This week we speak exclusively to Modou Njie, who recently joined Mansfield-based Rippon Homes as a quantity surveyor (QS), one of the most-needed roles in housebuilding, and he tells us about his new role and the career path that got him there.
Of taking on the 29-year-old father-of-one, Ian Dyke, the managing director at Rippon Homes, says: “With his knowledge and experience in construction, Modou is a great asset to the team, and we are delighted to welcome him to Rippon.”
What is your role and its general responsibilities?
As quantity surveyor, I am responsible for the day-to-day commercial activities of a live project, ensuring we are spending the allowed budget .
Did you always have ambitions of working in the property industry?
Yes, since I was a young lad, I wanted to become an architect – but it’s not a lot of fun!
Can you tell us a bit about your degree/post-degree study and how it’s helped your career?
When I left school I attended South & City College Birmingham and did my BTEC First Diploma and National Diploma, went back home for few months and working as an operative in road construction, came back to UK decided that I want to study surveying so I applied for the University of Wolverhampton. I graduated in 2016 with a 2.1 degree with an award at the university, the Society of Construction and Quality Surveyors ‘Most Outstanding Graduate’. I didn’t expect it, but it was amazing. Then last year I decided to go back again and do something a bit similar to my work, a postgraduate certificate in construction project management, which I completed in March 2018. This has helped a lot as it’s shaped my career direction.
How have you found the job-hunting process through your career?
At the beginning, it was difficult with no qualification or experience. Keepmoat gave me the opportunity to learn from them, and now I’m utilising all that I have learnt in order for Rippon to grow.
What is it about working for Rippon Homes and the role you have that is particularly appealing?
I am enjoying my new role here at Rippon Homes – everyone is friendly and gives you a hand when needed. I have previously worked in housebuilding and the opportunity to get back in to this industry was too hard to resist. I look forward to growing within Rippon and bringing my ideas to the table. I aim to monitor all budgets of projects while completing all allocated projects within the specific time frame.
What are your long-term career ambitions?
I aim to become a senior QS in few years, but at the moment am concentrating on delivering my four projects.
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