would encourage anyone looking to study Construction Project Management MSc at Loughborough to go for it. The experience, knowledge and skills gained on this programme will massively contribute to your career, and you will be given many opportunities to enhance your career prospects. The programme also sets you up for a wide range of job roles in sustainable construction, Building Information Modelling (BIM), project management, construction management, or design management, to name a few.
