Profile: Hazel Peters
Course: BSc(Hons) in Building Services Quantity Surveying
Job: Assistant Surveyor
Employer: Davis Langdon, An AECOM Company, Southampton, UK
Why CEM?
The combination of university-level studies and onward professional development is an essential part of Davis Langdon’s service delivery and succession lan. As a recognised key educational provider, CEM works in conjunction with the company’s own academy to promote the raising of professional standards.
Why distance learning?
Being able to earn an income while studying provided the catalyst for me to be able embark on a totally different career path, an exciting change that would not have been possible via the traditional full-time education route. Having spent nearly 20 years as a PA/Offi ce Manager at executive level across a number of industries, I initially joined Davis Langdon in a similar capacity. After three years I was given the opportunity to change my career path and start work as a trainee surveyor while studying for the BSc degree.
The course
The CEM course provides content that is complementary to the company’s development skills programme. As part of the Mechanical and Electrical team I work in a highly technical environment and fi nd that this combined approach provides me with the guidance and balanced education I need to help me realise my long-term professional ambitions.
The benefits
My job involves the management of complex electrical cabling projects within both new build and regeneration environments. I have found that the subject matter of the modules has proved to be highly relevant to what I do on a daily basis, both operationally and strategically, which has greatly expanded my ability to help ensure that the company can achieve the highest possible service levels. As well as benefitting the company on an ongoing basis, studying for this qualifi cation is moving me ever closer towards my personal goal of becoming a chartered surveyor.
The support structure
CEM provides an extensive range of educational and research material to support distance learning. The virtual learning environment provides students with an online classroom where students can discuss and debate points covered in their module papers and, at the same time, receive guidance from module tutors to ensure that all of the relevant points are learnt and fully understood. Finding study time is, and always will be, something of a challenge – however, everything you need to achieve your chosen qualifi cation is provided by CEM. In addition to your personal study materials, CEM provides an extensive library, research tools and, if you need them, online refresher courses on all types of study skills.
The future
In the short term I am very much looking forward to becoming a chartered surveyor. Professionally speaking, I understand that there are no short cuts and it can be a long road to success, but I am sure that, as a consequence of doing this course, I will also attract a wealth of professional and personal opportunities in the longer term.