Q&A with TBIG Summer Interns Logan Walesby and Oliver Gatehouse
Through our summer internship programme, TBIG invites a group of students studying relevant qualifications to join us at one of our offices across Aotearoa for a first-hand experience of what a career in project management can look like.
We chat to Logan Walesby and Oliver Gatehouse and about their time working with the TBIG team in Tamaki Makaurau – what they’ve learnt, enjoyed and what they’ll take with them as upcoming talents in our industry.
Logan Walesby
The Building Intelligence Group (TBIG): What qualification are you currently studying towards?
Logan Walesby (LW): I am currently in my third year studying a bachelor in Building Science, majoring in Project Management and Sustainable Engineering at the Victoria University of Wellington Te Herenga Waka.
What made you want to internship at TBIG?
LW: Gaining practical experience was the biggest motivating factor in wanting to intern at TBIG over the summer. I wanted an opportunity to use the theoretical knowledge I had been taught in a practical setting.
What projects have you worked on/what exposure to projects did you get?
LW: The projects I have been a part of are the Deloitte Auckland office fitout, the Spark Auckland office fitout, the Auckland Zoo flood remediation project, Elm St Kainga Ora project and Wotton & Kearney Auckland office fitout.
Throughout each project, I was exposed to a wide range of stages within the construction process. This has helped me to gain an understanding of the wider scope of different construction projects, along with ways to tackle problems effectively when they arise.
“ This experience has allowed me to get an understanding on what different parts of project management there is, and how each phase integrates with each other within the build process.”
What have your enjoyed most about working at TBIG:
LW: Working on the Deloitte NZ fitout. I was able to come into the project before the FF&E stage took place, therefore I was able to see significant progress to the completion it is almost currently at.
I loved the office environment and work culture in the Auckland office, everyone welcomed me in which I really appreciate and made me feel at home. I appreciate the mentorship which a few of the Project Directors have given me, particularly Jamie Summers and Raji Rai - without this the experience wouldn’t have been the same, of which I am extremely thankful for.
Logan Walesby, Auckland Summner Intern
Is there anything you’d say to young people considering a career in project management?
LW: The one thing I would advise to a young person is to gather practical experience as early as you can. This allows you to scope out the work and then to make an informed decision for your future. In my case, this experience has allowed me to get an understanding on what different parts of project management there is, and how each phase integrates with each other within the build process.
Oliver Gatehouse
The Building Intelligence Group (TBIG): What qualification are you currently studying towards?
Oliver Gatehouse (OG): I’m studying towards a Bachelor of Building Science with a major in Project Management at Victoria University Te Herenga Waka.
TBIG: What made you want to internship at TBIG?
OG: From the research that I’d done about many different project management companies, TBIG seemed to work within a wide variety of sectors within the construction industry. I had also heard many great things about TBIG from people that work in the construction industry.
TBIG: What projects have you worked on/what exposure to projects did you get?
OG: The main two projects I’ve been working on are Central Auckland Specialist School and, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Terraced Housing. It’s been great to see what goes into managing a project day to day. It has also been great to work on both a government school project and a private client housing project. Across both projects I’ve been writing minutes, keeping the files organised, and involved in drafting various change control documents. I’ve also done the odd one-off like making a project comms structure, contact register and chasing people up.
Oliver Gatehouse, Auckland Summer Intern
“Socially, it’s been great how friendly and welcoming everyone is. This helps as it makes you feel more welcome and accepted when working on projects and in the office.”
TBIG: What have your enjoyed most about working at TBIG:
OG: Projects wise, I’ve really enjoyed being with the Central Auckland Specialist School project from the beginning of the civil works, I found that this made it much easier to stay on top of what was going on with the project and was easier to understand all the different aspects of the project. I have also enjoyed the variety that the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei project provided as they are already well into construction, there were many different aspects that arose throughout my time at TBIG.
Socially, it’s been great how friendly and welcoming everyone is, whether it’s a couple drinks after work or a big social event like the Christmas party, everyone is always very kind. This helps as it makes you feel more welcome and accepted when working on projects and in the office.
If you’d like to know more about a career at TBIG, you can check out our current career opportunities on our Join Us page.