Sufi Jamadar

Brief biography of your career so far :

After my graduation in June 2016, I proceeded to England where I am currently enrolled in the Northumbria University, Newcastle upon Tyne’s Master of Science (MSc.) Programme in Construction Project Management with Advanced Studies in Building Information Modelling (BIM). It has provided me with a comprehensive and well-balanced experience where I mastered the skills needed to break through in the domain of construction project management. It provided me with the insight and tools to more efficiently plan, design, construct, and manage buildings and infrastructure. I gained the ability to tackle complex issues through conceptualization and undertaking research, the capacity to contribute to new processes and knowledge, as well as the skill to formulate balanced judgements when considering vague data. I have learned how to critically appraise the scope and role of BIM within the framework of the Architectural Engineering and Construction (AEC) industry.

What was it about Northumbria that made you decide to study here?

Every era in civilization throws up centers of learning and advancement that attracts talented professionals from all over the world. Egypt, Athens, Rome have gone down in history for the same. In the present era America holds that distinction. Thus it is with a desire to interact with the most brilliant minds in my field that I have chosen NORTHas my destination for furthering my career aspirations. Where knowledge is concerned, one tends to gain the most when one gives the most. My ambitions and thirst for knowledge is I feel the biggest guarantee that I will give my level best to the program, department or any project I am associated with. However, I also know that I stand to gain much more in terms of knowledge than I will contribute. What I can truly contribute will be in terms of my quality as a person and ensuring that I do my bit to make the educational pursuit of other students a fulfilling and enriching one. Your institute/department, I am convinced embodies all of the above. And at the risk of stating the obvious I would also like to mention that, the quality of your faculty and curriculum I feel would provide the ideal launching pad for my career, and that a master’s degree from your university will provide me with the foundation necessary to undertake cutting edge research in my field. A more subtle reason is that I have always craved for an academic setting, which is structured but yet accords me the freedom to explore my potential to the fullest. Having consulted friends and alumnae I feel northumbria is one of the institutes, which promises to bring out the best in me.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?  

Master’s course in Construction Project Management with Building Information Modelling (BIM). This course has provided me a broad, integrated and efficient approach to design and construction-based projects. Additionally, the course taught me how to manage supply chains, keep people working together, and use BIM for a more efficient construction process to manage and coordinate the site activities to ensure all settings and quality control procedures are performed in a timely and efficient manner. I also have a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. It provided me with advanced preparation and competencies needed to flourish in the field of civil engineering. I learned and strengthened the ability to use the techniques, skills and modern engineering tools necessary for engineering practice.

How connected was your course with industry?

Given the burgeoning population of world and the propensity of the masses to congregate around centers of industrialization leading to disproportionate distribution of the same, the optimization of space – residential as well as commercial-will be a pivotal factor in ensuring the logistical feasibility of new age businesses. I believe it is here that the advancement in the field of building technology will play a major role in determining the economic feasibility of new age economic centers. The fact that I come from a developing economy makes it all the more logical for me to gain a thorough academic and practical insight into a system and society that has succeeded in resolving questions and problems that our system is soon likely to face. I am of the opinion structured education is helpful to the extent of attaining a minimum level of competence, as acquainting a person with the tools required of his trade. It serves as a catalogue of experiences and facts. But true brilliance is when one succeeds drawing conclusions that no one else could perceive, and questioning established norms, by viewing the very same facts from a different perspective. More so through my Masters and later my Doctoral studies I wish to build a strong foundation of knowledge, so that I am in a better position to develop an independent position on relevant areas of my interest, and at the same customize existent theories and concepts in geographical and cultural contexts, to make them implement able in this part of the world.

If you took on a placement during your course how did you feel this helped you in your career/ with your studies?

One of the primary reasons that I have been able to perform and deliver appreciated outcomes during my internship successfully is my unique ability to employ and sustain effective collaboration, teamwork, interpersonal, communication, and leadership skills. I much enjoy working in diverse and cross-functional team based environments where efficiency and success of the entire operations depend on individual’s effort as a team member. Because of these attributes, I have been able to earn the trust and respect of my supervisors, team members, and senior management.

What was the best thing about your course?

my course taught me the importance of dependability and thoroughness, improved the talent for compelling presentations and showcased my ability to interact with a variety of people positively. Also, it developed and refined my communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills. I have a great desire to work with a company of reputation, such as yours; I appreciate that it has a dynamic and supportive environment, which provides the engineers like me an excellent opportunity to gain constructive knowledge besides learning and expanding their professional skills.

Which skills/knowledge did you learn on your course that you use most now throughout your career?

Apart from learning core inputs related to civil engineering, my education provided me with exposure to interdisciplinary areas. Improved my skills in logical reasoning, critical and creative thinking and deepened my capacity to drive for continuous self-learning towards development while preparing me to pursue a career in the field of construction project management.