On this week’s careers in construction, meet David, a Process Controls Engineer (Risk) at Turner and Townsend. Risk managers identify and assess threats and, put plans in place for if things go wrong and decide whether to treat, avoid, tolerate or transfer risk. Additionally, they look to maximise potential opportunities that can be exploited. As a risk manager you'll be responsible for managing the risk to an organisation, its employees, customers, reputation, assets and the interests of stakeholders
1. Why did you choose your career path?
I really enjoy technical work but I am also very much a people person and enjoy working in teams. So working in Project management turned out to be a perfect blend of those two things. Becoming a risk manager is something that found me more than anything and is something that I find so intellectually stimulating and rewarding.
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2. What did you study in school/university?
I studied Materials Engineering at Loughborough University.
3. What certifications are associated with your career?
There are professional foundation and practitioner level certifications with the likes of APM, IRM and MoR which offer short courses to become a qualified risk professional. There are also various masters degrees available in risk management.
4. What advice do you have for someone looking to purse this career path?
Reach out to people in the industry and be intentional about exploring different disciplines. Additionally, find great teachers/mentors, it sounds cliché but makes a huge difference in how you progress.