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Personal paths to job satisfaction

Book smart or work smart?

Well, actually it’s both and comes down, as always, to the individual and the job.

ASM integrated workplace solutions specialises in facilities management support and office design and fitout and has a very open-minded attitude to recruitment.

“Proponents of higher education offer the benefits; experience a rich cultural and social scene, meet a variety of people while studying something you love, increased earning potential, (something like £100,000 over a working lifetime) gain a wider range of opportunities and a more rewarding career,” said Isobel/Frank Maughan, ASM’s MD/director.

“With ministers insisting that higher education remains vital to Britain's future economic success, Government continues to set targets for entry, although as noted in Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber of Commerce Manifesto, there is still the issue of too many graduates who do not meet the needs of the labour market. On this basis, the Government’s target of 50% of school leavers entering university, seems arbitrary and meaningless and there are still calls for additional support for the vocational/ modern apprenticeship/ further education route.

“The reality is that at ASM we need a range of different kinds of skills for starters coupled with the enthusiasm to progress and develop in response to changing business needs.”

This is reflected throughout the 40 ASM staff, as three case studies clearly show:

Suzanne Robb (27) has an honours degree in Interior Architecture, Scott Sutherland School of Architecture, Robert Gordon University.

Her career path: I began working for ASM in 2007 not long after I graduated. Although I enjoyed studying architecture I was always drawn more to the interior side & through ASM I have had the opportunity to design several schemes for receptions, boardrooms, breakout spaces & sometimes the entire offices.

What she does: As a space planner, I have to carry out surveys and draw up premises with proposed lay outs which will suit the needs of the clients. The other big part of my job is the interior design of these spaces. I am required to design a space that is practical for its purpose as well as visually pleasing. Projects can be broad in scope, ranging from structural alterations to the choice of furnishings, flooring, wallpaper and lighting. At times, as a part of my job I transform existing interiors and produce designs for a building that has yet to be finished.

The plus: It is a very satisfying feeling when our proposals go ahead. Seeing a job go from the initial concept right through to becoming reality is probably the best part of the job. I also get the chance to put my artistic skills to good use. 3D images & sample boards are a large part of selling the scheme to a client. They may sometimes have difficulty in visualising what you propose & having a sample board & 3D mock up of the space really helps.

The minus: The most difficult thing about being an interior designer is probably selling your design to the client. You have to be very confident of your design so you can make the client get behind you. One more pitfall of the job at the moment though is the stiff competition for contracts. This is mainly down to the current economic climate which has had an awful effect on the construction industry all over the country. A majority of businesses are not spending money at the moment which has a ripple effect on our productivity. This, in turn, can affect office morale. On the plus side though, it makes us more determined to get out there and woo our clients so that we do win contracts over our competitors.

Advice to others: The design industry can be a very demanding work environment. Designing for others can be very rewarding at the same time it can also leave you wanting to tear your own hair out at times. My personal advice if you want to go down this path would be to always listen to what your client wants. Your vision may not be their vision. Always be ready to learn new skills and most importantly, be confident in your work. Only if you believe in your work, will your client believe.

Rebecca Thomson (29) has six Standard Grades, IOSH, Various BIFM and other courses

Her career path: I started working with ASM in 2001 and during the time I was given the opportunity of working at BP with its onsite team. It was while working there I realised I would like to pursue a career in facilities management. I left ASM in 2005 to gain experience in other sectors which helped me secure an FM role at KCA Deutag. I worked there for four years and g ained a vast amount on knowledge and experience. I returned to ASM earlier this year to progress my career and I look forward to the challenges ahead.

What she does: I am the Contracts and Logistics Supervisor and I am responsible for the Porterage and Relocation Division, I also manage our Maintenance Support Team. I am involved in some of the smaller projects as well. My role is still evolving but at the moment I am enjoying the challenges and looking forward to the rest of the year.

The plus: The best bit would be running a project from beginning to end. It is definitely amazing the see the transformation some buildings have. What’s best is that in this profession, no two days are the same.

The minus: Sometimes there aren’t enough hours in the day and I also don’t like doing office moves when it’s cold and wet!

Advice to others: Get as much work experience as you can and keep trying. I would also advise doing some of the BIFM courses if you get the opportunity.

Barry Johnston (26) has an HNC Architectural technology, Higher national units – Structural Mechanics, AutoCAD, Construction Materials and Specification

Career path: Joined ASM soon after finishing school in 2002 and I’m still here eight and a half years later. I have definitely grown not just personally but also professionally since the time I started working here. The journey though has been a great one; it has its own ups and downs as every journey does. What it takes to get here is pure passion for work and the ability to face new challenges each day.

What he does: I carry out surveys and draw client premises with proposed layouts to the clients’ specifications. It is mostly office orientated work but in the past I’ve worked on a baker, restaurants, warehouses, Universities and a nightclub. I am also the back-up support, the responsibilities of which include updating and developing the company website with new content frequently and support any IT issues in the organisation.

The plus: Seeing a project right through from the initial enquiry to completion, it’s especially nice when the client gives positive feedback! It is interesting how different companies have varied cultures, some offices can be very relaxed open plan offices with radios on, casual dress etc. whilst the next office will be mostly cellular offices and work in silence. There is of course no right or wrong way of working but in terms of communication, environment and employee morale clients tend to prefer an open plan environment with senior staff having their own office.

The minus: The fierce competition for projects from new competitors based around the country, it only serves to motivate us more though! Complying with the Scottish building regulations within our designs is an ongoing challenge, it can be disheartening to tell a client that they must invest in additional ventilation etc in order to comply, which can unfortunately lead to some jobs being priced out and never happen, the alternative is to break the law and neither side will ever do that!

Advice to others: Always be willing to learn new skills. Every client is unique and they all have different needs with different restrictions, it is necessary to be as creative and open minded as possible in order to make the clients vision a reality but at the same time never compromise your own standards and fundamental procedures whilst doing so. A saying that I once heard was "Good" today is not good enough tomorrow! So it is important to keep updating your knowledge with the new technology to meet clients’ requirements more efficiently.

So three employees who each took a different path to a fulfilling career within one company.

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