Alumni

Connor Penman

Career Path: Senior Cost Manager, Turner & Townsend
Location: Durham, UK

I'm a Chartered Quantity Surveyor specialising in the delivery of major infrastructure projects. I've worked on a diverse range of projects over the past 10 years across the UK & Scandinavia. Notable highlights include: The North Sea Link (Blyth to Kvilldal), The Meta Datacenter in Odense, Heathrow T5 Expansion, Gateshead District Energy Scheme and The London 2012 Summer Olympic & Paralympic Games.

What are you doing now?

I'm currently working for Turner & Townsend one of the world's leading Quantity Surveying practices originally started in the North East. We now have over 10,000 staff world wide, I primarily support projects across the North East & Yorkshire assisting our clients to deliver large scale infrastructure schemes.

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

The distance learning option was key for me as I was already in employment and wanted to undertake a Masters degree which would be beneficial for my future career and also Northumbria had a good reputation for the Quantity Surveying course.

What was it like studying at Northumbria?

As my course was distance learning based in was 100% online which was ideal for my own circumstances, I was working in London at the time and this provided me the flexibility to undertake a Masters whilst still working full time.

How connected was your course with industry?

I think overall my course was relevant to the work I was undertaking as a Quantity Surveyor, the content also helped when it came to undertaking my Assessment of Professional Competence to become a Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

What was the best thing about your course?

I think the best thing about my course was the flexibility, having course materials available to study around existing work commitments was crucial.

How did studying at Northumbria help you achieve your career goals/ give your career an edge?

I believe the Masters Degree allowed me to progress and move to the company a currently work for who are leaders in their field and I now work for some of the biggest Infrastructure clients in the UK.

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

I think the quantification of construction works and knowledge of construction specific legislation and alternative dispute resolution has been very useful.

What did you enjoy most about your time at Northumbria University?

I think for myself as a distance learning student the ease of access to course materials when I needed it and the ability to juggle around other commitments.