Construction Project Management

Doug Kingham, MCPM, Graduated 2004

“After graduating with a degree in civil engineering in the States, I started working for a general contractor, American Infrastructure. I quickly realised that although I had sound knowledge of civil and structural engineering, my knowledge lacked when it came to building and delivering projects in the real world.  Although my experience was positive, it also inspired me to expand my knowledge and world beyond highway construction in Pennsylvania.

“After careful consideration, I decided to apply for a post graduate degree in construction project management. Having lived in Sydney in the early 80’s as a child, I always had a desire to return to Australia and my subsequent research into a suitable Australian Masters program led me to the University of New South Wales (UNSW).

“Choosing to enrol in the Master of Construction Project Management (MCPM) program at the Faculty of Built Environment was one of the best career choices I have made and what appealed to me most was the relevance it had to my career and the courses offered.  

“While I enjoyed my time as a project engineer in the States, I wanted to grow personally and professionally and the MCPM program helped me do both by establishing a solid base in the Project Management Body of Knowledge and exposing me to potential new employers and new industries. 

“One of my professional goals was to work for an internationally renowned firm on interesting and global projects. The MCPM program helped me achieve that goal by introducing me to my present employer, Arup.  After a relatively brief stint working for a contractor on the Channel Tunnel Rail Link in London, I joined Arup in Sydney and my career began to take off.  I would have never joined Arup had I not been introduced to them via a guest lecturer in one of my MCPM courses. My qualification on my CV made me a serious candidate.

“I have successfully managed a $10 million upgrade project at John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle and I was also fortunate enough to have program managed a capital works program for the delivery of health infrastructure to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders around Australia. These were rewarding and successful projects that made a real difference in people’s lives, including my own.

“Four years later, I’m still working for Arup on big and exciting projects, most recently in Hong Kong. As an Arup employee, I utilise the knowledge and skills I learned at UNSW BE every day.  I’m grateful that the MCPM program gave me the skills that I need to succeed in this industry, and that it afforded me the opportunity to meet a company like Arup.

“Oh and one last important thing, I just didn’t walk away with a postgraduate degree, I also met my future wife at the same faculty, and am now happily married!”