Personal Reflective Log by

Assessment centre

k2372539 — 2025-04-28 21:42:14 UTC

Participating in the assessment centre was a highly engaging experience that gave me a clearer understanding of what daily life as a quantity surveyor (QS) might involve. One of the key activities was a team exercise where we were tasked with solving a problem together. The purpose of this exercise was to evaluate our problem-solving abilities, how effectively we communicated with new people, and how willing we were to take initiative and contribute ideas. I received a lot of feedback from this activity, highlighting several areas for improvement. I realised that I hardly contributed ideas, asked very few questions, and overall did not put in enough effort. It made me aware that, as a future QS, I will often find myself in similar situations where I will need to communicate confidently and offer solutions. Recognising this now gives me the chance to work on these skills, so that when I begin my career, I’ll be better prepared and ahead of the curve.

APM Project Management Fundamentals Qualification (PMFQ) online course

k2372539 — 2025-04-28 21:52:35 UTC

Through the APM Project Management Fundamentals Qualification (PMFQ) course, I developed important skills in project planning, quality management, and risk management. I learned how to plan small projects using techniques like Gantt charts and resource planning, and I now better understand how project management supports sustainability and ethical practices. I also gained new knowledge of quality control methods and the importance of using statistical techniques to monitor progress. Learning about legal principles and risk management helped me see the importance of identifying risks early and ensuring health and safety on projects. These skills are essential for my future career as a Quantity Surveyor, and I aim to build further confidence in using project management software and understanding construction law.

Exploring Engineering Project Management

k2372539 — 2025-04-28 21:57:38 UTC

The Exploring Engineering Project Management module has been a key part of my development as a future Quantity Surveyor. Through a combination of workshops, teamwork activities, and independent study, I have built essential skills such as leadership, collaboration, time management, and critical thinking. Working as part of a team to address a live project brief allowed me to apply technical knowledge in a practical setting, while learning how to organise tasks, prioritise effectively, and manage challenges under pressure. The experience gave me a clearer understanding of how projects are structured and delivered in the construction industry, including the importance of interdisciplinary working and client-focused solutions. Alongside this, completing the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification course helped me strengthen my understanding of project management frameworks, quality assurance, and risk management, all of which are vital for delivering successful, ethical, and sustainable projects. Overall, this module has greatly increased my confidence and has prepared me for the demands of Level 6 and future professional practice.

Other Reflections

k2372539 — 2025-04-28 22:05:42 UTC

Beyond this particular module, I have gained valuable insights from several other modules as well. For example, the 'Construction and Environmental Services' module expanded my understanding of different building types, taught me how to interpret technical drawings, create sketches, and appreciate why various construction materials and service solutions are chosen. Studying more complex structures and building systems has strengthened the foundation I need for my future career as a Quantity Surveyor. Having a deeper knowledge of material selection, construction techniques, and service strategies will enable me to more accurately evaluate project costs, specifications, and potential risks. The ability to read and understand technical drawings, as well as grasp the reasoning behind specific design decisions, will allow me to collaborate more effectively with architects, engineers, and contractors. This expertise is crucial for producing precise cost estimates, providing value engineering advice, and helping ensure that projects meet client expectations efficiently once I enter the industry.

Video 1

k2372539 — 2025-04-28 22:16:35 UTC

Video 2

k2372539 — 2025-04-28 22:20:35 UTC

Video 3

k2372539 — 2025-04-28 22:31:56 UTC