Hi, my name is Laura. I began my undergrad in TUS back in 2019. Having studied Construction in secondary school, the career guidance counsellor informed me of the Built Environment (Common Entry) at TUS. After completing this year, I chose the BSc in Quantity Surveying in TUS.

The smaller class sizes in TUS allowed me flourish as a student and meant we got to fully engage in classes and our lecturers got to know us as people not just a name. Second year of the course covers a variety of modules giving me a basic understanding of how the role of a project surveyor works. These modules included construction law, project administration and advanced measurement and information modelling.

The lecturers were a tremendous support throughout my time in TUS, from providing us with a basis of knowledge before commencing placement to being a shoulder to lean on in final year when looking at work opportunities post college. This support from lecturers was emphasised even more in my placement year, when my mom died after battling breast cancer for over 2 years. The support I received from my placement supervisor and course director were second to none.

When my mom first fell ill in 2021, I repeated a module for the year and began placement, I was based in Limerick between the office and a healthcare construction site. Third year of our course is fully placement based. I found this gave great exposure to the day-to-day workings in construction. From learning how tenders are priced in the office preconstruction to working on live projects and dealing with main contractors and clients on site. The importance of teamwork, communication and professional responsibility are emphasised during this time. This foundation prepared me for a full-time role after completing my degree.

For the duration of my final year of studies, I completed a dissertation which explored the factors that impact the ratio of males to females in professional leadership roles in the Irish construction industry. This topic enabled me to merge industry knowledge, my communication skills and academic research.

Now, I am working for a mechanical and electrical contractors here in Limerick, Kirby Group Engineering. My role as a graduate Surveyor is to support the lead QS on a pharmaceutical job in Kerry. I also look after some smaller maintenance jobs across Munster.

TUS not only supported me throughout my education but has fostered many friendships which have extended beyond the classroom.