Chimwemwe Lungu MRICS, 26, is a Cost Manager, with Turner & Townsend in Manchester. Chimwemwe was born in Malawi and we caught up with her to find out what its like being an African working in the UK…

What qualifications did you get in Africa?
I did an International Baccalaureate Diploma in six subjects. As part of the course, we were also required to undertake two years of Community Service.

Community service?! So did that mean you had to look after old ladies gardens?
No! It included various services such as Hospital Service, Street Kids Initiative, Aids Awareness and Library Service. I did all four services, but my favourite was Street Kids! Once a week we collected homeless children from town and brought them back to our school for the afternoon. The intention was to make them feel special, even if it was only for a day. We would play with them, teach them English & Maths and provide them with some food. 

When did you come to the UK?
When I was 19, I came over and studied for a degree in Quantity Surveying at the University of Salford. I also did a year in industry, which was with Turner & Townsend, my current employer.

How did you find studying for the APC?
Studying for the APC was difficult because it is on top of your normal workload. Turner & Townsend were very supportive and provided me with the necessary training. I had my APC interview on my 26th birthday, which was a nightmare! However, I passed first time round so all the efforts were worth it.

What got you interested in surveying?
The fact that it is not the typical career choice for a Malawian woman. When I started I was told there were less than a handful of women in Malawi who were chartered quantity surveyors… not many out of a population of 11 million! I want to dispel the view that construction is not the place for women. I believe that if construction firms open their doors to women, it will help address the skills gaps that exist.

What do you enjoy most about your career in surveying?
I enjoy the fact that every day is a different experience with new challenges to face. There is a vibrant mix of personalities and attitudes I come across ranging from the ‘traditionalists’ to more modern ‘innovators’. The surveying profession is heading towards new frontiers, crossing professional boundaries and constantly looking to change to meet the needs of customers. I enjoy the involvement in a project from inception to finish and the satisfaction that it brings when the project reaches completion.

What interesting projects have you been involved in while as surveyor?
I am currently working as the Cost Manager for the restoration of Birkenhead Park, which is the only Grade 1 Listed Park in the country. It is the world’s first public park and we are trying to restore it to its former glory. The design of Central Park in New York was in fact based on Birkenhead Park!

What are your future career ambitions?
I’m currently doing a Masters of Research degree, my thesis of this is entitled ‘Graduate Skills vs. Employer Expectations in the Construction Industry’. I would like to help promote the construction industry to the younger generation.

In the long term, I want to excel in my profession and would love to work overseas… preferably somewhere hot! My ultimate goal would be to set up a construction consultancy practice in Malawi.