What work do you do
for Systech?
Looking at change is a big part of what I do - what changed
(if anything), why it changed, what the effects of that change were. Once
that’s done, the next step is to be able to explain the change to someone else,
sometimes with an analysis of the contract, sometimes with a Gantt chart,
sometimes with a table.
What is your typical
day?
No such thing really - an assignment might last a while, but
you never know what you are going to be presented with which is quite exciting.
What are the
interesting aspects of your work?
Problem solving -
working out how to get someones trust, how to validate evidence you’ve been
given, how to deal with with a change, how best to tell the story that explains
how you are, where you are and where you’re going next.
What are the
challenges?
We tend to be involved in some quite difficult projects, and
working out the current status can sometimes be hard work - particularly when
you’re also trying to manage things that are still happening.
What training and
support has Systech given you?
Working with Systech has given me exposure to all sorts of
projects and assignments that I would never have had working somewhere less
dynamic. Additionally, Systech puts a lot of effort into developing in house
resources from experiences from past projects.
What words of advice
would you offer someone thinking of working for Systech?
If you like to be challenged, you won’t look back.
What is the culture
like?
Friendly and professional. Everyone wants to do the best job
possible, but there’s time to talk and to have a personal life too.
What makes working
for Systech different from the competition?
Systech has all the knowledge, skills, resources, and expertise
that a main contractor might need. Importantly, Systech can help main
contractors in many ways, for example by seconding someone to work for them
full time on their project, or just providing an individuals expertise when
needed from the team in the Systech office, in the UK or internationally.
What has been your
greatest achievement working for Systech?
The most satisfying one was drafting an extension of time
narrative where the end client had staunchly refused to accept any
responsibility for delay. On collecting and validating evidence from a number
of sources, I was able to present an explanation of the main way in which the
client had caused overall delay whilst backing this up with a number of other
delays to bolster the main argument. The main contractor got the extension of
time if needed.
Tell us about a
project where you have learnt a key lesson?
I was working as Project Controls Manager on a project in
Siberia, in an organisational structure where project resources were shared
across departments with multiple priorities. I saw the subtle need for ensuring
that there were sufficient, properly aligned resources available to every level
of the project team.
