Monday 28th June 2021

Meeting calfordseaden’s newest female surveyors.


Calfordseaden catch up with their newest recruits to find out more about their career journeys and plans for the future...

Meeting calfordseaden’s newest female surveyors

Over the past year, we are pleased to have grown our Surveying offering across the practice. We are committed to challenging gender stereotypes within the industry to support and empower more women in their construction careers. Among our new team members are Senior Building Surveyors Beth Bosteels, with an impressive portfolio of experience, Abi Peters who made a career change at the age of 30 and Trainee Surveyor Emma Moore who is keen to grow her career at calfordseaden.

Whilst there are similarities in their job roles, Abi, Beth, and Emma are unique in their skill set, experience, and route into the industry. We catch up our newest recruits to find out more about their career journeys and plans for the future.

 

Question 1: How did your career journey begin?

Abi: To the surprise of many of my colleagues, I started out my career as a hairdresser. Whilst I loved the social aspect of the job, I felt that it was not the right career path for me. So, at the age of 30, I decided to start a career in construction. I completed a Level 2 and Level 3 BTEC in Construction, whilst working part time as a Building Control Surveyor. Then, at 35 years old, I completed an Undergraduate Degree Building Surveying from Kingston University. After graduating, I joined a small consultancy where I worked as a Building Surveyor for five years.

Beth: After obtaining a BSc in Construction in Belgium, my first role was working in telecoms, providing design and specification. After moving to the UK, I wanted to get back into construction and began to study part-time at Northumbria University, while working for a local Building Surveyor. After completing my masters, I worked at a consultancy for over 11 years, where I designed and specified both domestic and commercial projects for private and corporate clients. 

Emma: Like Abi, I too have had somewhat of an unconventional career journey. I graduated from Essex University in 2014 with a BA (Hons) in International Development and then went on to manage a Brewery in Suffolk on the east coast until the latter end of 2018. However, I realised that this was not the career that I wanted long-term, and I needed a new challenge. I enrolled on an MSc in Construction Cost Management at Reading University and joined a Quantity Surveying firm in Norwich as a Junior Member of Staff in their commercial team. 

 

Question 2: What made you want to join calfordseaden?

Abi: While my previous role offered me a lot of experience and improved my skills, I felt that it was time to spread my wings and seek a new opportunity. I started my search, looking for a larger consultancy with a wide knowledge base where I could work as part of a wider team and focus on larger projects. When I attended my interview at calfordseaden, I was impressed by the professional yet friendly nature of the Practice.

Beth: I was aware of calfordseaden for some time, as they had a good reputation in the industry. I was keen to find out more about growing my career at calfordseaden, and the interview gave me a very positive feeling about potential colleagues and the company ethos. Since joining, I have felt extremely supported by close colleagues and the wider company. It has been very encouraging to witness the effort made to ensure that all staff feel truly valued and supported, especially during these challenging circumstances.

Emma: I had worked at a QS firm for two years and felt that it was time for a new challenge and different scenery. I started looking for a new position that would offer more opportunity for progression. That is when I found calfordseaden! I knew I wanted to join calfordseaden at my interview, it felt like the company culture really suited my character and it was clear that there is a real sense of determination and enthusiasm for the Cambridge office to grow.

 

Question 3: What is next for your career at calfordseaden?

Abi: I really look forward to growing my career here at calfordseaden. The next step is to gain my Chartership, and I have no doubt that the wealth of knowledge from my calfordseaden colleagues will support me with this.

Beth: I am excited further my experience at calfordseaden by working on several exciting projects particularly high-rise buildings to replace combustible materials and provide people with a safe home again.

Emma: I am currently finishing my Master’s in Construction Cost Management, so I am excited to tick that off the list! I have also begun my APC to become Chartered, which I hope to complete next year. I have no doubt that the Cambridge office and wider calfordseaden team will be able to give me the confidence and offer me the support and opportunity in taking these important steps in my career progression.


< Back to blog